Pavement Engineer

The work we do matters!

Hiring Agency:

Transportation - Agency 27

Location:

Lincoln NE

Hiring Rate:

$41.913

Job Posting:

JR2026- Pavement Engineer (Open)

Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed job is posted as open until closed):

Job Description:

The Nebraska Department of Transportations Materials and Research Division is seeking a motivated forwardthinking engineer to help shape the future of pavement engineering across our state. This role offers a unique opportunity to develop into one of NDOTs next Subject Matter Experts within either the Flexible Pavements or PCC Pavement Sections. We are looking for a detailoriented productive decisionmaker who thrives in a collaborative missiondriven 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 lifecycle cost analyses and the optimization of materials and construction practices.
• Lead or participate in research efforts pilot projects and technology evaluations to advance NDOTs 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 longterm program development.
• Utilize advanced engineering and software toolsincluding 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 lifecycle 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 lifecycle 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 lifecycle 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 materialsrelated issues.
• Oversee and monitor laboratory testing for materials used in pavement design ensuring data quality resolving inconsistencies guiding test program development and supporting NDOTs 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 Nebraskas roadway system.

If unable to fill at the Professional Engineer II level will consider applicants at the Professional Engineer I level. If unable to fill at the Professional Engineer I level will consider applicants at the Engineer level.

Requirements / Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

Professional Engineer II: Bachelors 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: Bachelors 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: Bachelors 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 NDOTs 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 drivers license or the ability to provide independent authorized transportation is required.
• Regular and reliable attendance is also required.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Strong written communication skills with the ability to convey technical concepts clearly to a wide range of audiences.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with team members districts consultants and project stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problemsolving skills with the ability to collaborate effectively on complex engineering challenges.
• Ability to work independently manage multiple assignments and exercise sound engineering judgment with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain a positive professional attitude while working in a dynamic missionfocused environment.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail to ensure accuracy and quality in pavement design documentation and technical communication.

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The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity inclusion and belonging. We recruit hire train and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race color religion sex. age national origin disability marital status or genetics.