Highway Engineer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the age of modern infrastructure, the focus on highway engineers has never been more pronounced.

As urban development progresses, the demand for skilled professionals who can design, develop, and safeguard our highway systems continues to grow.

But what exactly is expected from a highway engineer?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the complexities of highway engineering,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a versatile highway engineer job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s delve right into it.

Highway Engineer Duties and Responsibilities

Highway Engineers are responsible for the planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of roads, bridges, and tunnels to ensure safe and effective transportation of people and goods.

They have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Design highways and other transportation systems based on traffic flow and capacity, safety, cost, and other factors.
• Conduct or oversee topographic and geologic studies of the region for engineering evaluations.
• Plan alterations and modifications of existing streets, highways, and freeways to improve the flow of traffic.
• Prepare and present reports detailing the project plans, costs, and scheduling.
• Coordinate with other engineers, surveyors, and construction professionals.
• Supervise construction operations and maintenance activities at project site.
• Use Computer-Aided Design (CAD) systems for simulation and design layouts.
• Ensure compliance with government standards and regulations.
• Evaluate potential environmental impacts of projects and plan design solutions to mitigate any negative effects.
• Inspect completed projects to ensure conformance to design specifications and compliance with operational standards.

 

Highway Engineer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a skilled Highway Engineer to join our dynamic team.

The successful candidate will be responsible for designing, constructing, and maintaining highways and roads.

The Highway Engineer will handle tasks such as performing feasibility studies, designing highway engineering plans, and overseeing the implementation of road projects.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and design detailed highway and road plans and specifications.
• Perform feasibility studies for proposed highway projects.
• Coordinate with project managers, clients, and other engineers for project planning and execution.
• Review and analyze project reports, maps, drawings, blueprints, and tests.
• Ensure highway designs are in compliance with government regulations and standards.
• Monitor and inspect all work undertaken by contractors to ensure structural soundness.
• Administer contracts, track project progress, and oversee project financials.
• Prepare and present technical reports.
• Resolve design and development problems.
• Maintain accurate records and document actions and discussions.

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Highway Engineer or similar role.
• Strong understanding of highway design software such as AutoCAD, Civil3D or similar.
• Excellent knowledge of design and visualisations software such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D or similar.
• Familiarity with rules, regulations, best practices and performance standards.
• Ability to work with multiple discipline projects.
• Project management and supervision skills.
• Decision making ability and leadership skills.
• Current engineer license.
• BS degree in Civil or Structural Engineering or relevant field.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Highway Engineer
• Work Environment: Primarily office setting, with occasional site visits. Some travel may be required for meetings or site inspections.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Chief Civil Engineer or Project Manager.
• Salary: Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $75,000 minimum to $130,000 maximum.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Highway Engineer Do?

Highway Engineers usually work for government agencies, consulting firms, or construction companies.

They also have the opportunity to work as independent consultants.

They are primarily responsible for the design, construction, and maintenance of highways and roads.

This involves conceptualizing, planning, and implementing highway construction projects.

Their job involves analyzing and interpreting survey reports, maps, blueprints, and other topographic or geologic data for planning projects.

They use computer-assisted design (CAD) systems for designing and simulating highway transportation systems.

Highway Engineers also estimate quantities and cost of materials, equipment, or labor to determine project feasibility.

They are responsible for ensuring that the designs comply with all the necessary safety rules and regulations.

They work closely with other professionals including urban planners, construction workers, and environmental scientists to ensure the highway projects align with the wider urban development plans and environmental considerations.

In the maintenance aspect, they are involved in assessing the condition of road surfaces, culverts, bridges, and related highway structures, and plan their maintenance or rehabilitation.

They also confer with the public and stakeholders about highway matters such as routes, environmental impact, or highway services.

 

Highway Engineer Qualifications and Skills

Highway Engineers utilize a mix of technical skills, soft skills, and industry-specific knowledge to design, implement, and maintain roadway systems, including:

• Applying strong analytical and critical thinking skills to develop and execute effective highway design plans according to specific project requirements.
• Utilizing technical knowledge in civil engineering, geometry, and transport engineering for creating efficient and safe highway systems.
• Employing excellent communication skills to clearly explain project plans, processes, and outcomes to project teams, stakeholders, and clients.
• Demonstrating keen attention to detail and organizational skills to manage multiple project components simultaneously, while ensuring the accuracy and quality of work.
• Working collaboratively with project teams, contractors, local agencies, and stakeholders using strong interpersonal skills.
• Identifying, analyzing and solving complex engineering problems that arise during the design, construction, and maintenance phases using effective problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in using highway engineering software and tools for designing and simulation purposes.
• Implementing and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations on site, as well as considering environmental impacts in the design process.

 

Highway Engineer Experience Requirements

Highway Engineers typically need a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or a related field as an educational prerequisite.

However, the real-world experience is also essential for this role.

For entry-level Highway Engineer roles, candidates may have 1 to 2 years of experience, typically gained through internships, co-op programs, or part-time roles related to highway or transportation engineering.

These professionals can also gain valuable experience in roles such as Junior Civil Engineer, Engineering Assistant, or Traffic Analyst.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience usually have honed their technical skills and knowledge in highway engineering through positions such as Highway Design Engineer or Traffic Engineer.

They may have participated in highway planning, design, construction, and maintenance projects, and thus have a solid understanding of industry standards, safety regulations, and environmental impacts related to highway engineering.

Those with more than 5 years of experience often have considerable project management experience and may have led teams on significant highway projects.

These professionals are typically eligible for senior roles or managerial positions, where they oversee and direct highway engineering projects, mentor junior engineers, and liaise with clients and stakeholders.

Moreover, some positions may require Professional Engineer (PE) licensure, which generally requires at least four years of work experience under a licensed engineer.

It’s also common for employers to seek candidates with knowledge of specific software used in highway design, such as AutoCAD or Civil 3D.

 

Highway Engineer Education and Training Requirements

To become a Highway Engineer, an individual typically needs a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a related field.

Their education should include comprehensive training in areas such as highway design, construction and maintenance, traffic engineering, and infrastructure planning.

Some positions, particularly those with more responsibility or that are more specialized, may require a master’s degree in civil engineering with a focus on transportation engineering.

In addition to their academic qualifications, Highway Engineers are expected to possess strong mathematical and analytical skills, as well as knowledge in design software such as AutoCAD.

Most states require Highway Engineers to become licensed as Professional Engineers (PE), a credential which often requires a combination of education, experience, and a passing score on two rigorous exams.

Continuing education and on-the-job training are crucial in this field due to the constant advances in technology and industry standards.

Some engineers may choose to pursue advanced certification through organizations like the American Society of Civil Engineers to demonstrate their expertise and commitment to the profession.

 

Highway Engineer Salary Expectations

A Highway Engineer can expect to earn an average salary of $77,438 (USD) per year.

However, the actual salary can vary greatly depending on factors such as years of experience, certification, the size of the project or company they work for, and the region in which they work.

 

Highway Engineer Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Highway Engineer need?

Highway Engineers should have a solid understanding of mathematics, physics, and design principles.

They also need strong analytical skills to evaluate data and develop solutions for highway construction and repair.

Moreover, they should possess excellent communication skills to effectively coordinate with other team members and present their findings to stakeholders.

 

Do Highway Engineers need a degree?

Yes, becoming a Highway Engineer typically requires a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a related field.

Some positions may also require a master’s degree or a Professional Engineer (PE) license.

Additionally, experience in highway design or transportation engineering may be required.

 

What should you look for in a Highway Engineer resume?

A Highway Engineer’s resume should showcase a solid educational background in civil engineering or a related field and a Professional Engineer (PE) license if required.

Look for experience in highway design, project management, and use of design software like AutoCAD.

Any specialization in areas such as traffic engineering, soil mechanics, or geotechnical engineering can also be a plus.

 

What qualities make a good Highway Engineer?

A good Highway Engineer is detail-oriented and has strong problem-solving skills.

They are able to analyze complex data, develop practical solutions, and make sound decisions.

Communication skills are also important, as they need to work effectively within teams and present technical information to non-technical audiences.

Further, they should have a strong commitment to safety standards and regulations.

 

Is it challenging to hire Highway Engineers?

Hiring Highway Engineers can be challenging due to the specialized skills and experience required for the role.

The demand for these professionals is high, especially in regions with ongoing or upcoming infrastructure projects.

To attract top talent, employers may need to offer competitive salaries, professional development opportunities, and comprehensive benefits packages.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve shed light on what it truly takes to be a highway engineer.

Surprised?

It’s not just about constructing roads.

It’s about forging the physical bridges of our future, one concrete layer at a time.

Armed with our go-to highway engineer job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to hit the road.

But don’t hit the brakes just yet.

Venture further with our job description generator. It’s your next stop to precision-crafted listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every road, bridge, or highway is a part of the larger infrastructure.

Let’s build that future. Together.

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