Roadway Engineer Jobs in California
Roadway Engineer jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in public works, Caltrans-funded infrastructure, transit agencies, and private civil engineering consulting across every level from entry-level design associate to senior project engineer. The largest hiring markets are Los Angeles, Sacramento, and the San Francisco Bay Area, where employers like AECOM, WSP USA, and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) maintain a sustained need for roadway engineers. The most in-demand specialties are highway design, pavement engineering, and traffic operations. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Overview:
Kimley-Horn's San Jose, California (CA) office is seeking a Roadway Engineer with 4+ years of experience to join their Roadway team! This is not a remote position.
Responsibilities:
We are seeking a skilled and motivated Roadway Engineer with at least 4 years of experience to join our municipal roadway projects team. The ideal candidate will be proficient in roadway design and have some exposure to project management duties, ready to assist in the planning and execution of municipal transportation projects. This role requires strong technical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate effectively with project teams.
Key Responsibilities:
Design and Production:
- Develop detailed engineering designs for municipal roadway projects, including geometric design, pavement design, drainage, and traffic control plans.
- Utilize advanced design software (e.g., AutoCAD Civil 3D) to create precise and accurate plans and specifications.
Project Support:
- Assist project managers in the planning, scheduling, and execution of roadway projects.
- Prepare project documentation, reports, and presentations for client and stakeholder communication.
Technical Expertise:
- Provide technical support and input throughout the project lifecycle, from concept development through construction.
- Conduct field visits and surveys to gather data and assess project sites.
Quality Assurance:
- Review and verify the accuracy of design plans and documents, ensuring compliance with applicable standards and regulations.
- Assist in implementing quality control processes to maintain high standards of project delivery.
Client Interaction:
- Assist in maintaining strong relationships with municipal clients by providing regular project updates and addressing any concerns.
- Participate in meetings with clients, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders to discuss project progress and requirements.
Regulatory Compliance:
- Ensure that all project designs comply with local, state, and federal regulations, as well as industry standards and best practices.
- Assist in preparing and submitting documentation required for regulatory approvals and permits.
Team Collaboration:
- Work closely with multidisciplinary teams, including engineers, planners, CAD designers, and construction inspectors.
- Mentor junior staff by sharing knowledge and promoting continuous improvement within the team.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum of 4 years of experience in roadway design, with a focus on municipal projects.
- Professional Engineering (P.E.) License (or ability to obtain within 12 months).
- Proficiency in using industry-standard design software such as Microstation, Open Roads, AutoCAD, and Civil 3D.
- Strong understanding of civil engineering principles, roadway design standards, and traffic engineering principles.
- Demonstrated ability to analyze complex engineering problems and develop effective solutions.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present technical information clearly and concisely.
- A collaborative and adaptable approach to work, with the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
- Commitment to staying updated on industry trends, regulations, and advancements in roadway engineering.
SALARY RANGE
$120,000 - $190,000
WHY KIMLEY-HORN?:
At Kimley-Horn, we do things differently. People, clients, and employees are at the forefront of who we are. Clients know we prioritize achieving their goals and growing their success. Employees know our culture and approach to business are built on a desire to provide an environment for everyone to flourish. Our commitment to quality is only as good as the people behind it—that’s why we welcome and develop passionate, hardworking, and proactive employees. We take pride in how our employee retention, robust benefits package, and company values have led to Kimley-Horn’s placement on the Fortune “100 Best Companies to Work” list for 19 years!
KEY BENEFITS AT KIMLEY-HORN:
- Exceptional Retirement Plan: 2-to-1 company match on up to 4% of eligible compensation (salary + bonus) and additional profit-sharing contribution.
- Comprehensive Health Coverage: Low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
- Time Off: Personal leave, flexible scheduling, floating holidays, and half-day Fridays.
- Financial Wellness: Student loan matching in our 401(k), and performance-based bonuses.
- Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement and extensive internal training programs.
- Family-Friendly Benefits: New Parent Leave, family building benefits, and childcare resources.
See All 10 Roadway Engineer Jobs in California
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Find Roadway Engineer JobsRoadway Engineer Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Roadway Engineer Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Kimley-Horn5

- AECOM2

- BKF Engineers2

- Olsson1

Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services8
- Law & Legal Services2
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in roadway engineer jobs across California.
- Professional Engineer (PE) license issued or recognized by the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists
- Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a closely related engineering discipline
- Proficiency in AutoCAD Civil 3D or MicroStation for roadway design and plan production
- Familiarity with Caltrans Highway Design Manual standards and project delivery procedures
- Experience preparing roadway plans, specifications, and cost estimates for public infrastructure
- Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification accepted for entry-level and associate-level positions
Roadway Engineer Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a roadway engineer in California?
To become a roadway engineer in California, earn a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from an ABET-accredited program, then pass the Fundamentals of Engineering exam to earn your Engineer-in-Training credential. After gaining the required professional experience, pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam to obtain a Professional Engineer license through the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists. Most California employers require or strongly prefer PE licensure for mid-level and senior roles.
How much do roadway engineers make in California?
Roadway engineers in California earn a median of about $122,500 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $77,980 for the lowest 10% to over $175,940 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire roadway engineers in California?
Employers hiring roadway engineers in California right now include Kimley-Horn, AECOM, and BKF Engineers, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's extensive state and local public works programs mean that engineering consulting firms working under Caltrans and regional transportation agencies are consistently among the largest sources of roadway engineer openings.
Which California cities have the most roadway engineer jobs?
The cities with the most roadway engineer openings in California are Sacramento, San Jose, and Irvine. Los Angeles drives volume through its regional transportation agencies, large consulting firm offices, and ongoing freeway and active-transportation projects, while Sacramento concentrates hiring around Caltrans headquarters and state agency contracts, and Bay Area demand is sustained by transit expansion and dense urban infrastructure programs.
Are there remote roadway engineer jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Roadway engineering is fundamentally a field-adjacent discipline involving site visits, plan reviews, and coordination with public agencies, so most roles require regular on-site or in-office presence. About 20% of roadway engineer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, and the positions most likely to offer flexibility are those focused on design, drafting, and technical report writing rather than construction support or field inspection.
How can I get hired as a roadway engineer in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying as a junior or associate civil engineer at a large California consulting firm or at a public agency such as a county public works department or a regional transportation agency. Employers like AECOM and WSP USA regularly hire new graduates into structured project teams, and Caltrans runs an associate civil engineer exam series open to candidates with a degree and EIT credential. Completing your EIT, building a portfolio of coursework projects in roadway or pavement design, and pursuing an internship with a California public agency give candidates a clear edge over the competition.
Where can I find and apply to roadway engineer jobs in California?
You can find and apply to roadway engineer jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings from employers actively hiring in the state. Find roles that fit your experience and location, then apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 10 Roadway Engineer Jobs in California
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