Transportation Engineer

HDR; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR Transportation Engineer position in Des Moines, IA. The role focuses on highway/roadway design within HDR’s Transportation Business Group, using local and AASHTO standards.

You’ll contribute to project management for mid-sized projects and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to deliver high-quality outcomes. Required: a Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, a PE license, and 3+ years in roadway design; proficiency with Bentley/Autodesk CAD tools is preferred; strong communication and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in civil engineering.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• 3+ years of roadway engineering design experience.
• Hands-on experience with Highways and Roads CAD software like Bentley ConceptStation, Open Roads Designer, InfraWorks, and Civil 3D.
• MS Office knowledge and strong communication skills.
• Experience in urban and rural interchanges, traffic management and transportation planning.
• Commitment to active participation in our employee-owned culture.

Responsibilities

• Prepare or oversee roadway/highway design work using local/AASHTO standards.
• Develop horizontal/vertical alignment, intersections, drainage, and right-of-way plans.
• Use 3D modeling software to develop and review designs.
• Assist with project scopes, budgets, schedules, and client communications.
• Coordinate with sub-consultants and mentor junior engineers.

Skills

Strong communication

Organizational skills

Urban and rural interchange design

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

Tools

Bentley ConceptStation

OpenRoads Designer

Autodesk InfraWorks

Civil 3D

Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we work to weave diversity, equity, and inclusion into our work and foster a sense of belonging throughout the company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?

Watch Our Story:' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story'

Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.

We believe transportation is more than movement, it’s the foundation of connected, thriving communities. As part of HDR’s Transportation Business Group, you’ll help shape the systems that move people and goods safely, efficiently, and sustainably. From designing resilient highways and iconic bridges to advancing transit, passenger and freight rail, aviation, federal transportation ports and marine infrastructure, your work will directly support economic vitality, public safety, sustainable and resilient communities and quality of life. We bring together planners, engineers, architects, construction management staff, environmental, strategic communications, economists, management consultants and specialists across disciplines to solve complex mobility challenges with innovation, technical excellence, and a deep understanding of community needs. Whether you're modernizing aging infrastructure or pioneering next-generation transportation solutions, your contributions will help define the future of mobility. This isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to lead progress, drive meaningful impact, and leave a legacy of smarter, more connected transportation networks. We are all employee-owners at HDR, which is the foundation of our collaborative culture that connects employees around the world.

Primary Responsibilities

As a Transportation Engineer, you will work as a key member of a highway/roadway design team for moderate to large sized projects, and work independently on smaller projects. This role includes assisting on project management for larger projects or manage of moderate to smaller projects. Typical tasks would include preparation or overseeing of the following roadway/highway design work using local or AASHTO standards: Horizontal and vertical alignment, Roadway sections, Intersection layout and sight distance determination, Interchange layout, roadway drainage incl.(Hydraulic Reports), and Right of Way plans. Using 3D modeling software to aid in developing and reviewing designs. Along with design, you may also be responsible for preparing and overseeing the following elements of the contract plans, specifications and estimates: Roadway Sections, Alignment/Right of Way Plans, Temporary Erosion Control Plans, Site Preparation Plans, Roadway Profiles, Drainage Plans and Profiles, Utility Plans, Paving, Pavement Marking Plans, Signing Plans, Traffic Control Plans. Finally, you may assist preparing scopes, budgets and schedules including day to day communication (verbal and written) with the client, support and advise junior engineers and technical staff, write reports and technical memos, coordinate with sub-consultants and keep the project on schedule and within budget.

Preferred Qualifications

• A minimum of 3 years experience in all aspects of roadway engineering design

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree
• Previous experience in all aspects of roadway engineering design
• Professional Engineer (PE) license
• Hands-on experience with Highways and Roads CAD engineeringsoftware such as Bentley ConceptStation and Open Roads Designer and/orAutodesk Infraworks and Civil3d
• MS Office knowledge
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Experience should include urban and rural highway interchanges, intersection design, traffic management, transportation planning, site planning, preparation of concept alignments, geometrical layout and CAD base alignment plans
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe

HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment

As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

Primary Location: United States-Iowa-Des Moines Other Locations: United States-Iowa-Cedar Rapids, United States-Iowa-Davenport Industry: Highway + Road Schedule: Full-time Employee Status: Regular BusinessClass: Highways Job Posting: Jul 22, 2026

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an Affiantive Action and Equal Opportunity Employer (https://www.hdrinc.com/equal-employment-opportunity-employer). We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.