Highway Design Technologist

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Highway Design Technologist

Company: Stantec

Location: Stoney Creek, Ontario, Canada

Job Type: Full time

Category: Engineering - Transportation / Civil Operations

Date Posted: August 18, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on the technical execution of highway and roadway design projects, involving detailed CAD work and the application of engineering principles for infrastructure development.

• The position demands proficiency in specialized design software and adherence to industry standards for geometric design, drainage, and safety.

• Key responsibilities include the preparation of contract drawings, quantity calculations, and cost estimations to support project delivery.

• This role is crucial for translating conceptual designs into constructible plans for provincial and municipal transportation infrastructure.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job title "Highway Design Technologist" and the description of responsibilities strongly indicate this is a role within Civil Engineering Operations, specifically focused on the design and technical aspects of transportation infrastructure projects. The emphasis on CAD, geometric design, and contract documentation aligns with operational execution rather than strategic planning or pure engineering analysis.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop detailed highway and roadway geometric designs, including alignments, profiles, typical cross-sections, and grading plans using CAD software.

• Execute roadside safety designs and roadway drainage designs in accordance with relevant standards and best practices.

• Perform accurate quantity calculations for earthworks, materials, and other project components.

• Generate cost estimates for proposed designs, contributing to project budgeting and feasibility assessments.

• Prepare comprehensive contract drawings and documentation required for tender and construction phases.

• Assist in the preparation and compilation of deliverable documentation, including field reports, technical summaries, data sheets, and graphical representations.

• Collect, organize, and manage field data, including notes and photographs, ensuring proper project data integrity.

• Document all project activities meticulously and maintain accurate data entry for project tracking and reporting.

• Consistently apply prescribed technical procedures, safe work practices, and approved work plans during all phases of field, laboratory, and office work.

• Utilize computer-aided drafting (CAD) applications and related engineering software for design and documentation tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities listed are directly tied to the operational execution of design projects. The phrasing "Developing alignments, profiles, typical cross-sections, and grading cross-sections" and "Preparing contract drawings and documents" are clear indicators of hands-on design work within an engineering operations context.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Technical school diploma or certificate in Civil or Transportation Engineering Technology.

• Eligibility for registration with the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT). Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in highway and roadway design.

• Demonstrated experience in the planning and design of major provincial highways, interchanges, and local municipal roads in Ontario. Required Skills:

• Proficiency in computer-aided design (CAD) software, including:

  • AutoCAD
  • Civil 3D
  • MicroStation

• Experience with Bentley OpenRoads software.

• Strong understanding of the TAC Geometric Design Guide for Canadian Roadways.

• Proven ability in developing alignments, profiles, cross-sections, and grading designs.

• Expertise in roadside safety design principles and practices.

• Competency in roadway drainage design.

• Demonstrated skill in quantity calculations and cost estimating for transportation projects.

• Experience in preparing contract drawings and tender documentation.

• Ability to collect and manage field data effectively.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

• Strong written and verbal communication skills. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Class Environmental Assessments (Class EA) processes.

• Familiarity with Ministry of Transportation Ontario (MTO) standards and procedures.

• Experience in preparing technical reports, field reports, and data summaries.

• Knowledge of project management principles related to design execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on specific CAD software (AutoCAD, Civil 3D, MicroStation, OpenRoads) and industry standards (TAC Geometric Design Guide) points towards a highly technical and operational role. The requirement for OACETT registration further solidifies its position within the engineering technology and operations domain. The 5-10 years of experience, as inferred, suggests a mid-level technologist capable of independent work and project contribution.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 distinct highway or roadway design projects that demonstrate your technical proficiency.

• Include examples of detailed geometric design deliverables, such as alignment plans, profile sheets, and cross-section drawings.

• Present examples of drainage design calculations and schematic drawings.

• Demonstrate your ability to produce clear and comprehensive contract drawings suitable for tender.

• Highlight projects where you were responsible for quantity take-offs and cost estimation contributions. Process Documentation:

• Provide evidence of your systematic approach to design tasks, including workflow diagrams or descriptions of your design process.

• Showcase how you ensure accuracy and adherence to standards in your design work.

• Include examples of how you manage and document project data, particularly field data collection and CAD file management.

• Illustrate your contribution to technical report writing and the compilation of project documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Technologist role, the portfolio is crucial for demonstrating practical application of skills. The emphasis is on tangible outputs (drawings, calculations) and the processes used to achieve them, aligning with operational execution and quality control.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $89,200 - $129,300 CAD per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Generous paid time off (PTO) and holidays.

• Retirement savings plan with company matching contributions.

• Professional development opportunities, including training and conference attendance.

• Employee assistance program (EAP) for confidential support.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses.

• Hybrid work model offering flexibility. Working Hours:

• Standard 40-hour work week.

• Potential for overtime as project demands require.

• Flexible scheduling within the hybrid work arrangement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range of $89,200 - $129,300 CAD for a Highway Design Technologist with 5-10 years of experience in the Stoney Creek, Ontario area is considered competitive and aligns with industry benchmarks for skilled technical professionals in the civil engineering and infrastructure sector. This range reflects the specialized skills and responsibilities associated with this role. The benefit offerings are typical for a large, established engineering consulting firm like Stantec.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering Consulting / Infrastructure Development. Stantec operates within a highly regulated and competitive industry focused on delivering sustainable and resilient infrastructure solutions globally. This context means a strong emphasis on technical excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to rigorous quality and safety standards.

Company Size: Stantec is a large, global firm with thousands of employees worldwide. This size implies a robust organizational structure, access to extensive resources, and a wide array of internal expertise. For operations professionals, this means opportunities for collaboration across diverse teams and geographies, but also a need to navigate established processes and potentially larger project teams.

Founded: Stantec was founded in 1954. This long history indicates stability, a deep understanding of engineering practices, and a proven track record in project delivery. It suggests a company culture that values experience, long-term relationships, and continuous improvement based on decades of operational knowledge.

Team Structure:

• The operations team likely comprises Civil Engineers, Engineering Technologists, CAD Technicians, and Project Coordinators.

• Reporting structure will typically involve a Senior Technologist or Project Engineer overseeing the daily work of Design Technologists, with a Project Manager or Department Lead for broader oversight.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, involving close interaction with environmental specialists, surveyors, traffic engineers, and construction teams. Methodology:

• Data analysis and insights are primarily derived from design parameters, survey data, and client requirements.

• Workflow planning and optimization focus on efficient design production, adherence to project schedules, and cost control.

• Automation and efficiency practices are likely implemented through advanced CAD tools and standardized design processes.

Company Website: https://www.stantec.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Given Stantec's global presence and long history, the company culture is expected to be professional, client-focused, and technically rigorous. For operations roles, this translates to a need for meticulous work, strong process adherence, and effective collaboration within established frameworks.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level Engineering Design Technologist. It requires significant technical proficiency and a solid understanding of design principles and software. Technologists at this level are expected to work with a degree of autonomy on defined tasks, contribute meaningfully to project deliverables, and mentor junior staff.

Reporting Structure: The Highway Design Technologist will typically report to a Senior Highway Design Technologist, a Project Engineer, or a Project Manager. This structure ensures technical guidance and project oversight, facilitating skill development and career progression.

Operations Impact: The Technologist's impact is direct and tangible through the quality and accuracy of design deliverables. Their work forms the foundation for project costing, tender processes, and ultimately, the successful and safe construction of vital transportation infrastructure. Efficient and accurate designs directly contribute to project profitability and client satisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specialized areas like advanced drainage design, complex interchange design, or specific CAD software functionalities.

• Project Leadership: Progression towards Senior Technologist roles, leading design tasks, mentoring junior staff, and taking on greater responsibility for project components.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Potential to gain exposure to other areas of civil engineering or transportation planning through project involvement, broadening skill sets and career options.

• Professional Development: Access to ongoing training, workshops, and support for professional certifications (e.g., OACETT).

📝 Enhancement Note: Stantec, as a large consultancy, typically offers structured career paths. For a Technologist, growth often involves deepening technical specialization, moving into project coordination or leadership roles within design teams, or potentially transitioning into project management with further development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role is based in an office environment, supporting a hybrid work arrangement. The office will provide a professional setting with access to necessary computing resources, collaboration spaces, and technical support.

Office Location(s): The position is available in Stoney Creek, Hamilton, or Windsor, Ontario. These locations are within the Golden Horseshoe and Southwestern Ontario regions, areas with significant ongoing transportation infrastructure development.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be an open-plan office or a dedicated cubicle/office space equipped with high-performance workstations for CAD and design software.

• Collaboration will be facilitated through team meeting rooms, shared digital platforms, and direct interaction with colleagues.

• Access to specialized engineering software licenses and technical documentation is standard.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, with flexibility offered through the hybrid model. This allows for a balance between in-office collaboration and remote work, accommodating personal needs while ensuring project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work arrangement suggests a modern work environment that values work-life balance while maintaining the necessity of in-person collaboration for technical design and team coordination.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and application to assess qualifications against core requirements, focusing on experience with CAD software and highway design projects.

• Technical Interview: This stage will likely involve a discussion with a hiring manager or senior technical staff to delve into your project experience, technical skills, and understanding of design standards. You may be asked to walk through specific projects from your portfolio.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to present and discuss selected projects from your portfolio. Emphasis will be on your role, the design challenges, solutions implemented, and the outcomes. Be prepared to explain your design process and the tools you used.

• Skills Assessment/Challenge (Potential): You might be given a small design problem or asked to interpret a set of design drawings to assess your problem-solving abilities and technical acumen.

• Final Interview: May involve meeting with a Director or Senior Manager to discuss cultural fit, career aspirations, and overall suitability for the team and Stantec.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 projects that best showcase your experience in highway/roadway design, CAD proficiency, and problem-solving capabilities.

• Highlight Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions to each project, especially if you worked in a team.

• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use numbers to illustrate the impact of your work (e.g., "Reduced grading quantities by X% through optimized design," "Completed X number of contract drawings for a $Y million project").

• Showcase Technical Depth: Be ready to explain the design rationale, the software features you leveraged, and how you applied industry standards (e.g., TAC Geometric Design Guide).

• Prepare for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, challenges faced, and how you handled them.

Challenge Preparation:

• Review Fundamentals: Brush up on core concepts of geometric design, road safety, and drainage principles.

• CAD Proficiency: Be ready to demonstrate your ability to navigate and use CAD software efficiently.

• Problem-Solving: Practice breaking down design challenges and articulating your approach methodically.

• Communication: Clearly explain your thought process and design decisions, even if you are working through a hypothetical scenario.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a technologist role, the portfolio review is critical. It's where you visually demonstrate your practical skills and process knowledge. The interview process will likely be geared towards assessing your technical execution capabilities and your ability to work within established engineering workflows.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software:

  • AutoCAD: Essential for general drafting and 2D drawing creation.
  • Civil 3D: Crucial for 3D modeling of terrain, alignments, profiles, and surfaces in civil engineering projects.
  • MicroStation: A widely used CAD platform in the transportation sector, particularly for government projects.
  • Bentley OpenRoads: A comprehensive design solution for roadway design, integrating with MicroStation and Civil 3D workflows.

• Project Management Software: While not explicitly stated, familiarity with project management tools for task tracking and collaboration (e.g., MS Project, Primavera) is often beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Microsoft Excel: Heavily used for quantity calculations, cost estimations, data analysis, and report generation.

• Technical Reporting Tools: Proficiency in generating reports using Word or specialized reporting templates.

CRM & Automation:

• Internal Stantec Systems: Likely use of internal project management and document control systems for workflow and data management.

• Data Management: Standardized methods for organizing and managing CAD files, survey data, and project documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mastery of the specified CAD software (AutoCAD, Civil 3D, MicroStation, OpenRoads) is paramount. These tools are the operational backbone for highway design technologists, enabling the creation and manipulation of complex design models and drawings.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Technical Excellence: A commitment to high-quality, accurate, and well-documented designs that meet or exceed industry standards.

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork, open communication, and knowledge sharing among design technologists, engineers, and project teams.

• Client Focus: Dedication to understanding and meeting client needs, delivering projects on time and within budget, and fostering strong client relationships.

• Innovation & Efficiency: A drive to find more efficient design methods, leverage technology effectively, and contribute to sustainable infrastructure solutions.

• Safety: An unwavering commitment to safe work practices in all aspects of design and potential field interactions.

Collaboration Style:

• Team-Oriented: Expect a collaborative environment where ideas are shared, and designs are reviewed constructively among peers and superiors.

• Process-Driven: Adherence to established Stantec design processes, quality control procedures, and documentation standards is expected.

• Feedback Culture: Openness to receiving and providing constructive feedback on designs and processes to foster continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: Stantec's values are likely deeply ingrained in their operations. For a technologist, demonstrating an ability to work collaboratively, adhere to processes, and maintain a high standard of technical work will be key to fitting into the team culture.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Project Demands: Balancing multiple project deadlines and competing priorities in a fast-paced consulting environment.

• Complex Design Constraints: Navigating challenging site conditions, existing infrastructure, and stakeholder requirements to develop optimal designs.

• Adapting to Evolving Technology: Staying current with new software versions, design tools, and emerging technologies in the transportation sector.

• Ensuring Design Accuracy: Maintaining meticulous attention to detail to prevent errors in drawings and calculations that could impact construction costs or safety.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Access to internal and external training on advanced CAD techniques, specific design software modules, and new industry standards.

• Mentorship Programs: Opportunities to learn from experienced Senior Technologists and Engineers, gaining insights into complex design challenges and career development.

• Industry Conferences & Seminars: Participation in relevant industry events to stay abreast of best practices, new technologies, and networking opportunities.

• Career Path Development: Structured pathways for advancement from Technologist to Senior Technologist, Project Coordinator, or even into project management roles with further development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges will revolve around the operational demands of a busy consulting firm: managing workload, ensuring accuracy under pressure, and staying technically proficient. Growth opportunities are tied to deepening technical expertise and moving into roles with greater responsibility and leadership.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex highway alignment you designed and the challenges you overcame." (Focus on your process, software use, and problem-solving.)

• "How do you ensure accuracy in your quantity calculations and cost estimates?" (Highlight your methodology, checks, and balances.)

• "Walk me through your process for preparing contract drawings for a roadway project." (Detail your steps from design finalization to drawing production.)

• "How do you stay updated on the latest versions of CAD software and industry design standards like the TAC Geometric Design Guide?" (Show your commitment to continuous learning.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Stantec and this specific role?" (Research Stantec's projects, values, and reputation in transportation engineering.)

• "How do you handle constructive criticism on your design work?" (Emphasize your openness to feedback and continuous improvement.)

• "Describe a time you collaborated with a team of engineers and other disciplines on a project. What was your role?" (Focus on communication, teamwork, and your contribution.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with an Overview: Briefly introduce each project, its scope, and your primary responsibilities.

• Deep Dive into Key Aspects: For each project, spend time on specific design elements, challenges, and solutions, showcasing your technical skills and problem-solving approach.

• Demonstrate Software Proficiency: Be ready to explain how you used specific CAD tools to achieve design outcomes.

• Quantify Impact: Clearly present any measurable results or contributions you made.

• Be Concise and Engaging: Practice your presentation to ensure it flows well and stays within the allotted time.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating practical, hands-on design skills, a strong understanding of industry standards, and the ability to work effectively within a team and corporate structure. Quantifying achievements and clearly articulating your process will be critical.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Stantec careers portal via the provided link.

• Tailor your resume: Highlight specific highway and roadway design experience, CAD software proficiency (AutoCAD, Civil 3D, MicroStation, OpenRoads), and familiarity with TAC Geometric Design Guide and OACETT registration eligibility. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare your portfolio: Curate 3-5 strong examples of relevant projects, focusing on your individual contributions, design challenges, and technical solutions. Be ready to articulate your design process and software utilization.

• Practice your interview responses: Prepare to discuss your project experience, technical skills, and how you handle collaboration and challenges, using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) where applicable.

• Research Stantec: Understand the company's mission, values, and recent transportation projects to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural fit.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

---