Highway Engineer Jobs in Illinois
Highway engineer jobs in Illinois are consistently in demand, with strong hiring concentrated in transportation planning, roadway design, and infrastructure rehabilitation across public agencies and private consulting firms at every level from entry-level project engineer through senior principal. Chicago, Springfield, and Peoria are the primary hiring centers, anchored by large employers such as IDOT (the Illinois Department of Transportation), AECOM, and Burns & McDonnell, all of which maintain lasting project pipelines in the state. The most sought-after specialties include traffic engineering, pavement design, and construction inspection for major corridor projects. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 8+ Highway Engineer jobs
Working on the Transportation team at GFT offers the opportunity to engage in transformative projects that enhance transportation infrastructure and improve community connectivity. Whether working on highways and bridges or traffic engineering, our team excels in resilient, sustainable design and construction, delivering innovative solutions that address the complexities of modern, multimodal roadway systems and ensure safe, efficient, and reliable travel for all. Explore some of our signature Transportation projects here.
GFT’s Downtown Chicago office is seeking a Project Engineer with 6-10 years of design experience to join our growing office of roadway, bridge, aviation, transit and rail designers as a Project Engineer on Phase I and Phase II projects.
The person will be a member of our roadway group and will assist in various tasks including plan preparation, quantity calculations, geometric design, pavement marking/signing, drainage design, traffic studies, traffic signal design, public involvement, report writing, specifications, cost estimates and other related tasks. Candidates with a background in preliminary engineering or development of detailed plans and specifications are recommended. The individual may also be called on to work closely with other teams on multi-disciplinary projects. The engineer will have the opportunity to work on challenging projects in a unique and dynamic work environment.
The candidate will manage other engineers and technicians to achieve completion of various tasks, as directed by the team leader and project manager and will also complete certain tasks independently. Depending on experience level, the individual may bear responsibilities as a project manager or deputy project manager. OpenRoads Designer, Microstation, Geopak and MS Office and other design software will be used.
- Analyzes information and data to perform routine design tasks. Responsible for accuracy of engineering design and plans, quality presentation, thoroughness and follow-through, and efficient conformance to budgets, schedules, and company standards. Research design options and document findings for Senior Project Engineer.
- Makes decisions independently on engineering problems and methods, and occasionally represents the organization in meetings to resolve important questions, and to plan and coordinate work.
- Receives instructions from Project Manager or Senior Project Engineers as to the general results expected.
- Receives technical guidance on unusual or complex problems and supervisory approval on proposed plans for projects.
- Hands on experience using CADD/Design Software (OpenRoads Designer, Microstation and Geopak) is preferred.
- Keeps Project Manager informed of workload and any changes in project schedule or scope or additional services.
- Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.
- Minimum 6 years of related, in-field experience, including work directly or as a consultant for the, Illinois DOT, Illinois Tollway Chicago DOT, local counties and municipalities, and with Federally funded projects is expected.
- Illinois PE
- Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering.
- Candidates must possess strong technical skills, excellent verbal and written communication skills, and the ability to work well in a team environment on multi-disciplinary projects.
- Previous highway, drainage, construction inspection, traffic signal, and/or lighting experience is expected.
Featured Benefits:
- Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment.
- Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
- Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.
- Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual.
- Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
- Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations
- Incentive compensation for eligible positions.
Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century’s experience, together we’re building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives.
GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives™ is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans’ status or other characteristics protected by law.
Unsolicited resumes from third party agencies will be considered the property GFT.
Location: Chicago or Schaumburg, IL
Core Business Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Employment Status: Full-Time
GFT does require the successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions.
#LI-HYBRID
Working on the Transportation team at GFT offers the opportunity to engage in transformative projects that enhance transportation infrastructure and improve community connectivity. Whether working on highways and bridges or traffic engineering, our team excels in resilient, sustainable design and construction, delivering innovative solutions that address the complexities of modern, multimodal roadway systems and ensure safe, efficient, and reliable travel for all. Explore some of our signature Transportation projects here.
GFT’s Downtown Chicago office is seeking a Project Engineer with 6-10 years of design experience to join our growing office of roadway, bridge, aviation, transit and rail designers as a Project Engineer on Phase I and Phase II projects.
The person will be a member of our roadway group and will assist in various tasks including plan preparation, quantity calculations, geometric design, pavement marking/signing, drainage design, traffic studies, traffic signal design, public involvement, report writing, specifications, cost estimates and other related tasks. Candidates with a background in preliminary engineering or development of detailed plans and specifications are recommended. The individual may also be called on to work closely with other teams on multi-disciplinary projects. The engineer will have the opportunity to work on challenging projects in a unique and dynamic work environment.
The candidate will manage other engineers and technicians to achieve completion of various tasks, as directed by the team leader and project manager and will also complete certain tasks independently. Depending on experience level, the individual may bear responsibilities as a project manager or deputy project manager. OpenRoads Designer, Microstation, Geopak and MS Office and other design software will be used.
- Analyzes information and data to perform routine design tasks. Responsible for accuracy of engineering design and plans, quality presentation, thoroughness and follow-through, and efficient conformance to budgets, schedules, and company standards. Research design options and document findings for Senior Project Engineer.
- Makes decisions independently on engineering problems and methods, and occasionally represents the organization in meetings to resolve important questions, and to plan and coordinate work.
- Receives instructions from Project Manager or Senior Project Engineers as to the general results expected.
- Receives technical guidance on unusual or complex problems and supervisory approval on proposed plans for projects.
- Hands on experience using CADD/Design Software (OpenRoads Designer, Microstation and Geopak) is preferred.
- Keeps Project Manager informed of workload and any changes in project schedule or scope or additional services.
- Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.
- Minimum 6 years of related, in-field experience, including work directly or as a consultant for the, Illinois DOT, Illinois Tollway Chicago DOT, local counties and municipalities, and with Federally funded projects is expected.
- Illinois PE
- Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering.
- Candidates must possess strong technical skills, excellent verbal and written communication skills, and the ability to work well in a team environment on multi-disciplinary projects.
- Previous highway, drainage, construction inspection, traffic signal, and/or lighting experience is expected.
Featured Benefits:
- Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment.
- Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
- Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.
- Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual.
- Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
- Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations
- Incentive compensation for eligible positions.
Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century’s experience, together we’re building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives.
GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives™ is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans’ status or other characteristics protected by law.
Unsolicited resumes from third party agencies will be considered the property GFT.
Location: Chicago or Schaumburg, IL
Core Business Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Employment Status: Full-Time
GFT does require the successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions.
#LI-HYBRID
See All 8 Highway Engineer Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Highway Engineer JobsHighway Engineer Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Highway Engineer Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Construction & Real Estate
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in highway engineer jobs across Illinois.
- Active Illinois Professional Engineer license or eligibility to obtain one required
- Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or closely related engineering discipline required
- Experience with roadway design using AutoCAD Civil 3D or MicroStation preferred
- Familiarity with IDOT design standards, specifications, and project delivery procedures
- Valid driver's license and ability to travel to project sites across Illinois
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for reports, plans, and client coordination
Highway Engineer Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a highway engineer in Illinois?
Becoming a highway engineer in Illinois starts with earning a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from an ABET-accredited program, then passing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam to become an Engineer Intern. After gaining qualifying work experience under a licensed engineer, you apply through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to take the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam and earn your Professional Engineer license, which most public agency and senior consulting roles require.
How much do highway engineers make in Illinois?
Highway engineers in Illinois earn a median of about $99,760 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $69,590 for the lowest 10% to over $157,410 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire highway engineers in Illinois?
Employers hiring highway engineers in Illinois right now include GFT, EFK Moen, and RS&H, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Illinois's large public infrastructure program through IDOT, combined with an active private consulting sector, means hiring is broad and continuous across both agency and firm settings.
Which Illinois cities have the most highway engineer jobs?
Chicago, Schaumburg, and St Charles have the most highway engineer openings in Illinois. Chicago drives the largest share of postings given its concentration of engineering consulting firms and major IDOT district offices, while Springfield anchors state agency hiring as the capital, and Peoria and Rockford generate steady demand from regional transportation improvement programs and public works departments.
Are there remote highway engineer jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're rare. About 86% of highway engineer openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting the fact that most highway engineering work involves field inspections, site visits, and coordination with contractors that require physical presence. The tasks most compatible with remote work are preliminary design, plan review, and report writing.
How can I get hired as a highway engineer in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying directly to IDOT's Bureau of Design and Environment or to large Illinois consulting firms such as AECOM, Kimley-Horn, or Civiltech Engineering, which regularly hire junior engineers and offer structured mentorship under licensed PEs. Entry-level titles like project engineer or design engineer are the standard on-ramp. Candidates with an Engineer Intern certificate, AutoCAD Civil 3D coursework, or an internship from an Illinois university civil engineering program have a clear advantage in initial screening.
Where can I find and apply to highway engineer jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to highway engineer jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings updated regularly. Find roles that match your experience and specialization, then apply directly to the employer through the listing.
See All 8 Highway Engineer Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Highway Engineer Jobs