1

Senior Highway Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Roadway Engineer I

San Diego, CA · On-site

$63K - $111K/yr

What You'll Be Doing: • Collaborate often with senior engineers, perform various roadway ... and highway projects • Engineer-in-Training (EIT) Certificate is essential • Professional ...

Roadway Engineer I

San Diego, CA · On-site

$63K - $111K/yr

Collaborate often with senior engineers, perform various roadway engineering and design assignments ... highway projects Engineer-in-Training (EIT) Certificate is essential Professional Engineer (PE ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Senior Highway Engineer information

See California salary details

$58.7K

$124.9K

$181.1K

How much do senior highway engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior highway engineer in California is $124,900.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $103,100.00 and $141,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a senior highway engineer do?

A Senior Highway Engineer is responsible for planning, designing, and overseeing the construction and maintenance of roadways and highways. They manage complex engineering projects, ensuring that all aspects meet safety, regulatory, and environmental standards. Senior Highway Engineers also supervise junior staff, coordinate with stakeholders, and solve technical challenges that arise during project development. Their work is critical in creating safe and efficient transportation infrastructure.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a senior highway engineer?

To thrive as a Senior Highway Engineer, you need in-depth knowledge of civil engineering principles, roadway design, and construction management, usually backed by a bachelor's degree in civil engineering and a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Familiarity with design software such as AutoCAD Civil 3D, MicroStation, and transportation modeling tools is common, as are certifications in project management or roadway safety. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help you manage teams, coordinate with stakeholders, and navigate complex project challenges. These competencies are vital for delivering safe, efficient highway projects on time and within budget while meeting regulatory and safety standards.

How does a senior highway engineer collaborate with multidisciplinary teams during large infrastructure projects?

A Senior Highway Engineer often leads coordination between civil engineers, environmental specialists, surveyors, and construction managers to ensure all project aspects align with safety, regulatory, and design standards. They facilitate regular meetings, manage workflow integration, and resolve technical challenges that arise between disciplines. This collaborative approach not only streamlines project delivery but also helps anticipate and mitigate issues before they impact timelines or budgets.

What is the difference between Senior Highway Engineer vs Highway Engineer?

AspectSenior Highway EngineerHighway Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, often with additional certifications or experienceBachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentDesign, project management, overseeing construction projectsDesign, planning, and assisting in highway projects
Employer & Industry UsageConsulting firms, government agencies, construction companiesPublic and private sector infrastructure projects

The main difference between a Senior Highway Engineer and a Highway Engineer lies in experience and responsibility. Senior Highway Engineers typically have more experience, oversee projects, and provide technical leadership, while Highway Engineers focus on supporting design and planning tasks. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and are integral to highway infrastructure development.

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Senior Highway Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Senior Highway Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Highway Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,900 per year, or $60 per hour.

Sr. Transportation Highway/Roadway Engineer

AECOM

San Jose, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago


AECOM rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 70 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

21st of 80 rated construction


Job description

Company Description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world's most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

AECOM is seeking a Senior Transportation Highway/Roadway Engineer to lead the planning, design, and delivery of mid to largescale roadway and highway improvement projects in our San Jose Office. This role requires strong technical expertise, project leadership, and the ability to deliver highquality, clientfocused solutions in compliance with Caltrans and local agency standards.

Key Responsibilities

  • Serve as Lead Engineer on mid to largescale highway and roadway projects.
  • Provide technical leadership and subjectmatter expertise throughout project development, from studies through final design.
  • Review, approve, and sign engineering work as required.
  • Perform quality control and quality assurance reviews of work prepared by others.
  • Develop and oversee Caltrans and Greenbookcompliant design packages, including plans, specifications, and estimates.
  • Prepare engineering cost estimates, schedules, and budgets for large projects.
  • Present complex technical concepts and design solutions to clients and stakeholders.
  • Contribute to the preparation of technical proposals and presentations.
  • Mentor and guide staff, promoting technical excellence and professional development.
  • Participate in professional organizations and support business development efforts as needed.
Qualifications

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a related discipline.
  • Minimum of eight (8) years of relevant transportation engineering experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Professional Engineer (PE) license; ability to obtain California PE licensure within 12 months if not currently licensed in California.
  • Ten (10) or more years of progressively responsible highway and roadway design experience.
  • Demonstrated experience delivering Caltrans highway or roadway projects (Southern California experience preferred).
  • Proficiency in MicroStation, InRoads, AutoCAD, and Civil 3D, with experience leading design teams using these tools.
  • Experience preparing technical specifications using Greenbook and/or Caltrans standards.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Interest in marketing and business development, including proposal support and client presentations.
    Additional Information
    • Sponsorship is available

    About AECOM 

    AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

    AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients' complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle - from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com. 

    What makes AECOM a great place to work 

    You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you'll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you've always envisioned. Here, you'll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community-where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

    As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. 


    What AECOM employees say

    Pay

    Benefits

    Hours and flexibility

    Workplace

    Get the full story on Breakroom