Highway Engineer

What does a highways engineer do?

As a highways engineer you will be responsible for planning, designing, and supervising projects that keep road networks working efficiently. 

The job role of a highways engineer may involve the following duties: 

• Designing local road schemes and maintaining the road network, including structures such as bridges
• Working with other professionals to build and maintain roads
• Finding new solutions to transport problems
• Planning for highway maintenance and improvement projects 
• Ensuring roads are kept clear and open in winter
• Planning and supervising new projects
• Preparing tender and contract documents
• Managing construction teams and adhering to health and safety guidelines
• Undertaking risk assessments
• Dealing with stakeholders including clients, transport specialists and members of the public
• Undertaking new road scheme designs to the highest appropriate technical standards
• Assisting with the preparation of design resource estimates 
• Estimating construction costs
• Ensuring that projects are delivered on time and within budget.

How to become a highways engineer

There are several routes to becoming a highways engineer. You could complete a university degree or college course, an apprenticeship, or apply to an employer directly. 

You should explore these routes to find out which is the right one for you. Although some of these options have certain qualification requirements, many employers are more interested in people who are enthusiastic, willing to learn and can follow instructions.

You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.

University

To become a highways engineer you could study for an undergraduate degree at university. Relevant subjects include:

• Civil engineering
• Structural engineering
• Environmental engineering.

You’ll usually need 2 - 3 A levels, or equivalent.

• Equivalent entry requirements explained
• Find a university course
• Funding advice

College/training provider

You could study at a college to help you become a trainee highways engineer. Relevant courses include: 

• Level 4 Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Civil Engineering
• Level 5 Higher National Diploma (HND) in Construction and the Built Environment.

You’ll usually need 1 - 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a HNC or HND.

• Equivalent entry requirements explained
• Find a course near you
• Funding advice 

Apprenticeship

You could complete a degree apprenticeship in civil engineering and then specialise to become a highways engineer

An apprenticeship with an engineering company is a good way into the industry.

Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you’ll be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and a college or training provider.

• Guide to apprenticeships

Work

If you have experience as a highways maintenance technician or highways maintenance operative, you could apply directly to a specialist civil engineering company, or local authority, to gain onsite experience as a trainee highways engineer. You might start out as an assistant to a more experienced highways engineer and progress as your abilities improve.

Work experience

Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the construction industry. You could gain this at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works as a highways engineer. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.

• Find out more about work experience

Skills

Additional skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as a highways engineer include: 

• Knowledge of engineering science, maths and technology
• Knowledge of building and construction
• Design skills 
• Excellent verbal communication skills
• Analytical thinking skills.

How much could you earn as a highways engineer?

The expected salary for a highways engineer varies as you become more experienced.

 • Newly trained highways engineers can start at £25,000

 • Trained with experience highways engineers can earn up to £70,000*

Salaries depend on location, employer, level of responsibility, any overtime you may do, and whether you have completed an industry recognised training route. 

* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources