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Pavement Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As a Pavement Engineer you will work with our Pavement Services group on projects and play a key role in assisting our clients to successfully execute their projects. We are looking for all levels of ...

Kimley-Horn's Orlando, Florida (FL) office is seeking an Aviation Civil Engineer with 4+ years of experience to join the Pavement Engineering team! This is not a remote position. * Contribute to the ...

Overview Kimley-Horn's Orlando, Florida (FL) office is seeking an Aviation Civil Engineer with 4+ years of experience to join the Pavement Engineering team! This is not a remote position.

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Pavement Engineer information

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$39K

$101.8K

$137.5K

How much do pavement engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for pavement engineer in the United States is $101,752.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,000.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Pavement Engineer, you need a solid background in civil engineering principles, materials science, and pavement design, usually supported by a degree in civil engineering and relevant licensure (such as a Professional Engineer, PE, certification). Familiarity with pavement design software (e.g., AASHTOWare), AutoCAD, GIS systems, and understanding of construction standards are typically required. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders. These competencies ensure the development of safe, durable, and cost-effective pavement solutions that meet project requirements and regulatory standards.

What are some common challenges Pavement Engineers face when working on large-scale infrastructure projects?

Pavement Engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, managing project timelines, and adapting designs based on site-specific geotechnical conditions. Additionally, they must ensure compliance with evolving regulations and balance cost constraints with long-term pavement performance. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are critical, as unexpected issues like weather delays or material shortages can require quick, informed decisions to keep projects on track.

What does a Pavement Engineer do?

A Pavement Engineer specializes in the design, construction, maintenance, and evaluation of pavement systems such as roads, highways, and airport runways. They analyze traffic loads, material properties, and environmental conditions to recommend the most suitable materials and construction techniques. Their work helps ensure pavement structures are durable, safe, and cost-effective over their lifespan. Pavement Engineers may also be involved in assessing existing pavements and recommending repair or rehabilitation methods.

What is the difference between Pavement Engineer vs Civil Engineer?

AspectPavement EngineerCivil Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Civil Engineering, specialized training in pavementsBachelor's in Civil Engineering, broader engineering credentials
Work EnvironmentFocus on pavement design, testing, and maintenanceWide range including infrastructure, transportation, and construction projects
Industry UsageSpecialized in transportation infrastructure and pavement systemsUsed across various civil infrastructure projects

While both roles require a background in civil engineering, Pavement Engineers specialize in pavement design, testing, and maintenance, focusing on transportation infrastructure. Civil Engineers have a broader scope, working on various infrastructure projects beyond pavements. The two roles often overlap but differ in specialization and daily responsibilities.

More about Pavement Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Pavement Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Pavement Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Pavement Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Pavement Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Pavement Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Pavement Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Pavement Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 89% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 15% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 84% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,752 per year, or $48.9 per hour.
Pavement Engineer

Pavement Engineer

SME

Plymouth, MI โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

The Opportunity:
As a Pavement Engineer you will work with our Pavement Services group on projects and play a key role in assisting our clients to successfully execute their projects.
We are looking for all levels of experience.
Responsibilities:
  • Assisting the SME Project Manager in internal and external project meetings, project design work for site civil and related projects, interfacing with existing and prospective clients, and provide assistance and oversight during construction.
  • Field reviews of existing site conditions, assisting the survey crew with data collection, performing site layout and site grading using AutoCAD Civil 3D, developing plans and specifications.
  • Preparing and submitting various permit applications related to site development for approval by state and local government agencies, performing quantity take-offs and preparing construction cost estimates, preparing contract documents, assisting new work proposals and close coordination with our project management and field engineering services teams.
  • Going to various project sites when needed.
  • Recognizing and effectively communicating test results to contractors, clients, and other project team members. Recognizing and effectively communicating problems to the proper party in a timely manner.
  • Use your problem-solving skills to identify and resolve complex construction challenges.

Requirements:
  • Has competency using computer operating systems and MS Office Suite programs (Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint).
  • Excellent verbal and written communications skills to effectively interact with clients, team members, and supervisors, conveying technical information clearly.
  • Strong organizational skills, ability to prioritize, manage workloads, maintain accurate and detailed record-keeping skills, documenting field observations, safety concerns, and problem resolutions.
  • Effective interpersonal skills to build rapport with clients and team members, fostering positive working relationships, customer-centric approach to provide excellent service to clients, ensuring their needs and concerns are addressed promptly and professionally.
  • Must be able to understand and adapt to change and react productively to frequent interruptions and changing conditions.
  • Basic construction competencies including ability to determine location from surface features and landmarks by interpretation from surveys, road maps, aerial photos, topographic maps, and geologic maps; understanding construction stakes set by others, and color markings of utility companies.
  • Has a general aptitude for identifying and resolving complex technical problems in the field, utilizing critical thinking and logical reasoning.
  • Demonstrates ethical conduct, maintaining confidentiality and ensuring safety and security in all aspects of work, strict adherence to safety protocols and guidelines, fostering a safe working environment for yourself and others.
  • Ability to handle physical demands, such as lifting (up to 50lbs repetitively), walking on uneven ground frequently, and carrying equipment, working in various weather conditions, and traveling to different locations.

SME's Core Values:
  • Honesty and Integrity
  • Respect
  • Selfless Service
  • Teamwork
  • Practical Solutions

Benefits:
At SME, we believe that taking care of our employees is the cornerstone of our success. Our commitment to your well-being goes beyond a job- it is about helping you thrive both personally and professionally. We offer a benefits package that is not simply meeting an expectation, but a key component of your overall job satisfaction. The following list highlights many of the benefits SME offers its employees.
  • SME provides Medical, Dental, and Vision after 30 days of employment.
  • SME covers the premium cost of medical insurance so that you and your families never have to worry about the costs of healthcare.
  • 401k match
  • Yearly profit sharing that goes directly into your 401k
  • Yearly performance bonuses
  • Yearly wage evaluations
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Competitive Paid Time Off
  • Volunteer Time Off

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.