Transportation Engineering: The Many Paths to a Career as a Roadway Designer

"How do you become a transportation engineer?" People I meet frequently ask this question when they learn I design roadways. "What, exactly, is involved in being a transportation engineer?" This follow-up question is inevitable and prompts my response that a transportation engineer designs and plans transportation systems that efficiently and safely move people and goods from one location to another. It's a vast field with many areas of specialization, of which my specialty is roadway design.

Roadway designers develop plans for roads, highways, and other transportation structures that are safe, accessible, and efficient. We design and plan roads, highways, and bridges. It's a field of engineering with plenty of opportunities for those in school and even those already in the workforce.

The roadway designers I work with at Guernsey have followed varied paths that brought them to our team, from the more traditional career paths that start at a university to the less conventional route that begins in the workforce. Either way, those entering the field choose, there are continued opportunities for motivated engineers in roadway design.

The Traditional Career Path

Starting a career as a roadway designer necessitates acquiring the essential education and training. Typically, a bachelor's degree in civil or transportation engineering is required to secure an entry-level position in this field. The coursework covers various areas, such as transportation planning, highway design, and traffic engineering.

A solid educational foundation is crucial in transportation engineering, with a preference for a master's degree in civil engineering, specializing in transportation engineering. While some positions may only require a bachelor's degree, classes in traffic operations, geometric design, and transportation planning provide a solid basis for a career in roadway design. Additionally, coursework in related subjects like materials science and construction management can offer valuable insights and knowledge applicable to the field.

Obtaining a Professional Engineering (PE) license is advisable to enhance career opportunities and earning potential. "To become licensed, engineers must complete a four-year college degree, work under a Professional Engineer for at least four years, pass two intensive competency exams and earn a license from the OK State Licensure Board," per the Oklahoma Society of Professional Engineer's website.

The Non-Traditional Career Path

A non-traditional path to becoming a transportation engineer and roadway designer may involve a combination of unconventional experiences, self-directed learning, and unique skill development. This path may include on-the-job training, educational diversification, networking and mentorship, certifications and specialized training, project portfolio development, continued learning and adaptation, and a gradual transition into the traditional engineering role.

Gradual transition to a traditional engineering role might be challenging, but securing positions that blend planning and engineering responsibilities is an excellent first step. These roles include data analysis, traffic flow optimization, or sustainability initiatives within the transportation sector.

On-the-job training provides an opportunity to gain practical experience through entry-level positions in municipal planning and transportation departments or transportation engineering firms like Guernsey.

Educational diversification through online courses and workshops in civil engineering fundamentals will introduce you to basic concepts. Additional online classes that would prove helpful include mathematics, physics, and basic engineering principles. Self-paced courses on CAD (Computer-Aided Design) and GIS applications provide practical skills.

Networking and mentorship via industry conferences and online forums and connecting with transportation engineers to serve as mentors will provide insights into the practical aspects of roadway design.

Certifications and specialized training are tangible proof of a person's abilities, compensating for the lack of a traditional engineering degree. Relevant certifications in CAD software, GIS applications, and other tools commonly used in transportation engineering would be appropriate.

Project portfolio development using available resources and software, develop a portfolio showcasing design skills, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of transportation planning. This portfolio becomes a key asset when applying for positions in the field.

Continued learning and adaptation to stay up-to-date on industry trends by attending workshops and pursuing advanced certifications demonstrates a commitment to continued education that is important for all transportation engineers. To advance your career and maximize earning potential, you should enroll in a part-time degree program in transportation engineering.

Job Responsibilities

Upon securing a position as a roadway designer, a primary focus is on developing comprehensive roadway plans, considering safety, traffic flow, environmental impacts, and cost-effectiveness in the design and planning of roads and highways.

Addressing issues in existing roadways is integral to a roadway designer's role, emphasizing enhancements in efficiency, safety, and accessibility while adhering to local and state regulations. This responsibility requires expertise in evaluating traffic flow, road construction materials, and the surrounding environment.

Collaboration is a cornerstone of roadway design, involving close coordination with professionals such as environmental engineers, geotechnical engineers, environmental scientists, and transportation planners. Through collaborative efforts, designers can apply collective expertise to create comprehensive plans that are both feasible and high-quality.

Technological advancements have significantly streamlined the road design process. Roadway designers now utilize software and computer-aided drafting tools for virtual plan creation and editing. Proficiency in these advanced tools and staying up-to-date with software and drafting tool advancements is essential. Familiarity with different software enables designers to enhance productivity and incorporate innovative technologies into the design process.

Daily, roadway designers design, analyze, and test various transportation systems. Duties range from surveying and measuring roadways to creating detailed plans, checking regulatory compliance, evaluating traffic patterns, and conducting simulations and testing. Designers may also draft proposals and communicate with government agencies to ensure safe and efficient traffic flow within the community.

Success as a roadway designer demands excellent communication and analytical skills, attention to detail, and strong organizational abilities. Familiarity with computer-aided software programs like AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and traffic design software is crucial for creating plans and simulations. Additionally, experience in using GIS (Geographic Information Systems) can be advantageous in analyzing and developing plans for transportation systems.

Job Prospects

Roadway design is a growing field, and job prospects remain strong. Government agencies and private firms offer entry-level positions for roadway designers. Federal agencies like the Federal Highway Administration and state departments of transportation all require roadway designers. Private engineering firms also hire roadway designers for project-based work. Successful designers with experience and additional education can move to higher-level management positions like traffic engineer or transportation consultant.

Designing safe and efficient transportation systems is essential for communities to thrive. Transportation engineering provides a unique opportunity to impact the safety of drivers and pedestrians alike. Developing a specialized appreciation for the field and investing in a solid education provides the foundation to become a successful roadway designer. Whether working for government agencies or private firms, with career paths that continue to evolve, transportation engineers can find fulfillment and growth in a career that seeks to create safer, more efficient roadways.

Pursuing a career as a roadway designer is dynamic and rewarding within transportation engineering. The clear path involves obtaining the necessary education, honing technological skillsets, and embracing the exciting challenges of designing roads and highways. Roadway designers contribute significantly to the safety and efficiency of transportation systems, playing a vital role in societal development. Passionate individuals with an eye for creating safer, more efficient roadways will find fulfillment and growth in this ever-evolving field of transportation engineering.