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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Highway Architect

💰 $95,000 - $175,000

EngineeringCivil EngineeringTransportationArchitectureInfrastructure

🎯 Role Definition

A Highway Architect is a specialized professional who blends the technical precision of civil engineering with the creative vision of architecture to design our transportation corridors. This role is about more than just laying down asphalt; it's about creating safe, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing journeys that connect communities and enhance the surrounding environment. As a Highway Architect, you are a master planner and designer, responsible for the conceptualization and detailed engineering of highways, interchanges, and urban roadways. You operate at the intersection of public works and public art, ensuring that infrastructure projects not only meet rigorous technical standards but also integrate seamlessly into the urban and natural landscape, improving mobility and quality of life for everyone.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Civil Engineer (with a focus on Transportation/Roadway design)
  • Transportation Planner
  • Landscape Architect (specializing in large-scale infrastructure)

Advancement To:

  • Senior Highway Architect / Principal Transportation Engineer
  • Director of Infrastructure Planning / Transportation Group Manager
  • Urban Design Lead for a municipality or large firm

Lateral Moves:

  • Urban Planner
  • Project Manager (Large-Scale Infrastructure)
  • Transportation Policy Advisor

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Spearhead the conceptual and detailed design phases for a wide range of transportation projects, including complex highway interchanges, urban arterials, and rural roadways.
  • Develop and refine comprehensive geometric designs for roadways, meticulously crafting horizontal and vertical alignments, super-elevation, and cross-sections to ensure safety and efficiency.
  • Take ownership of preparing and overseeing the creation of complete construction document packages, including detailed plans, technical specifications, and cost estimates (PS&E).
  • Conduct in-depth feasibility studies and alternatives analyses for proposed transportation corridors, evaluating environmental impacts, right-of-way constraints, and construction costs.
  • Champion the integration of landscape architecture, urban design principles, and environmental mitigation measures to create context-sensitive and sustainable highway solutions.
  • Serve as the technical authority ensuring all designs rigorously adhere to federal, state (DOT), and local design standards and policies, such as AASHTO, MUTCD, and ADA guidelines.
  • Perform and manage complex hydraulic and hydrological analysis to design effective roadway drainage systems, including culverts, storm sewers, and detention ponds.
  • Assume responsibility for managing project scope, schedules, and budgets, guiding projects from the initial planning and environmental phases all the way through construction administration.
  • Act as a central point of contact, coordinating effectively with a diverse team of specialists including structural, geotechnical, environmental, and traffic engineers.
  • Lead and facilitate client-facing meetings, stakeholder workshops, and public engagement sessions to present project concepts, gather critical feedback, and build consensus.
  • Expertly utilize advanced CADD and civil engineering software (such as MicroStation, AutoCAD Civil 3D, and OpenRoads) for intricate design, 3D modeling, and project visualization.
  • Conduct thorough site investigations and field visits to assess existing topographical, geological, and environmental conditions that will inform the design process.
  • Mentor and develop junior-level engineers and technical designers, providing them with technical guidance, constructive feedback, and professional oversight.
  • Innovate and develop creative design solutions that go beyond the minimum requirements to significantly enhance user safety, traffic mobility, and long-term sustainability.
  • Prepare high-quality technical reports, memorandums, engineering cost estimates, and compelling project proposals for new business opportunities.
  • Review and approve shop drawings and contractor submittals during the construction phase to ensure compliance with design intent and specifications.
  • Manage the permitting process with regulatory agencies, ensuring all necessary environmental and construction permits are secured in a timely manner.
  • Develop detailed traffic control and construction staging plans to maintain traffic flow and ensure public safety during all phases of construction.
  • Evaluate the lifecycle cost of different design alternatives and materials, making recommendations that provide the best long-term value for the client and the public.
  • Lead quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) reviews of design plans and calculations to ensure accuracy, completeness, and adherence to professional standards.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis related to traffic patterns, accident data, and material performance to inform design decisions.
  • Contribute to the organization's broader data and transportation strategy, helping to shape the long-term infrastructure and technology roadmap.
  • Collaborate closely with business units, urban planners, and community groups to translate broad data insights and community needs into specific, actionable engineering requirements.
  • Actively participate in sprint planning, project review meetings, and other agile ceremonies to ensure alignment and effective collaboration within the project team.
  • Research and stay current with emerging industry trends, including smart infrastructure, connected vehicle technology, and innovative, sustainable construction materials.
  • Assist in business development efforts by providing technical expertise for responses to Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and Requests for Qualifications (RFQs).

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Roadway Design Software Mastery: High-level proficiency in at least one major roadway design platform such as OpenRoads Designer, AutoCAD Civil 3D, or InRoads/GEOPAK.
  • CADD Proficiency: Advanced skills in MicroStation or AutoCAD for the production of detailed construction plans.
  • Design Standards Expertise: Deep, applied knowledge of AASHTO's "A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets" (Green Book), the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), and relevant state DOT design manuals.
  • 3D Modeling & Visualization: Ability to create and interpret 3D models of infrastructure projects for design validation, clash detection, and public communication.
  • Drainage & Hydrology Software: Competency in using hydraulic and hydrology modeling tools like StormCAD, HEC-RAS, or similar software to design effective drainage solutions.
  • PS&E Package Preparation: Proven experience developing complete and accurate Plans, Specifications, and Estimates packages ready for bidding and construction.
  • Project Management Acumen: Strong understanding of project management principles, including scope, schedule, and budget management, often supported by experience with software like MS Project.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional Communication: The ability to clearly and persuasively articulate complex technical concepts to a wide range of audiences, from engineers and clients to the general public.
  • Collaborative Team Player: A natural ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams, valuing diverse perspectives and fostering a cooperative environment.
  • Advanced Problem-Solving: A creative and analytical mindset capable of dissecting complex problems and developing innovative, practical, and efficient solutions.
  • Leadership & Mentoring: The capacity to guide, inspire, and develop junior staff, providing both technical oversight and career mentorship.
  • Meticulous Attention to Detail: A commitment to precision and quality, ensuring that every calculation, drawing, and specification is accurate and thorough.
  • Stakeholder Management: Skill in navigating the complex landscape of project stakeholders, including government agencies, private clients, and community groups, to build consensus and drive projects forward.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree from an ABET-accredited university.

Preferred Education:

  • Master of Science (M.S.) degree with a specialization in Transportation Engineering or a related discipline.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Civil Engineering
  • Urban and Regional Planning
  • Architecture or Landscape Architecture (with a strong technical/infrastructure focus)

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 5-15 years of progressive, hands-on experience specifically in the field of roadway and highway design.

Preferred:

  • A valid Professional Engineer (PE) license in one or more states is highly preferred and often a requirement for advancement. Significant experience working directly on projects for a state Department of Transportation (DOT) and familiarity with Design-Build or other alternative delivery methods are considered major assets.
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