Jobs › STV

Senior Highway Design Task Lead

STV · Chicago, IL · $146,678–$167,632 a year · Full time

Posted Sep 9, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about the most complex highway design project you led. What were the key technical challenges?

What they are checking: Whether they have truly led complex highway delivery, not only contributed to it.

Tell me about a junior engineer or CAD technician you helped grow.

What they are checking: Whether they invest in mentoring, which is part of this role.

How do you explain a technical tradeoff to a client who is not an engineer?

What they are checking: Whether they can act as a trusted technical expert who communicates clearly.

Describe a time you suggested an innovative design solution that saved cost or time.

What they are checking: Whether they bring ideas that improve projects, not just follow precedent.

What would you do

Two projects have deadlines in the same week and your team is stretched. How do you decide what to do?

What they are checking: Whether they can balance deadlines without letting quality slip, which the posting calls out.

A project manager wants to cut design hours to save budget, but you think it risks quality. How do you handle that?

What they are checking: Whether they can support budget goals while protecting technical integrity.

About the work

How do you stay current on IDOT and Illinois Tollway design standards, and how do you share updates with your team?

What they are checking: Whether they keep the team's work aligned with changing local standards, which the posting stresses.

How do you coordinate roadway, structural, drainage and traffic design so conflicts are caught early?

What they are checking: Whether they can integrate disciplines and prevent costly late conflicts.

Walk me through your quality control process before a plan submittal goes to the client.

What they are checking: Whether they have a disciplined QC process across multiple concurrent projects.

When would you seek a design exception, and how do you justify it?

What they are checking: Whether they understand design criteria deeply enough to know when and how to deviate safely.

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The full job description

As published by STV.

Senior Highway Design Task Lead — Chicago, IL Shape the future of transportation with STV. STV’s Chicago Transportation Group is growing, and we’re looking for a Senior Highway Design Task Lead who’s ready to take ownership of major projects, guide talented engineers, and serve as a trusted technical expert. If you thrive in a collaborative environment where your ideas matter and your leadership drives real community impact, this role is for you. What You’ll Do • Lead the delivery of complex highway and roadway design projects , ensuring technical excellence while meeting client expectations, budgets, and schedules. • Act as a key technical authority , advising internal teams on design standards, best practices, and innovative solutions. • Coordinate seamlessly with multidisciplinary teams to integrate roadway, structural, drainage, and traffic design components. • Oversee technical execution across multiple concurrent projects, maintaining accountability and quality control. • Support project managers with planning, budgeting, client communication, and strategic decision‑making. • Mentor and develop junior engineers and CAD staff , fostering a culture of growth and continuous improvement. • Manage tight deadlines with confidence , balancing priorities without compromising quality. • Stay ahead of evolving IDOT/Tollway standards , ensuring designs reflect the latest guidelines and industry advancements. What We’re Looking For • BS in Civil Engineering • Illinois Professional Engineer (PE) license • 10+ years of highway design experience , including strong familiarity with IDOT/Tollway standards • Proficiency in MicroStation , Geopak , InRoads , or OpenRoads Designer • A proactive leader who communicates clearly, solves problems creatively, and elevates the work of those around them Why Build Your Career at STV? At STV, you’re not just joining a firm — you’re joining a community of people who care deeply about the work they do and the impact it has. Career Growth & Flexibility We don’t believe in rigid ladders. We believe in personalized career paths , mentorship, and opportunities that evolve with your goals. You’ll work on high‑profile, meaningful projects that challenge and inspire you. Purpose‑Driven Projects Our work strengthens communities — making transportation systems safer, cleaner, and more resilient. From major infrastructure improvements to transformative mobility initiatives, your designs will have a lasting impact. Employee‑Centered Benefits We invest in your success with: • Full reimbursement for professional licenses (100% after passing) • Educational assistance for continued learning • A supportive culture that values balance, well‑being, and long‑term growth If you want to lead impactful projects, mentor the next generation of engineers, and help shape the future of transportation in Illinois, STV is the place to do it. Compensation Range: $146,678.11 - $167,632.13 STV offers the following benefits • Health insurance, including an option with a Health Savings Account • Dental insurance • Vision insurance • Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare, Dependent Care and Transit and Parking where applicable) • Disability insurance • Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment • 401(k) Plan • Retirement Counseling • Employee Assistance Program • Paid Time Off • Paid Holidays • Back-Up Dependent Care • Parental Leave • Continuing Education Program • Professional Licensure and Society Memberships STV is committed to paying all of its employees in a fair, equitable, and transparent manner. The listed pay range is STV’s good-faith salary estimate for this position. Please note that the final salary offered for this position may be outside of this published range based on many factors, including but not limited to geography, education, experience, and/or certifications. Not sure this role is the perfect match? We encourage you to apply if STV’s work and values resonate with you. We know great candidates don’t always meet every qualification, and research shows women and people of color are less likely to apply unless they do. At STV, we believe strong talent comes from a wide range of backgrounds, and your skills and experience may align with this or another opportunity as we continue to grow.

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