HIGHWAY DESIGN ENGINEER SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS
Published: Jul 17, 2025 - The Highway Design Engineer has hands-on experience in designing highway alignments, profiles, cross-sections, and drainage systems using industry-standard software such as AutoCAD Civil 3D or MicroStation. This role requires strong skills in geometric design, pavement analysis, traffic flow optimization, and familiarity with AASHTO standards and local regulations. This engineer also has excellent problem-solving abilities, coordination with multidisciplinary teams, and effective communication to deliver compliant and cost-efficient highway infrastructure projects.
Essential Hard and Soft Skills for a Standout Highway Design Engineer Resume
- Project Management
- Design Calculation
- Highway Design
- AutoCAD Civil3D
- MicroStation OpenRoads
- Cost Estimation
- Infrastructure Design
- Risk Management
- Technical Reporting
- Construction Support
- Team Leadership
- Client Communication
- Collaborative Working
- Creative Problem-Solving
- Cross-Disciplinary Liaison
- Project Coordination
- Statutory Liaison
- Contract Negotiation
- Staff Mentoring
- Professional Communication

Summary of Highway Design Engineer Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume
1. BS in Transportation Engineering with 3 years of Experience
- Proven experience utilising software including AutoCad and BIM (Building Information Modelling)
- Experience and understanding of on and off the public highway on construction sites.
- Experience with the NEC Option 3 contract type
- Experience and understanding of CDM regulations and risk.
- PC literacy and knowledge of the MS suite, i.e., Word, Excel, Project, etc.
- Good forward planner with a strong design or technical background
- Good knowledge of all aspects of a construction project
- Good communication and people skills
- Must work well under pressure
- Ability to present ideas effectively, as well as evaluate the ideas of others
2. BS in Civil Engineering with 5 years of Experience
- Experience in the design, implementation, and supervision of all aspects of highway design with a design license
- Detailed knowledge of road design using 3D modelling tools, such as Civil 3D, InRoads, and MX
- Experience working in highway drainage design
- Working knowledge of the relevant legislation and guidelines, including the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges
- Sound knowledge of relevant design standards
- Good experience in managing design production and formal approval
- Excellent communication skills on a general and technical level
- Ability to assist in the preparation of fee estimates and bid work
- Experience in project commercial management.
- Ability to work independently, and lead and supervise others
3. BS in Structural Engineering with 7 years of Experience
- Experience working in rural highway design
- Registered or eligible for immediate registration as a Professional Engineer (P. Eng) or Engineering Licensee in the Province
- Comprehensive understanding of Design Standards and Construction practices
- Pre-qualified as a Second Level Supervisor (SLS) with the Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure in Design
- Full and in-depth familiarity with AutoCAD/Civil 3D design software
- Strong urban municipal, urban road, and freeway experience
- Highly motivated and enthusiastic with a strong desire to succeed
- Strategic, conceptual, analytical thinking and decision-making skills
- Adaptability and flexibility, including the ability to manage project deadlines
- Demonstrated willingness to learn and take on new challenges
- Excellent oral and written, and presentation skills
4. BS in Construction Engineering with 8 years of Experience
- Experience in the design of roadway, highway, or municipal infrastructure
- Experience in Civil 3D, with other design software experiences, such as Bentley design packages
- Experience working in Civil 3D pile network
- Technical experience in the planning and design of urban roads and infrastructure
- Proficient and working knowledge of design and data management software, including Civil 3D and AutoCAD
- Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills in complex and changing environments
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain good working relationships with clients and project teams
- Familiar with municipal road standards and highway design standards such as TAC and MoTI.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to confidently build and maintain external and internal relationships
- Be committed to professional excellence and personal development
- Good problem-solving/contingency planning skills with the ability to find quick, innovative, and practical solutions