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Highway Engineer Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

$55 - $85/hr

Our maintenance operations are comprised of professional engineers, certified quality control inspectors, and experienced maintenance technicians with proficiency developing and executing highway ...

$55 - $70/hr

Our maintenance operations are comprised of professional engineers, certified quality control inspectors, and experienced maintenance technicians with proficiency developing and executing highway ...

$85 - $125/hr

Highway Estimator page is loaded## Highway Estimatorlocations: Westerville, OHtime type: Full ... Coordinate with field superintendents and engineers and corporate departments to determine cost ...

$120 - $170/hr

This is an outstanding opportunity to help lead a group of extremely talented engineers on current highway and design-build projects in Charlotte and throughout North Carolina As a Project Manager on ...

$82 - $159/hr

Description of Work This is an Engineering Supervisor III position that involves general administrative responsibilities and specialized professional supervision in highway engineering. Serves as the ...

$120 - $180/hr

This role is ideal for a seasoned engineer with strong skills in project leadership, technical ... Our Roadway/Highway Design team is involved in a wide variety of street, roadway, highway and ...

NCHRP undertakes research to solve problems facing state DOTs administrators and engineers ... Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The position ensures that the oversight committee ...

Showing results 41-60

Highway Engineer information

See Kentucky salary details

$41.3K

$85.1K

$115.9K

How much do highway engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for highway engineer in Kentucky is $85,132.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,900.00 and $98,600.00 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.

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

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

Infographic showing various Highway Engineer job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,132 per year, or $40.9 per hour.

Project Manager-Heavy Highway

Kimmel & Associates

Louisville, KY โ€ข On-site

$140K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

About the Company

Our client is a premier heavy civil contractor recognized for delivering some of the region's most complex transportation and infrastructure projects. With annual revenues exceeding $300 million, the company has built a reputation for excellence through decades of successful work on state and federally funded roadway improvements, utility infrastructure, and large-scale civil construction.

By combining extensive self-perform capabilities with a commitment to safety, quality, and innovation, the organization continues to be a trusted partner for public agencies and private clients throughout Kentucky and the Southeast.

About the Position

Our client is seeking an experienced Project Manager to oversee the successful delivery of major highway and infrastructure projects. This leadership role is responsible for managing every phase of construction-from preconstruction planning and procurement through project completion-while ensuring outstanding performance in safety, scheduling, budgeting, and client satisfaction.

The successful candidate will collaborate with owners, engineers, subcontractors, and field leadership to coordinate project execution, resolve challenges proactively, and deliver complex transportation projects on time and within budget.

Current work includes roadway expansions, transportation improvements, and civil infrastructure projects involving significant self-performed operations.

Key Responsibilities

  • Direct all phases of heavy highway construction projects from preconstruction through final closeout
  • Develop and manage project schedules, budgets, forecasts, and cost controls
  • Lead project teams while coordinating field operations, subcontractors, suppliers, and consultants
  • Build strong relationships with DOT representatives, owners, engineering firms, and project stakeholders
  • Monitor financial performance and implement strategies to maximize project profitability
  • Oversee contract administration, change order management, and project documentation
  • Identify project risks and develop practical solutions that maintain schedule and budget objectives
  • Ensure compliance with all safety regulations, quality standards, and contractual requirements
  • Provide regular project updates and financial reporting to executive leadership

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline preferred
  • Minimum of seven years of Project Management experience within heavy highway or heavy civil construction
  • Demonstrated success managing DOT-funded highway and transportation infrastructure projects
  • Experience leading projects valued between $20 million and $100 million
  • Strong knowledge of self-performed excavation, embankment, grading, drainage systems, underground utilities, crushed stone placement, and blasting operations
  • Proficiency with construction management platforms such as HCSS, Primavera P6, Procore, or comparable software
  • Thorough understanding of scheduling, budgeting, cost forecasting, contract administration, and project controls
  • Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary construction teams on large, complex projects
  • Strong communication and relationship-building skills with owners, subcontractors, and internal leadership
  • Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities

Benefits

  • Competitive base salary ranging from $140,000-$200,000, depending on experience
  • Annual discretionary bonus
  • Project performance incentive program
  • Company vehicle
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Life and disability insurance
  • 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching contributions
  • Paid vacation, holidays, and generous paid time off
  • Long-term career advancement with a financially strong, market-leading heavy civil contractor
Employment Type: FULL_TIME

Kimmel & Associates logo

About Kimmel & Associates

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Kimmel & Associates, based in Asheville, NC, US, is recognized as the premier leader in the executive search and recruitment industry. The company, in operation since 1981, serves numerous industries including construction, supply chain, waste, and recycling, specialty contractors, and private equity. Utilizing their exceptional knowledge and robust industry connections, they assist clients by filling crucial executive and managerial roles that directly impact business performance and growth. The company is guided by a strong corporate philosophy centered on respect, listening, humility, and continuous improvement. Their mission is to foster enduring relationships and to help industries thrive by connecting the brightest talent with superior companies.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Asheville, NC, US

Year founded

1981

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