Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Highway Engineer

🎯 Role Definition

A Highway Engineer is a specialized Civil Engineer who serves as the architect of our surface transportation networks. At the heart of this role is the application of engineering principles to plan, design, construct, and maintain highways, roads, interchanges, and related infrastructure. This professional is a crucial linchpin in connecting communities, ensuring public safety, and facilitating economic activity. They blend technical expertise with creative problem-solving to overcome topographical, environmental, and logistical challenges, ultimately shaping the landscape to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern transit.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Civil Engineering Graduate / EIT (Engineer-in-Training)
Transportation Designer / CAD Technician (with a B.S. in Civil Engineering)
Public Works Inspector or Technician

Advancement To:

Senior Highway Engineer / Lead Roadway Designer
Project Manager (Transportation/Infrastructure)
Group Leader or Department Manager (Highways)

Lateral Moves:

Traffic Engineer
Transportation Planner
Construction Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Develop detailed geometric designs for urban and rural highways, including horizontal and vertical alignments, superelevation, and cross-sections, using software like AutoCAD Civil 3D or MicroStation OpenRoads.
Prepare comprehensive construction plan sets, specifications, and engineer's cost estimates (PS&E) in accordance with state Department of Transportation (DOT) and federal (FHWA) standards.
Perform complex hydraulic and hydrologic modeling to design effective drainage systems, including culverts, storm sewers, bridges, and stormwater management facilities like detention ponds.
Design and analyze pavement structures, considering traffic loads, soil conditions, and material properties to determine appropriate pavement type and thickness for longevity and performance.
Create and review traffic control plans and Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) strategies to ensure worker and public safety during all phases of construction.
Conduct thorough roadway safety audits and analyses, identifying high-risk locations and developing engineering countermeasures such as intersection modifications or guardrail installations.
Coordinate extensively with utility companies to identify existing infrastructure, manage relocation efforts, and incorporate new utility corridors into the project design.
Prepare and analyze right-of-way (ROW) plans, working with surveyors and legal teams to define property takes and easements required for project construction.
Design comprehensive signing and pavement marking plans based on the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and state-specific supplements to guide drivers effectively.
Conduct site visits before, during, and after construction to assess existing conditions, provide field support, and verify compliance with design plans and specifications.
Develop 3D corridor models to visualize project designs, detect clashes between design elements, and facilitate public outreach and stakeholder communication.
Prepare and submit permit applications to various regulatory agencies, including environmental (e.g., Army Corps of Engineers) and local municipal bodies.
Author detailed technical reports, feasibility studies, and design memorandums to document engineering decisions, analyses, and recommendations.
Participate in client meetings and public information sessions to present project details, answer technical questions, and incorporate stakeholder feedback into the design.
Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior engineers and EITs, reviewing their work for accuracy, quality, and adherence to established standards.
Assist project managers with developing project scopes, schedules, and budgets, and monitor progress to ensure milestones and financial targets are met.
Evaluate the structural capacity and condition of existing roadway assets to inform rehabilitation and reconstruction strategies.
Perform grading design and earthwork calculations to balance cut and fill volumes, minimizing material transport and environmental impact.
Design Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant facilities, such as curb ramps and sidewalks, ensuring accessibility for all users within the project corridor.
Review contractor submittals, shop drawings, and Requests for Information (RFIs) during the construction phase, providing timely and accurate engineering responses.
Stay current with emerging technologies, materials, and design methodologies in the transportation industry to foster innovation and efficiency.

Secondary Functions

Provide technical support for transportation planning studies and respond to ad-hoc data requests from municipal or state clients.
Contribute to the development and improvement of internal design standards, CAD libraries, and engineering best practices within the organization.
Collaborate with business development and proposal teams by providing technical input, scope definition, and level-of-effort estimates for new project pursuits.
Participate in project planning meetings, design reviews, and interdisciplinary coordination sessions to ensure project milestones are met.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Roadway Design Software: High proficiency in either AutoCAD Civil 3D or MicroStation (including InRoads, GEOPAK, or OpenRoads Designer).
Hydraulic/Hydrology Modeling: Competency with software such as HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS, StormCAD, or HydroCAD.
Traffic Analysis Software: Familiarity with tools like Synchro/SimTraffic, VISSIM, or HCS is a significant asset.
AASHTO Standards: In-depth knowledge of key design guides, particularly "A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets" (the Green Book).
DOT Standards & Procedures: Verifiable experience working with state-specific Department of Transportation design manuals, standard drawings, and plan preparation guidelines.
Pavement Design Principles: Understanding of both empirical (e.g., AASHTO 93) and mechanistic-empirical (e.g., Pavement ME) design methods.
Cost Estimating: Ability to develop detailed construction cost estimates using spreadsheets or specialized software (e.g., AASHTOWare).
Project Scheduling: Basic proficiency with project management software like Microsoft Project or Primavera P6.
Geotechnical Fundamentals: A solid understanding of soil mechanics, foundation design, and their impact on roadway construction.
Plan Set Preparation: Demonstrated ability to produce a complete, biddable set of construction documents, including all necessary details, specifications, and quantities.

Soft Skills

Attention to Detail: Meticulousness in calculations, design checks, and plan reviews to ensure accuracy and prevent costly errors.
Problem-Solving: An analytical mindset capable of deconstructing complex engineering challenges and developing innovative, practical solutions.
Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively convey technical information to clients, colleagues, and the public.
Collaboration/Teamwork: Ability to work seamlessly within a multidisciplinary team of engineers, planners, and technicians.
Time Management: Strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and competing deadlines on complex projects.
Adaptability: Flexibility to respond to changing project requirements, client feedback, and unforeseen field conditions.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Civil Engineering or a closely related, ABET-accredited engineering program.

Preferred Education:

Master of Science (M.S.) in Civil Engineering with a specialization in Transportation, Geotechnical, or Structural Engineering.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Civil Engineering
Transportation Engineering

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

3-10+ years of progressive, post-graduate experience in roadway and highway design projects.

Preferred:

Possession of a Professional Engineer (PE) license in at least one state is highly preferred and is generally a requirement for senior-level and management roles. Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification is the minimum requirement for entry-level positions.