Pavement Engineer

Nebraska DOT; Lincoln (NE); On-site; USD 56,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Nebraska Department of Transportation in Lincoln seeks an experienced pavement engineer to act as SME for either Flexible or PCC pavements. You will help shape NDOT design standards, provide technical leadership, and support project lifecycles from concept through asset management.

The role emphasizes collaboration with districts, consultants, and partners, along with strong QA practices, data analysis, and ongoing professional development in a mission-driven environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering. PE license (Nebraska) is required or obtainable within 90 days.
• Professional Engineer licensure and ability to perform professional-level engineering tasks.
• Strong knowledge of NDOT pavement design standards and materials.
• Experience with NDOT specifications, testing methods, and QA procedures.

Responsibilities

• Serve as SME in Asphalt or PCC pavements, providing statewide technical leadership and guidance.
• Lead development and implementation of NDOT pavement design standards and test procedures.
• Provide expert technical support to districts, consultants, and project managers through the project lifecycle.
• Oversee quality assurance processes for pavement materials and testing; ensure compliance.
• Supervise laboratory staff and maintain a productive, quality-focused lab environment.
• Review and approve test results, mix designs, and specialized testing programs; recommend actions.
• Conduct advanced data analyses to support design decisions and life-cycle cost evaluations.
• Coordinate with universities, FHWA, and other agencies to reflect best practices.

Skills

Project leadership

Technical reporting

Data analysis

Collaboration

Pavement design knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

PE license (Nebraska)

Tools

Pavement ME Design

MicroStation

Pavement Management System

MS Office

PathWeb

OnBase

ProjectWise

AASHTOWare Pavement ME Design

Job description

The Nebraska Department of Transportation’s Materials and Research Division is seeking a motivated, forward‑thinking engineer to help shape the future of pavement engineering across our state. This role offers a unique opportunity to develop into one of NDOT’s next Subject Matter Experts within either the Flexible Pavements or PCC Pavement Sections. We are looking for a detail‑oriented, productive decision‑maker who thrives in a collaborative, mission‑driven environment and is eager to take on meaningful technical leadership.

At NDOT, we provide the best possible transportation system for the movement of people and goods that promotes safety, mobility, and economic growth which enhances the quality of life for all Nebraskans. NDOT teammates enjoy a friendly and supportive work environment, healthy work/life balance, job security and stability throughout their careers, generous paid time off, comprehensive health benefits, tuition reimbursement, and a state-matched retirement contribution of 156%.

Depending on qualifications, the position may be filled at the Professional Engineer II, Professional Engineer I, or Engineer level. Qualifications for the various levels are listed in the Requirements / Qualifications section below.

Pay range for the Professional Engineer II classification is $41.913 per hour to $61.784 per hour. The pay rate is commensurate with education and/or experience within fiscal constraints, if approved.

Pay range for the Professional Engineer I classification is $36.443 – $53.722 per hour. The pay rate is commensurate with education and/or experience within fiscal constraints, if approved.

Pay rate for the Engineer classification is $31.968 per hour.

Job Duties:

• Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in either Asphalt (Flexible) Pavements or Portland Cement Concrete (PCC) Pavements, providing statewide technical leadership, guidance, and policy recommendations for pavement design, performance evaluation, and materials selection.
• Lead the development, review, and implementation of NDOT pavement design standards, specifications, test procedures, and best practices to ensure consistency, durability, and long‑term performance across the state highway system.
• Provide expert-level technical support to NDOT districts, consultants, construction personnel, and project managers throughout the project lifecycle, including concept development, design, construction, and asset management.
• Oversee and continuously improve quality assurance processes for pavement materials and design‑related testing, ensuring compliance with state and federal requirements, recognizing trends, and proactively identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Supervise and mentor laboratory staff assigned to materials testing for asphalt or PCC, establishing work priorities, ensuring proper equipment utilization, supporting professional development, and maintaining a productive, quality‑focused laboratory environment.
• Review and approve pavement‑related materials test results, mix designs, trial batches, and specialized testing programs; provide recommendations for acceptance, corrective actions, or process improvements.
• Conduct advanced data analysis and engineering evaluations to support pavement design decisions, life‑cycle cost analyses, and the optimization of materials and construction practices.
• Lead or participate in research efforts, pilot projects, and technology evaluations to advance NDOT’s understanding of new materials, innovative pavement strategies, and industry trends.
• Coordinate with internal and external partners, including universities, industry organizations, FHWA, and other state agencies, to ensure NDOT practices reflect the latest engineering knowledge and national best practices.
• Prepare and deliver clear technical reports, design summaries, presentations, training sessions, and guidance documents to support NDOT staff development and strengthen pavement engineering expertise statewide.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within the Materials and Research Division, contributing to strategic planning, resource management, and long‑term program development.
• Utilize advanced engineering and software tools—including Microsoft Office, PathWeb, MicroStation, Mainframe applications, Clarity, Pavement Management System, OnBase, ProjectWise, and AASHTOWare Pavement ME Design to support pavement design, analysis, and decision‑making.
• Respond to inquiries and provide technical guidance on pavement materials and construction related matters from personnel outside the Materials and Research Division, such as districts, consultants, and industry partners.
• Meet with project teams and stakeholders to review project‑specific details, discuss design considerations, and develop pavement solutions appropriate for site conditions and project scope.
• Evaluate existing materials performance trends, and construction practices to identify opportunities for improving durability, efficiency, and life‑cycle performance.
• Apply the Standard Specifications for Highway Construction to incorporate project‑specific materials requirements, construction methods, measurement criteria, and payment provisions related to asphalt or PCC pavement items.
• Prepare cost estimates, material quantities, and life‑cycle cost evaluations to support the selection of appropriate pavement strategies.
• Develop and refine specifications, special provisions, and technical requirements for pavement designs and rehabilitation approaches.
• Perform benefit/cost analyses and life‑cycle cost analyses to support engineering decisions and optimize material and pavement selection.
• Provide expert assistance to field personnel and industry representatives on pavement construction, recycling techniques, mix design considerations, and materials‑related issues.
• Oversee and monitor laboratory testing for materials used in pavement design, ensuring data quality, resolving inconsistencies, guiding test program development, and supporting NDOT’s quality assurance program.
• Coordinate with laboratory supervisors and staff to maintain high standards of testing accuracy, efficiency, and adherence to NDOT and AASHTO protocols.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the mission of the Materials and Research Division and the overall quality and performance of Nebraska’s roadway system.

Requirements / Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

Professional Engineer II: Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline and one year of experience performing professional level engineering assignments. Must possess a Professional Engineer (P.E.) license at the time of application and be licensed by the Nebraska Board of Engineers and Architects at time of employment or be able to obtain such license within 90 days of employment.

Professional Engineer I: Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline. Must possess a Professional Engineer (P.E.) license at the time of application and be licensed by the Nebraska Board of Engineers and Architects at time of employment or be able to obtain such license within 90 days of employment.

Engineer: Bachelor’s degree in an Engineering discipline. Must obtain Engineer Intern Enrollment (Engineering in Training Certification) within one year of employment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience applying NDOT Standard Specifications for Highway Construction, NDOT Materials Sampling Guides, and NDOT test methods in pavement design, materials selection, or construction oversight.
• Working knowledge of pavement and materials standards used by NDOT, including asphalt mix design processes, PCC mix proportioning, and acceptance/quality assurance procedures for Nebraska roadway projects.
• Experience evaluating materials performance and pavement distress using NDOT’s existing pavement management tools, laboratory testing protocols, and field verification practices.

Other:

• If filling at the Engineer level, degrees must be from an EAC/ABET‑accredited program (or evaluated by NCEES as equivalent).
• Typically less than 12 nights per year of overnight travel is required.
• A valid driver’s license or the ability to provide independent authorized transportation is required.
• Regular and reliable attendance is also required.