Civil Engineer III - Roadway/Highway Designer

AECO; Columbia (SC); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

AECOM is seeking a Civil Engineer III - Roadway/Highway Designer in Columbia, SC with a hybrid work model. You will drive highway design from preliminary through final construction, prepare right-of-way plan sets, and coordinate utility relocations per SCDOT and AASHTO standards.

The role requires a Civil Engineering degree with roadway/highway experience and EIT certification; MicroStation ORD proficiency is essential, with PE licensure preferred and growth opportunities within transportation

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering with four years of roadway/highway design experience or equivalent.
• Exposure to South Carolina DOT projects.
• EIT Certification.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and review roadway design plans in line with SCDOT standards.
• Document design calculations for roadway geometry and drainage.
• Produce PS&E packages for state/local projects, including MOT and ROW work.
• Coordinate subsurface utility engineering (SUE) and utility relocations.
• Use MicroStation ORD to create plan sets and quantity summaries.
• Collaborate with multi-discipline teams to integrate designs.
• Perform field reviews and interface with SCDOT, consultants and contractors.

Skills

MicroStation ORD

EIT Certification

SCDOT design standards

PE licensure (SC)

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering

Tools

ProjectWise

Bluebeam Revu

Job description

Civil Engineer III - Roadway/Highway Designer

• Full-time
• State/Province: South Carolina
• Business Group: DCS
• Legal Entity: AECOM Technical Services Inc
• Business Line: Transportation
• Work Location Model: Hybrid
• Primary Location: US - Columbia, SC - 2151 Pickens St.
• Compensation: USD 90,000 - USD 115,000 - yearly

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There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

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AECOM is seeking a motivated and experienced Civil/Highway Engineer / Roadway Designer to join our roadway design team, with specific familiarity with the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) design standards, manuals and processes. The successful candidate will perform design of highway/roadway projects from preliminary through final construction plan stages, prepare right-of-way (ROW) plan sets, coordinate utility relocations, and produce technical design deliverables in accordance with SCDOT and AASHTO standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and review roadway design plans including alignments, typical sections, cross-sections, profiles and geometric layouts consistent with SCDOT’s Roadway Design Manual and Plan Preparation Guide.
• Develop and document design calculations for roadway geometry, drainage systems, earthwork, pavement design, slopes, and other roadway features.
• Produce construction plans, specifications and cost estimates (PS&E) for state and local roadway projects, including maintenance of traffic (MOT), signing & pavement marking, and right-of-way plan development.
• Coordinate subsurface utility engineering (SUE) activities, utility relocations, right-of-way acquisitions and provide input for related plan sheets.
• Use Microstation ORD design softwareto prepare and finalize plan sets, profiles, cross sections and quantity summaries.
• Collaborate with multi-discipline teams (traffic, drainage/hydraulics, bridge/structures, survey, environmental) to ensure integrated design solutions.
• Conduct field reviews, attend stakeholder meetings, assist with public information meetings and interface with SCDOT, consultants and contractors as necessary.
• Perform quality control checks on design deliverables to ensure adherence to internal standards and SCDOT policies.
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians; assist in project scheduling, resource management and client/agency coordination.
• Stay current on SCDOT, AASHTO and FHWA policies, manuals and industry best practices; maintain awareness of emerging roadway design tools and processes.

Working Conditions & Environment

• Office environment with periodic field visits to project sites (construction, surveying, field review).
• Some travel within South Carolina may be required.
• Occasional after-hours or high-priority deadlines on state projects may necessitate extended hours.

This position offers strong opportunities for professional growth in transportation design, particularly working on SCDOT projects that impact the region’s infrastructure. Successful candidates may advance to Senior Designer or Project Manager roles, lead multi-discipline teams and take on higher‑profile highway/bridge projects.

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering plus four (4) years of roadway/highway design experience or demonstrated equivalency of education and/or experience

• Exposure to state DOT projectsin South Carolina

Demonstrated proficiency in design softwaresuch asMicroStation OpenRoads Designer (ORD)

EIT Certification

Preferred Qualifications:

• Professional Engineer (PE) licensure in South Carolina or ability to obtain within 12 months of hire

6+ years of experience

Familiarity with SCDOT roadway design manuals and plan preparation guidelines

• Experience preparing right-of-way plans, coordinating SUE and utility relocation with SCDOT projects
• Experience with alternative delivery methods (design-build, on-call roadway design contracts) and knowledge of SCDOT procurement/contracting processes
• Experience in drainage/hydraulics design, MOT planning, stormwater management and rehabilitation of existing roadways
• Familiarity with ProjectWise, Bluebeam Revu, or other document management/collaboration tools
• Strong verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills; ability to work collaboratively in multi-discipline teams
  • Relocation assistance is not available for this position.
  • Sponsorship for US employment authorization is not available now or in the future for this position.

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options,well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.

What makes AECOM a great place to work

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.