Highways engineer

Job Purpose
The Highway Engineer will be responsible for the planning, design, development, supervision and maintenance of highway and transportation infrastructure projects. The role involves delivering safe, efficient, sustainable and cost-effective road infrastructure while ensuring that projects comply with relevant engineering standards, specifications, health and safety requirements and environmental regulations.

The successful candidate will work closely with clients, contractors, consultants, local authorities, surveyors and other engineering professionals to ensure projects are delivered to the required quality, budget and programme.
Key Responsibilities

1. Highway Design and Engineering
Design highways, roads, junctions, roundabouts, drainage systems and associated infrastructure.
Prepare highway alignment, horizontal and vertical geometry and cross-sectional designs.
Develop engineering drawings, specifications, calculations and technical reports.
Undertake pavement design and assess existing road conditions.
Design and review road drainage and surface-water management systems.
Review traffic management and road safety requirements.
Ensure designs comply with applicable national and international engineering standards.

2. Project Management and Delivery
Support the planning and delivery of highway construction and improvement projects.
Prepare project programmes, cost estimates and resource requirements.
Monitor project progress against agreed budgets, specifications and deadlines.
Coordinate engineering activities between contractors, consultants, suppliers and other stakeholders.
Identify engineering risks and develop appropriate mitigation measures.
Provide technical support throughout construction and project completion.

3. Site Supervision
Carry out regular site inspections and monitor construction activities.
Ensure works are completed in accordance with approved drawings, specifications and method statements.
Inspect materials, workmanship and construction processes.
Monitor earthworks, road formation, sub-base, base course, asphalt and drainage works.
Identify defects and ensure corrective actions are implemented.
Assist with testing, commissioning and handover of completed works.

4. Technical and Engineering Analysis
Analyse survey, traffic, geotechnical and other engineering information.
Review contractor designs, technical submissions and construction proposals.
Undertake engineering calculations and feasibility assessments.
Assess existing highway infrastructure and recommend improvements.
Contribute to traffic studies, transport assessments and road safety audits where required.

5. Health, Safety and Environmental Compliance
Ensure highway works are designed and delivered with appropriate consideration of public and
workforce safety.
Promote safe working practices on construction sites.
Ensure compliance with relevant health, safety and environmental legislation.
Consider environmental sustainability in highway design and construction.
Assist with risk assessments, method statements and construction safety reviews.

6. Client and Stakeholder Management
Liaise with clients, government departments, local authorities, contractors and consultants.
Attend project meetings and provide technical updates.
Prepare progress reports and technical presentations.
Respond to engineering queries and provide practical technical solutions.
Maintain professional relationships with project stakeholders.

7. Documentation and Reporting
Maintain accurate engineering records and project documentation.
Prepare technical reports, inspection reports and progress reports.
Review drawings, specifications, calculations and contractor documentation.
Maintain records of changes, variations, defects and technical approvals.
Support preparation of project completion and handover documentation.
Essential Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Highway Engineering, Transportation Engineering or a related discipline.
Professional engineering qualification or membership of a recognised engineering institution is desirable.
Relevant experience in highway, road or transportation infrastructure projects.
Strong knowledge of highway design principles, construction methods and engineering standards.
Good understanding of road drainage, pavement construction and traffic management.
Technical Skills
The candidate should have experience with relevant engineering and design software, such as:
AutoCAD
Civil 3D
OpenRoads or equivalent highway design software
Civil engineering design and modelling software
Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Word
Project planning and scheduling software
Experience

Highway Engineer: Typically 3–7 years' relevant experience in highway, road construction, civil engineering or transportation infrastructure.
Senior Highway Engineer: Typically 7+ years' relevant experience, including responsibility for major highway projects, technical leadership and supervision of engineering teams.
Experience with government, local authority, major contractor or consultancy projects would be advantageous.
Key Competencies
Strong civil and highway engineering knowledge
Highway and pavement design
Road drainage design
Construction supervision
Project management
Engineering problem-solving
Technical report writing
Quality control and assurance
Health and safety awareness
Contract and contractor management
Budget and programme management
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
Strong attention to detail
Personal Attributes
The successful candidate should be:
Professional and dependable
Analytical and commercially aware
Practical and solution-focused
Highly organised
Able to work under pressure and meet deadlines
Confident communicating with clients and contractors
Committed to engineering quality and public safety
Willing to travel to construction sites when required
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Performance will be assessed against:
Quality and accuracy of highway designs.
Successful delivery of projects within agreed programmes.
Compliance with engineering standards and specifications.
Effective management of engineering risks.
Quality of site supervision and inspection.
Health and safety performance.
Client and stakeholder satisfaction.
Effective cost and resource management.
Timely completion of technical reports and documentation.
Reduction of defects, rework and construction delays.

Working Conditions
The role will involve a combination of office-based engineering work and site-based activities. The Highway Engineer may be required to travel between project sites and work outside normal office hours where project requirements demand.