Senior Transportation Engineer

Valdes Architecture & Engineering; Illinois; On-site; USD 100,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

Valdes Architecture & Engineering, located in Illinois, is seeking a Senior Highway Engineer to lead planning and design of highway projects, focusing on IDOT and local agencies. The ideal candidate will have 5+ years of experience, strong technical expertise, and skills in mentoring junior engineers.

Responsibilities include coordinating design and deliverables, client engagement, and business development efforts. The salary range for this position is $100,000 to $175,000 annually, based on various factors including experience and qualifications.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive experience in highway and roadway planning and design.
• Deep knowledge of IDOT and FHWA standards and processes.
• Exceptional interpersonal and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, design, and delivery of roadway projects.
• Prepare and review engineering deliverables compliant with standards.
• Mentor junior engineers and participate in project reviews.

Skills

Roadway geometry

Drainage

Traffic control

MOT

Collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or related field

Licensed PE in Illinois

Indiana PE preferred

Tools

Civil 3D

OpenRoads Designer

Geopak

AutoTURN

Job description

Valdes is seeking a Senior Highway Engineer to lead the planning and design of highway and roadway projects, with a primary focus on Illinois-based IDOT and county projects, as well as a future vision for expanding into Midwest markets. The ideal candidate will bring strong technical expertise in roadway geometry, drainage, traffic, and MOT, and will be a key player in growing the firm's IDOT prequalification categories and supporting regional market capture, including Indiana DOT opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, design, and delivery of IDOT and local agency roadway projects, including horizontal/vertical alignments, cross sections, geometrics, drainage, pavement design, and traffic signal modernization
• Prepare and review Phase I and II engineering deliverables, including design reports, plan sets, cost estimates, and specifications in compliance with IDOT, FHWA, AASHTO, and MUTCD standards
• Develop traffic control and staging plans, MOT, and complete streets elements, incorporating ADA and context-sensitive design
• Coordinate with internal teams (survey, structures, construction, MEP, GIS) and external subconsultants to deliver fully integrated solutions
• Mentor junior engineers and participate in internal QA/QC and project reviews
• Assist in developing and submitting documentation to expand IDOT and INDOT prequalifications, including resumes, project data, and technical narratives
• Serve as a client-facing representative, attending meetings and maintaining strong communication with IDOT, Tollway, and municipal stakeholders
• Use software tools including Civil 3D, OpenRoads Designer, Geopak, AutoTURN, HCS/Synchro, and support integration of emerging technologies (e.g., drone surveys, GIS)
• Support strategic business development efforts and assist in teaming, pursuit decisions, and proposal development
• Participate in professional organizations (ASCE, ITE, ACEC, etc.) and represent Valdes at industry events and conferences

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or related field
• Licensed PE in Illinois (required)
• Indiana PE preferred, or willingness to obtain within 12 months
• 5+ years of progressive experience in highway and roadway planning and design
• Deep knowledge of IDOT and FHWA standards and processes
• Proficiency with relevant design software (Civil 3D, OpenRoads, etc.)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and collaborate across departments.
• Experience with INDOT, Tollway, or municipal DOT projects
• Familiarity with IDOT BDE, BLRS, and Phase I/II documentation requirements
• Experience in traffic studies, permitting, or environmental documentation
• Involvement in professional associations and industry networking
• Must possess exceptional interpersonal and organizational skills
• Must be able to work in the US without sponsorship now or in the future

$100,000 - $175,000 a year

Salaries for all positions are based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to relevant experience, total years of experience in the industry, education, skills, and qualifications. Compensation may vary depending on the candidate's individual background and expertise. Salaries are subject to fluctuation outside of the given range. The indicated range is not a commitment and is meant as a guideline. All compensation, exempt or non-exempt status, and benefits will be discussed during the interview process.