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Pavement Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Pavement Engineer

Bloomington, MN ยท On-site

$108K - $162K/yr

Write and review engineering reports and deliverables * Prepare project scopes, budgets, and ... Perform pavement thickness design calculations, development of rehabilitation strategies and ...

Lead Traffic Design Engineer

Tampa, FL

$96K - $127K/yr

Serve as Engineer of Record for the preparation of Signing and Pavement Marking, Signalization, and Lighting plans * Involved from project inception to completion in the management of design and ...

Lead Traffic Design Engineer

Tampa, FL ยท On-site

$96K - $127K/yr

Serve as Engineer of Record for the preparation of Signing and Pavement Marking, Signalization, and Lighting plans * Involved from project inception to completion in the management of design and ...

Intern

Champaign, IL ยท On-site

$21 - $23/hr

Knowledge of pavement materials and pavement design and construction practices GIS and AutoCAD experience Compensation: $21.00-$23.00 per hour. Engineering Interns will receive paid travel expenses ...

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... of pavement design and construction including: mixture types, pavement thickness design, and ... A degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management or related field is preferred. Relevant work ...

Showing results 21-40

Pavement Design Engineer information

See salary details

$40.5K

$88.2K

$158.5K

How much do pavement design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for pavement design engineer in the United States is $88,150.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,000.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a pavement design engineer?

A Pavement Design Engineer is a civil engineering professional who specializes in designing and analyzing pavement structures for roads, highways, airports, and other transportation infrastructure. Their work involves selecting appropriate materials, determining layer thicknesses, and ensuring the pavement can withstand traffic loads and environmental conditions. They use engineering principles, software tools, and standards to create safe, durable, and cost-effective pavement systems. Pavement Design Engineers often collaborate with other engineers, contractors, and government agencies throughout the design and construction process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a pavement design engineer?

To thrive as a Pavement Design Engineer, you need a solid background in civil engineering principles, pavement materials, and structural analysis, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in civil engineering and relevant licensure (such as EIT or PE). Proficiency with design software like AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and pavement analysis tools, along with knowledge of AASHTO standards, is essential. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you deliver accurate designs and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These skills ensure durable, cost-effective pavement solutions that meet safety and regulatory requirements.

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

Pavement Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, adapting designs to site-specific geotechnical conditions, and ensuring compliance with evolving industry standards. Large projects may require balancing budget constraints with performance requirements and navigating strict timelines. Effective communication with contractors, transportation agencies, and environmental specialists is essential to address unforeseen field issues and deliver durable, cost-effective pavement solutions.

What is the difference between Pavement Design Engineer vs Civil Engineer?

AspectPavement Design EngineerCivil Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Civil Engineering, specialization in pavement or transportation engineering, professional engineering license (PE)Bachelor's in Civil Engineering, PE license often preferred, broader engineering background
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, field testing sites, transportation agenciesConstruction sites, design offices, infrastructure projects
Industry UsageFocused on pavement materials, design, and durabilityWide range including transportation, structural, environmental projects
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

The main difference is that Pavement Design Engineers specialize in designing and analyzing pavement structures, focusing on materials and durability, while Civil Engineers have a broader scope, working on various infrastructure projects. Pavement Design Engineers often have specific certifications and work primarily in transportation-related environments, whereas Civil Engineers may work across multiple sectors.

More about Pavement Design Engineer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Pavement Design Engineer jobs?

The most popular types of Pavement Design Engineer jobs are:

Infographic showing various Pavement Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,150 per year, or $42.4 per hour.

Pavement Engineer (Mid-Level)

Shannon & Wilson, Inc.

Lake Oswego, OR โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Shannon & Wilson is an employee-owned consulting firm headquartered in Seattle, Washington. Committed to technical excellence and high-quality service, we provide integrated geotechnical engineering, engineering geology, environmental and natural resource services for clients worldwide. Since 1954, we have delivered comprehensive engineering and environmental solutions for the most challenging infrastructure planning, design, permitting and construction conditions.
We are dedicated to improving our communities, preserving the environment and utilizing the most innovative science practices in all our work.
Job Summary:
The Pavement Engineer will specialize in the planning, design, construction, evaluation, and maintenance of pavement systems for roadways, highways, airports, parking facilities, and other transportation infrastructure. This role combines civil engineering principles with materials science, geotechnical engineering, traffic analysis, and asset management.
Responsibilities:
  • Design pavement structures by analyzing traffic loads, climate, soils, and materials to determine appropriate pavement thicknesses and configurations.
  • Provide construction oversight, ensuring paving operations meet specifications for compaction, material quality, and workmanship.
  • Inspect pavement conditions and identify distresses (cracking, rutting, potholes) to recommend maintenance and rehabilitation strategies.
  • Prepare technical documentation, including design reports, cost estimates, specifications, and project schedules.
  • Coordinate with contractors, agencies, and project teams to resolve issues and ensure quality and compliance.
  • Manage multiple clients, contracts, and projects at the same time.
  • Perform pavement engineering analyses, studies, and calculations.
  • Prepare and write engineering and other reports.
  • Interact and communicate with clients, vendors, and staff at all levels.
  • Lead, mentor, oversee, and/or supervise engineers and other employees.
  • Review technical reports prepared by junior level engineers.
  • Review engineering calculations prepared by junior level engineers.
  • Support business development and marketing activities, including preparation of cost proposals and presentations to existing and prospective clients.
  • Follow Shannon & Wilson's Quality Assurance policy.
  • Follow and promote Shannon and Wilson's Health and Safety and Loss Prevention policies.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by your supervisor.

Requirements
  • BS Degree in Civil Engineering (Geotechnical Engineering or Pavement Engineering specialty)
  • MS or PhD Degree in Geotechnical Engineering (or Pavement Engineering), supported by a BS Degree in Engineering.
  • 7+ years of experience as a Pavement Engineer.
  • Professional Engineering (PE) License in the state office is located or ability to obtain a PE license within 3 months of hire date.
  • Mentoring and supervisory experience.
  • Pavement Design expertise in the following methodologies: AASHTO 1993, PCASE, Gravel Equivalency, AASHTOWare Pavement ME, UFC, and FAA.
  • Proficient in flexible and rigid pavement design, including new construction/reconstruction, rehabilitation, and reclamation strategies.
  • Proficient in conducting pavement condition index surveys according to ASTM D6433 and ASTM D5340.
  • Proficient with regards to pavement materials and specifications.
  • Proficient in using FWD data to develop design recommendations.
  • Experience with the use of GPR data.
  • Proficient in developing design recommendations and writing pavement evaluation reports based on agency standards.
  • Prior Experience with PAVER/StreetSaver asset management software is desired.
  • Excellent writing, organizational, and communication skills.
  • Personable, flexible, and professional demeanor.
  • Strong decision-making and risk-assessment skills.
  • Ability to work collaboratively across disciplines and lead diverse teams.
  • The willingness and ability to travel to support the needs of other Shannon & Wilson offices.
  • A valid driver license and insurable driving record.
  • Basic computer skills: MS Word, Excel (required); MS Access (desirable).
  • Critical thinking and analysis.
  • Frequent sitting, standing, walking, bending, lifting, and carrying 30+ pounds.
  • Working in all weather conditions, on uneven terrain.
  • The ability to travel (drive or fly) to field sites per project needs and job sites locally and out of state.

Level Placement
Typically, depending on an applicant's education, experience, other qualifications they possess, if they are a fit for the company and local office culture, and the current business needs, a Pavement Engineer typically would be placed at a Shannon & Wilson Senior Professional I, II, or III level.
Shannon & Wilson is committed to providing a comprehensive total rewards package that includes the following benefits:
  • Employee stock ownership
  • Medical, prescription, vision, dental, long-term care and life insurance plans are offered to employees (and their families).
  • Pre-tax health and daycare FSA
  • Profit sharing and 401(k) plans with annual safe-harbor contributions
  • 10 - 20 paid vacation days per year for full-time employees, based on years of experience (prorated for part-time employment)
  • Sick leave accrues based on state requirements
  • 9 paid holidays per year + 1 personal holiday
  • Paid volunteer day
  • Paid time off for bereavement and jury duty
  • Two weeks of paid parental leave
  • Lunch & Live wellness webinars and an Employee Assistance Program
  • Mentorship Program
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Free parking

Shannon & Wilson is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Shannon & Wilson participates in the E-Verify program.
Please note that non-solicited resumes from external recruitment agencies will not be considered as introductions to our business, unless a preapproved agreement is in place and the external recruitment agency has been engaged to work on this specific vacancy.