Building the Future: Career Opportunities in Highway Design with the FHWA
Are you a civil engineer passionate about infrastructure, safety, and the great outdoors? The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) invites you to contribute to the "Golden Age of Transportation." We are looking for skilled Highway Design Engineers to join our Federal Lands team to develop solutions that connect our national parks, forests, and refuges.
Job Responsibilities
As a Civil Engineer (Highway), your role will be multi-faceted:
- Design & Documentation: Develop comprehensive Plans, Specifications, and Estimates (PS&E) packages.
- Technology Integration: Utilize state-of-the-art 3D design software to evaluate geometric alternatives.
- Project Management: Monitor project budgets, schedules, and scope from initial planning through final construction support.
- Collaboration: Engage with multi-discipline teams and external agencies to ensure project success.
Comparison of Grade Levels
| Feature | GS-11 | GS-12 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Professional Design | Advanced Design & Technical Assistance |
| Experience | Equivalent to GS-09 | Equivalent to GS-11 |
| Project Oversight | Team-based | Independent & Senior Review |
Requirements
You must meet specific education and experience requirements to qualify. This includes a bachelor's degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited school or a qualifying combination of education and experience. You must also submit a two-page resume highlighting your professional achievements.
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range from $80,465 to $129,741 per year. Beyond the salary, federal employees enjoy world-class benefits including robust health coverage, a strong retirement system, and generous leave policies.
Application Tips
- Limit your resume: Keep it to exactly two pages to comply with federal guidance.
- Verify attachments: Ensure all transcripts and PE/EIT documents are uploaded correctly.
- Quantify results: Use specific examples to show how your designs improved highway safety or construction efficiency.
Joining the FHWA is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the public good. If you are ready to design the next generation of transportation infrastructure, we encourage you to apply to this announcement today.
Why This Civil Engineer (Highway) (Design) - Direct Hire Job Matters
Shape the future of America's infrastructure: Design iconic transportation projects for Federal Lands with the Federal Highway Administration.
Civil Engineer (Highway) (Design) - Direct Hire Job Overview
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is seeking mid-career Civil Engineers to join our Federal Lands Highway team. You will play a pivotal role in the design and delivery of transportation infrastructure projects that traverse some of the nation's most scenic and challenging environments, including National Parks and Wildlife Refuges. This is a unique opportunity to manage projects from initial scoping through to construction, utilizing cutting-edge design technology while ensuring the safety and accessibility of our national transportation systems.
Requirements for Civil Engineer (Highway) (Design) - Direct Hire
- U.S. citizenship is mandatory.
- Completion of a bachelor's degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Must be able to pass a background security investigation.
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-09 for GS-11, GS-11 for GS-12).
- Submission of transcripts demonstrating educational qualifications.
- Registration for Selective Service if born after 12/31/1959.
Preferred Qualifications for Civil Engineer (Highway) (Design) - Direct Hire
- Active Professional Engineer (PE) licensure or Engineer in Training (EIT) certification.
- Proficiency in advanced Computer-Aided Design (CADD) software.
- Experience in developing Plans, Specifications, and Estimates (PS&E) packages.
- Demonstrated ability to manage project budgets and schedules independently.
- Strong oral and written communication skills for multi-stakeholder collaboration.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance programs.
- ✓Defined benefit retirement plan (FERS) and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- ✓Flexible work arrangements including potential telework options.
- ✓Competitive paid time off, including federal holidays, annual leave, and sick leave.
- ✓Structured career advancement opportunities within the Department of Transportation.
💡 How to Apply Civil Engineer (Highway) (Design) - Direct Hire Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Civil Engineer (Highway) (Design) - Direct Hire Job
- Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to two pages.
- Log into your USAJobs account to initiate the application process.
- Complete the online assessment questionnaire.
- Upload all required documentation, including transcripts and professional certifications.
- Submit your final application package before 11:59 PM EST on the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume explicitly details dates of employment, hours worked per week, and your specific contribution to engineering projects.
- Use the resume builder tool in USAJobs to ensure all required information is formatted correctly.
- Double-check that all uploaded documents are successfully attached to your application before clicking 'Submit'.
- Tailor your resume to emphasize the specific engineering competencies requested in the job announcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the educational requirement for this role?
Applicants must have a bachelor's degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program or satisfy the education/experience combination requirements through documented coursework and professional licensure.
Is this a remote position?
The position is not classified as fully remote, though it is telework eligible, meaning employees may work from home part of the time depending on agency policy.
What documentation is required for engineers?
Applicants must provide transcripts. Additionally, if applying based on professional standing, you must provide proof of your EIT or PE license.
Job from Federal Highway Administration
The Federal Highway Administration, under the Department of Transportation, is dedicated to the safety and modernization of our nation's transportation systems. We value results-oriented, high-performing professionals who are eager to tackle complex engineering challenges while prioritizing efficiency and innovation.