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Highway Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

RS&H

Highway Engineer I

Saint Charles, IL · On-site

$88K - $141K/yr

The Highway Engineer will be responsible for roadway/highway analysis and design, plans production, specifications, reports, and estimates efforts on conventional and design-build projects for IDOT ...

RS&H

Highway Engineer I

Saint Charles, IL · On-site

$88K - $141K/yr

The Highway Engineer will be responsible for roadway/highway analysis and design, plans production, specifications, reports, and estimates efforts on conventional and design-build projects for IDOT ...

RS&H

Highway Engineer I

Saint Charles, IL

$88K - $141K/yr

The Highway Engineer will be responsible for roadway/highway analysis and design, plans production, specifications, reports, and estimates efforts on conventional and design-build projects for IDOT ...

RINA

Senior Highway Engineer

Lisle, IL · On-site +1

$112K - $150K/yr

RINA is currently recruiting for a Senior Highway Engineer to join its office in Chicago or Lisle, IL and Columbus or Cleveland, OH within the Civil Engineering Division. Remote work options may be ...

RINA

Senior Highway Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$112K - $150K/yr

RINA is currently recruiting for a Senior Highway Engineer to join its office inChicago or Lisle, IL and Columbus or Cleveland, OH within the Civil Engineering Division. Remote work options may be ...

RINA

Senior Highway Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$112K - $150K/yr

RINA is currently recruiting for a Senior Highway Engineer to join its office in Chicago or Lisle, IL and Columbus or Cleveland, OH within the Civil Engineering Division. Remote work options may be ...

RINA Piraeus Team

Senior Highway Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$112 - $150/hr

Civil Engineering Level of experience: Senior RINA is currently recruiting for a Senior Highway Engineer to join its office in Chicago or Lisle, IL and Columbus or Cleveland, OH within the Civil ...

New

GFT.

Project Engineer, Highway

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

GFT is seeking a Project Engineer, Highway to join our Transportation Team in Downtown Chicago or Schaumburg, IL ! This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at our Chicago ...

GFT.

Project Engineer, Highway

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

GFT is seeking a Project Engineer, Highway to join our Transportation Team in Downtown Chicago or Schaumburg, IL ! This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at our Chicago ...

GFT.

Project Engineer, Highway

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

GFT is seeking a Project Engineer, Highway to join our Transportation Team in Downtown Chicago or Schaumburg, IL ! This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at our Chicago ...

Gannett Fleming, Inc.

Project Engineer, Highway

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

GFT is seeking a Project Engineer, Highway to join our Transportation Team in Downtown Chicago or Schaumburg, IL. This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at our Chicago or ...

GFT.

Project Engineer, Highway

Chicago, IL

$90K - $130K/yr

GFT is seeking a Project Engineer, Highway to join our Transportation Team in Downtown Chicago or Schaumburg, IL ! This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at our Chicago ...

CKL Engineers, LLC

Roadway Engineer

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

Our company of engineers, construction management professionals and material technicians work on a variety of aviation, tolls and highway projects for multiple municipalities. Our talented and ...

CKL Engineers, LLC

Roadway Engineer

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

Our company of engineers, construction management professionals and material technicians work on a variety of aviation, tolls and highway projects for multiple municipalities. Our talented and ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsHighway Engineer JobsHighway Engineer Jobs in Illinois

Highway Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$46K

$95K

$129.4K

How much do highway engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for highway engineer in Illinois is $94,982.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,000.00 and $110,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a highway engineer?

A highway engineer specializes in designing and maintaining roads, bridges, and tunnels to ensure safe and efficient transportation in a region. As a highway engineer, you must understand how traffic moves through a location for vehicles and pedestrians to determine the best flow of traffic. You must also know what kind of road surface would work best for each project. Highway engineers may work on a project from the design phase all the way through construction, and often are called back to maintain the structures to make sure they are still fully functional.

What does a highway engineer do?

A Highway Engineer is responsible for designing, planning, and overseeing the construction and maintenance of roads, highways, and related infrastructure. Their work includes ensuring that transportation routes are safe, efficient, and environmentally sustainable. They collaborate with other engineers, government agencies, and contractors to address traffic flow, drainage, materials, and safety standards. Highway Engineers also assess existing road conditions and recommend improvements or repairs as needed.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a highway engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Highway Engineer, you need a solid background in civil engineering principles, road design, and construction management, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree and Professional Engineer (PE) licensure. Proficiency with CAD software, transportation modeling tools, and project management systems is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective highway infrastructure development and maintenance.

What are some common challenges highway engineers face when working on large infrastructure projects?

Highway Engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple stakeholders, managing tight project timelines, and ensuring compliance with strict safety and environmental regulations. Working on large-scale projects also requires adapting to unexpected site conditions and balancing budget constraints with quality standards. Effective communication and collaboration with surveyors, contractors, and government agencies are essential to address these challenges and keep projects on track.

What is the difference between Highway Engineer vs Civil Engineer?

AspectHighway EngineerCivil Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Civil Engineering, PE license often preferredBachelor's in Civil Engineering, PE license often required
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, transportation departments, engineering firmsConstruction sites, infrastructure projects, consulting firms
Industry UsageSpecializes in highway and road projectsBroader scope including bridges, buildings, and infrastructure
Common Search/ComparisonHighway Engineer vs Civil Engineer

Highway Engineers focus specifically on designing, constructing, and maintaining roads and highways, often working within transportation departments or specialized firms. Civil Engineers have a broader role, working on various infrastructure projects including buildings, bridges, and water systems. Both roles require similar credentials and often overlap in work environments, but Highway Engineers specialize in transportation infrastructure.

More about Highway Engineer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Highway Engineer jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Highway Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Highway Engineer jobs in Illinois?

For Highway Engineer jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Highway Engineer jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Highway Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Highway Engineer jobs in IL?

For Highway Engineer jobs in IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Highway Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Highway Engineer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,982 per year, or $45.7 per hour.

Highway Engineer I

Reynolds Smith & Hills Inc.

Saint Charles, IL • On-site

$88.36 - $141.40/hr

Other

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

The Opportunity

RS&H is seeking a Highway Engineer to join our Transportation Group in our St. Charles, IL office!

Job Summary:

The Highway Engineer will be responsible for roadway/highway analysis and design, plans production, specifications, reports, and estimates efforts on conventional and design‑build projects for IDOT, county and municipal clients. Additional responsibilities include monitoring labor budgets and schedules for assigned tasks/projects; coordinating with discipline key task leaders and staff to ensure ongoing communications; meeting project deliverable schedules and budgets for assigned projects; and supporting marketing and business development initiatives.

Essential Functions:

  • Prepares project specifications, compiles, and analyzes relevant data, and prepares complete project documents, analysis, and reports.
  • Analyzes and interprets data. Performs analyses of design, planning, and impact studies, as well as cost analyses, design requirements, site selection, and limited design layouts.
  • Designs a complete project, system, component, or process and prepares project documents, engineering analysis, and reports.
  • Performs quality control reviews and ensures achievement of key milestones. Perform as‑needed field reviews and observations of ongoing construction projects to maintain and increase understanding of construction practices and design applications.
  • Formulates and solves problems with timely and innovative solutions.
  • Maintains professional registration and licensure by ensuring conformance with professional, ethical, educational, and discipline practice requirements. Remains knowledgeable of all applicable federal, state, and local codes, criteria, regulations, and ordinances that are pertinent to respective discipline. May provide technical guidance and assign tasks to junior and support staff for project duration. May also manage discipline and small multidisciplinary teams and ensure adherence to company and project contractual requirements.
  • Performs all other duties as assigned and within scope of practice.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from an ABET accredited program or equivalent experience.
  • Minimum of 5 years relevant experience.
  • PE licensure.
  • Proficient in production software and construction document production.
  • Must possess strong oral and written communications skills.
  • Must have the ability to effectively interact with and build strong relationships with clients, customers, contractors, and other key stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience working with Microstation, InRoads, OpenRoads, Bluebeam REVU

The base salary range for this position in Illinois is $88,359 to $141,396. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

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