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Road Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Open Roads Designer - Transportation

Pittsburgh, PA ยท On-site

$75.20K - $92.70K/yr

Job Type Full-time Description RETTEW is seeking a Roadway Designer with strong OpenRoads Designer (ORD) experience to support our Transportation team. This role is ideal for someone who can produce ...

Open Roads Designer - Transportation

Pittsburgh, PA ยท Hybrid

$75.20K - $92.70K/yr

Description RETTEW is seeking a Roadway Designer with strong OpenRoads Designer (ORD) experience to support our Transportation team. This role is ideal for someone who can produce roadway design ...

Open Roads Designer - Transportation

Mechanicsburg, PA ยท Hybrid

$73.50K - $90.50K/yr

Description RETTEW is seeking a Roadway Designer with strong OpenRoads Designer (ORD) experience to support our Transportation team. This role is ideal for someone who can produce roadway design ...

Overview Our West Palm Beach, Florida office is looking for a Civil Roadway Designer with 8+ years of experience to join our Roadway team. Responsibilities The candidate will develop concepts as well ...

Roadway EIT/Designer

Raleigh, NC

$75.30K - $92.80K/yr

In the role of Roadway EIT/Designer, we'll count on you to: Work on a team with other project engineers on the detailed design of urban and rural roadway projects Take responsibility for alignment ...

Roadway EIT/Designer

Raleigh, NC ยท On-site

$75.30K - $92.80K/yr

In the role of Roadway EIT/Designer, we'll count on you to: โ€ข Work on a team with other project engineers on the detailed design of urban and rural roadway project โ€ข Take responsibility for ...

Overview Our West Palm Beach, Florida office is looking for a Civil Roadway Designer with 8+ years of experience to join our Roadway team. Responsibilities The candidate will develop concepts as well ...

Exposure to MicroStation Open Roads Designer and/or AutoCAD Civil 3D * Strong written and oral communication skills Benefits We offer a professional work environment, competitive salary, benefits ...

Overview Our West Palm Beach, Florida office is looking for a Civil Roadway Designer with 8+ years of experience to join our Roadway team. Responsibilities The candidate will develop concepts as well ...

Exposure to MicroStation Open Roads Designer and/or AutoCAD Civil 3D * Strong written and oral communication skills Benefits We offer a professional work environment, competitive salary, benefits ...

Exposure to MicroStation Open Roads Designer and/or AutoCAD Civil 3D * Strong written and oral communication skills Benefits We offer a professional work environment, competitive salary, benefits ...

Transportation Roadway Designer

Cary, NC ยท On-site

$79K - $97.30K/yr

Company Description We are seeking a full-time transportation (roadway) designer for our Cary, NC office. This individual will provide engineering design, calculations, CAD support, and project ...

Exposure to MicroStation Open Roads Designer and/or AutoCAD Civil 3D * Strong written and oral communication skills Benefits We offer a professional work environment, competitive salary, benefits ...

Exposure to MicroStation Open Roads Designer and/or AutoCAD Civil 3D * Strong written and oral communication skills Benefits We offer a professional work environment, competitive salary, benefits ...

Exposure to MicroStation Open Roads Designer and/or AutoCAD Civil 3D * Strong written and oral communication skills Benefits We offer a professional work environment, competitive salary, benefits ...

Transportation Roadway Designer

Cary, NC

$79K - $97.30K/yr

We are seeking a full-time transportation (roadway) designer for our Cary, NC office. This individual will provide engineering design, calculations, CAD support, and project assistance to the ...

Roadway Designer

Columbus, OH ยท On-site +1

$401K/yr

Moody Engineering is seeking an experienced, growth-minded Roadway Design Engineer for our fast-growing roadway team inColumbus, Ohio. Working at Moody Engineering provides a unique working ...

Senior Roadway Designer

Columbus, OH ยท On-site +1

$97.90K - $104.60K/yr

GAI Consultants, Inc. is seeking a Senior Project Engineer (Roadway Design) to work within our Ohio Transportation Business Unit. The successful candidate will enjoy working in a challenging, fast ...

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Road Designer information

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How much do road designer jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for road designer in the United States is $23.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.71 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Road Designer, you need a solid background in civil engineering principles, road geometry, and transportation planning, often supported by a bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a related field. Proficiency with CAD software (such as AutoCAD Civil 3D), roadway design standards, and familiarity with GIS systems are typically required. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and problem-solving abilities help you collaborate with stakeholders and address design challenges. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and compliant road designs that meet regulatory requirements and project goals.

What are some common challenges faced by Road Designers during the project lifecycle?

Road Designers often navigate challenges such as balancing technical requirements with environmental and community considerations. They must coordinate closely with civil engineers, surveyors, and local authorities to ensure designs meet safety standards and regulatory guidelines. Unforeseen site conditions or changes in client expectations can also require quick problem-solving and adaptability. Effective communication and strong project management skills are essential to keep projects on schedule and within budget.

What does a Road Designer do?

A Road Designer is a civil engineering professional who specializes in planning, designing, and overseeing the construction of roads, highways, and related infrastructure. They use engineering principles and software tools to create road layouts, ensure safety, manage drainage, and consider environmental and community impacts. Road Designers work closely with surveyors, construction teams, and government agencies to ensure that projects meet technical standards and regulatory requirements. Their work is essential for creating safe, efficient, and sustainable transportation networks.

How to become a road designer?

To become a road designer, typically a bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a related field is required. Gaining experience with design software such as AutoCAD and understanding transportation planning are important, along with obtaining relevant professional licensure or certifications as needed by the region or employer.

What jobs make $3,000 a month without a degree?

Road designers typically require specialized training or certifications, but entry-level roles in construction, transportation, or equipment operation can sometimes pay around $3,000 monthly without a degree. Skills in machinery, safety protocols, and industry-specific knowledge are often essential for these positions.

What is the difference between Road Designer vs Civil Engineer?

AspectRoad DesignerCivil Engineer
Primary FocusDesigning roads, highways, and transportation infrastructurePlanning, designing, and overseeing a variety of infrastructure projects including roads, bridges, and buildings
Required CredentialsTypically a degree in civil engineering or transportation engineering; certifications varyDegree in civil engineering; professional engineer (PE) license often required
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, CAD software, field surveysConstruction sites, design offices, project management
Industry UsageSpecialized in transportation infrastructure designBroader infrastructure projects including roads, bridges, water systems

While both roles require civil engineering knowledge, a Road Designer specializes in creating detailed road and highway plans, often focusing on design and drafting. A Civil Engineer has a broader scope, managing various infrastructure projects from conception to completion. Both roles are essential in transportation projects but differ in scope and responsibilities.

More about Road Designer jobs
What states have the most Road Designer jobs? States with the most job openings for Road Designer jobs include:
Open Roads Designer - Transportation

Open Roads Designer - Transportation

RETTEW

Pittsburgh, PA โ€ข On-site

$75.20K - $92.70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
RETTEW is seeking a Roadway Designer with strong OpenRoads Designer (ORD) experience to support our Transportation team. This role is ideal for someone who can produce roadway design plans with minimal oversight and collaborate closely with engineers to deliver high-quality, constructible plans.
About RETTEW
RETTEW is a 100% employee-owned engineering consulting firm providing multidisciplinary services across transportation, land development, environmental, energy, water, and wastewater markets. We are driven by our core values, Act Like an Owner, Exemplify Excellence, and Value Relationships, and are committed to delivering meaningful work that strengthens the communities we serve.
Work Environment:
Hybrid (three days in-office)
Locations: Pittsburgh, PA; Akron, OH; or Morgantown, WV
Position Summary / What You'll Do
As a Roadway Designer, you will use OpenRoads Designer (ORD) to prepare and deliver roadway plan sets that align with engineering design intent and regulatory standards. You will play a key role in translating engineering concepts into clear, accurate, and constructible plans while collaborating across disciplines to support successful project delivery.
Responsibilities / Day-to-Day
  • Prepare roadway plan sets using OpenRoads Designer, including alignments, profiles, cross sections, and typical sections
  • Develop plan sheets, details, utility adjustments, drainage crossings, and related design components
  • Incorporate engineering inputs such as grading, drainage, and earthwork into design plans
  • Support the development of roadway geometry, construction staging, and maintenance of traffic (MOT) plans
  • Review drawings for compliance with DOT and local standards, ensuring clarity and constructability
  • Revise and update plans based on internal, client, and agency feedback
  • Coordinate with other disciplines, including utilities, structures, and traffic to produce integrated deliverables

Qualifications
Required:
  • Associate's degree or technical degree in Civil Engineering Technology, Drafting, or related field
  • Hands-on experience using OpenRoads Designer (ORD) for roadway design
  • Experience producing roadway plan sets, including alignments, profiles, and cross sections
  • Strong understanding of roadway design standards and DOT guidelines
  • Ability to produce plans with minimal oversight
  • Proficiency in MicroStation and/or related design tools

Preferred:
  • Experience working on multi-disciplinary projects involving utilities, traffic, or structures Familiarity with PennDOT standards and processes
  • Exposure to construction-phase support or field verification of design deliverables

What We Offer
  • Competitive salary based on experience. RETTEW offers an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), giving you a real stake in the company's success and long-term value.
  • Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and retirement savings options.
  • Opportunities to grow your career through hands-on project experience, exposure to a variety of roadway and transportation projects, and collaboration with experienced engineers and project managers.
  • Support from our in-house training and development team, offering structured professional development, mentorship, and continuously evolving resources designed to help you build professional expertise and grow your career.
  • A flexible, hybrid work environment that supports both productivity and work-life balance.
  • A culture where your work is visible and valued, you are trusted with real responsibility, and your contributions directly impact project outcomes and client success.
  • A collaborative, team-oriented environment where you can learn, ask questions, and continue building your technical skills without being siloed.

RETTEW is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, please contact us at jperalta@rettew.com to request assistance. #LI-Hybrid
Requirements
Requirements listed above