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Senior Pavement Engineering Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Senior Project Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$102.10K - $133K/yr

Civil Engineering Reports to: Managing Director/Director FLSA Status: Exempt Location: This ... installation of landscaping, pavement, stairs, elevators, electricity, heating, and air ...

Whether working on highways and bridges or traffic engineering, our team excels in resilient ... pavement marking/signing, drainage design, traffic studies, traffic signal design, public ...

Whether working on highways and bridges or traffic engineering, our team excels in resilient ... pavement marking/signing, drainage design, traffic studies, traffic signal design, public ...

Whether working on highways and bridges or traffic engineering, our team excels in resilient ... pavement marking/signing, drainage design, traffic studies, traffic signal design, public ...

Whether working on highways and bridges or traffic engineering, our team excels in resilient ... pavement marking/signing, drainage design, traffic studies, traffic signal design, public ...

Senior Estimator (Civil/Structures)

Aurora, IL · On-site +1

$140K - $185K/yr

... paving. **This position is ideally based in one of our local offices: Rockford IL, Indianapolis IN ... Effective communication and interaction with clients, engineers, subcontractors and suppliers

Senior Estimator (Civil/Structures)

Peoria, IL · On-site +1

$140K - $185K/yr

... paving. **This position is ideally based in one of our local offices: Rockford IL, Indianapolis IN ... Effective communication and interaction with clients, engineers, subcontractors and suppliers

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Senior Pavement Engineering information

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

To thrive as a Senior Pavement Engineer, you need expertise in civil engineering, pavement design, materials science, and a relevant engineering degree—often with Professional Engineer (PE) licensure. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and pavement analysis tools (like AASHTOWare Pavement ME Design) is essential. Strong project management, leadership, and effective communication skills help guide teams and coordinate with stakeholders. These competencies ensure the successful delivery of durable, cost-effective pavement solutions that meet safety and regulatory standards.

What are some common challenges faced by Senior Pavement Engineers and how can they be addressed?

Senior Pavement Engineers often encounter challenges such as managing complex projects with tight deadlines, ensuring quality control across multiple sites, and staying updated with evolving materials and technologies. Balancing client expectations with regulatory requirements and budget constraints can also be demanding. These challenges can be addressed by fostering strong project management skills, collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams, and actively participating in professional development to stay informed about industry advancements.

What does a Senior Pavement Engineer do?

A Senior Pavement Engineer is responsible for designing, analyzing, and overseeing the construction and maintenance of pavement systems for roads, highways, airports, and other infrastructure projects. They assess the materials, structural integrity, and longevity of pavement surfaces, ensuring they meet safety and quality standards. Senior Pavement Engineers also provide technical guidance to project teams, conduct site inspections, and develop solutions for pavement-related issues. Their expertise helps ensure that transportation networks remain safe, durable, and cost-effective over time.

What is the difference between Senior Pavement Engineering vs Pavement Engineering?

AspectSenior Pavement EngineeringPavement Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Civil Engineering, Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferredBachelor's or Master's in Civil Engineering, PE license beneficial but not always required
Work EnvironmentDesigning, managing, and overseeing pavement projects; often in consulting firms or government agenciesAssisting in pavement design, analysis, and testing; typically in engineering firms or construction sites
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in consulting, transportation agencies, and infrastructure projectsCommon in civil engineering firms, construction companies, and transportation departments

Senior Pavement Engineering roles involve leadership, project management, and advanced design responsibilities, while Pavement Engineering positions focus on technical analysis and support tasks. Both roles require similar credentials but differ in scope and experience level.

What are the most commonly searched types of Pavement Engineering jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Pavement Engineering jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Senior Pavement Engineering jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Senior Pavement Engineering job openings:
Senior Highway Engineer

$100K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Valdes is seeking a Senior Highway Engineer to lead the planning and design of highway and roadway projects, with a primary focus on Illinois-based IDOT and county projects, as well as a future vision for expanding into Midwest markets. The ideal candidate will bring strong technical expertise in roadway geometry, drainage, traffic, and MOT, and will be a key player in growing the firm's IDOT prequalification categories and supporting regional market capture, including Indiana DOT opportunities.
This role combines technical excellence with leadership potential, offering a clear pathway to grow into a director-level position. Candidates must hold a PE in Illinois, with a PE in Indiana preferred, or be willing to obtain one within 12 months. This position offers collaboration across Valdes' multidisciplinary teams and active involvement in shaping our transportation strategy across the region.
Responsibilities
  • Lead the planning, design, and delivery of IDOT and local agency roadway projects, including horizontal/vertical alignments, cross sections, geometrics, drainage, pavement design, and traffic signal modernization
  • Prepare and review Phase I and II engineering deliverables, including design reports, plan sets, cost estimates, and specifications in compliance with IDOT, FHWA, AASHTO, and MUTCD standards
  • Develop traffic control and staging plans, MOT, and complete streets elements, incorporating ADA and context-sensitive design
  • Coordinate with internal teams (survey, structures, construction, MEP, GIS) and external subconsultants to deliver fully integrated solutions
  • Mentor junior engineers and participate in internal QA/QC and project reviews
  • Assist in developing and submitting documentation to expand IDOT and INDOT prequalifications, including resumes, project data, and technical narratives
  • Serve as a client-facing representative, attending meetings and maintaining strong communication with IDOT, Tollway, and municipal stakeholders
  • Use software tools including Civil 3D, OpenRoads Designer, Geopak, AutoTURN, HCS/Synchro, and support integration of emerging technologies (e.g., drone surveys, GIS)
  • Support strategic business development efforts and assist in teaming, pursuit decisions, and proposal development
  • Participate in professional organizations (ASCE, ITE, ACEC, etc.) and represent Valdes at industry events and conferences

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field
  • Licensed PE in Illinois (required)
  • Indiana PE preferred, or willingness to obtain within 12 months
  • 5+ years of progressive experience in highway and roadway planning and design
  • Deep knowledge of IDOT and FHWA standards and processes
  • Proficiency with relevant design software (Civil 3D, OpenRoads, etc.)
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and collaborate across departments.
  • Experience with INDOT, Tollway, or municipal DOT projects
  • Familiarity with IDOT BDE, BLRS, and Phase I/II documentation requirements
  • Experience in traffic studies, permitting, or environmental documentation
  • Involvement in professional associations and industry networking
  • Must possess exceptional interpersonal and organizational skills
  • Must be able to work in the US without sponsorship now or in the future

$100,000 - $175,000 a year
Salaries for all positions are based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to relevant experience, total years of experience in the industry, education, skills, and qualifications. Compensation may vary depending on the candidate's individual background and expertise. Salaries are subject to fluctuation outside of the given range. The indicated range is not a commitment and meant as a guideline. All compensation, exempt or non-exempt status, and benefits will be discussed during the interview process.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.