Road Design Technologist - HM

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Road Design Technologist - HM

Company: SYSTRA Canada

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Civil Engineering / Transportation Operations

Date Posted: August 11, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

🚀 Role Summary

• Support the preliminary and detailed design of road infrastructure, focusing on projects adjacent to or intersecting with Light Rail Transit (LRT) alignments.

• Execute comprehensive drafting work for civil engineering and roadway geometric design, including intersections and interchanges.

• Conduct roadside safety analysis and contribute to the design of pavement markings, signage, and traffic staging plans.

• Assist in the preparation of essential design and contract documents, including technical specifications and project documentation.

• Provide crucial input to Roads and Drainage, and Staging and Temporary Traffic Technical Working Groups, ensuring alignment and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is situated within a specialized engineering and consulting firm focused on transportation infrastructure. The "HM" likely denotes a specific internal designation, and the role requires a blend of technical design proficiency and collaborative project execution within the context of public transportation projects.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with Design Leads to execute a variety of project-specific tasks, ensuring timely and accurate completion of deliverables.

• Participate actively in the preliminary and detailed design phases for roads, specifically those interacting with LRT alignments, ensuring seamless integration.

• Perform detailed drafting for civil engineering elements and roadway geometric design, encompassing complex intersections and interchanges.

• Conduct thorough roadside safety analyses and contribute to the design of pavement markings, signage plans, and detailed traffic staging for construction phases.

• Assist in the preparation of comprehensive design and contract documents, including technical specifications, project reports, and other required contractual materials.

• Support quantity take-offs to aid in project estimation and budget forecasting, ensuring accuracy and completeness.

• Prepare detailed reports documenting project activities, data, and findings, maintaining clear and organized project records.

• Provide strategic input and actively participate in the Roads and Drainage, and Staging and Temporary Traffic Technical Working Groups, fostering collaborative problem-solving.

• Maintain a progressive, imaginative, and enthusiastic approach to all work, consistently seeking opportunities to add value for the community and SYSTRA's clients.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities emphasize a hands-on technical design role with significant collaboration requirements. The mention of "transit projects" and "LRT alignment" indicates a specialization within the broader civil engineering field, requiring an understanding of public transportation infrastructure integration.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (preferred).

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience in a similar capacity is preferred.

Required Skills:

• Proficient in utilizing Civil 3D for road and civil engineering projects, demonstrating strong technical design capabilities.

• Eligible for Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) registration in Ontario or a Certified Engineering Technician (CET) designation.

• Possesses basic engineering knowledge across multiple disciplines, with the ability to perform monitoring and auditing under the guidance of discipline leads.

• Proven ability to work effectively within multi-disciplinary technical teams, fostering strong and productive working relationships.

• Experience with construction drawings, site work, construction quality control, and reporting.

• Sound judgment, with effective organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, including a demonstrated ability in technical report writing.

• Working knowledge of personal computers and relevant computerized applications for engineering tasks. Preferred Skills:

• Previous experience on transit projects, particularly LRT, would be a significant asset.

• Demonstrated ability to add value through progressive, imaginative, and enthusiastic contributions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications highlight a need for both a strong technical foundation in road design and the professional credentials (P.Eng./CET) required for engineering practice in Ontario. The preference for transit project experience suggests a focus on public infrastructure and the unique challenges associated with integrated transportation systems.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase detailed examples of road design projects, emphasizing preliminary and detailed design phases.

• Include specific case studies demonstrating proficiency in roadway geometric design, including complex intersections and interchanges.

• Present examples of roadside safety analyses and pavement marking/signage design plans.

• Highlight contributions to traffic staging designs for construction, demonstrating an understanding of site logistics and safety.

• Provide evidence of experience in quantity take-offs and assisting with project estimation.

• Document experience in preparing technical specifications and other contract documents. Process Documentation:

• Illustrate your process for contributing to the design and preparation of technical specifications and contract documents.

• Detail your approach to conducting roadside safety analyses and designing traffic staging plans for construction.

• Showcase your workflow for utilizing Civil 3D in road and civil projects, from initial concept to detailed design.

• Demonstrate your method for collaborating within multi-disciplinary teams and effectively communicating technical information.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, the portfolio should clearly demonstrate technical proficiency in Civil 3D and a practical understanding of the entire road design lifecycle, from initial concept to construction documentation. Emphasis on safety, traffic management, and collaboration will be key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Road Design Technologist with 5-10 years of experience in Toronto, Ontario, the estimated annual salary range is CAD $75,000 - $105,000. This estimate considers the cost of living in Toronto, the specialized nature of transportation infrastructure, and the requirement for professional engineering or technician certification.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.

• Pension plan or retirement savings options.

• Professional development opportunities, including support for continued education and certifications.

• Paid time off, including vacation days, sick leave, and statutory holidays.

• Opportunities for involvement in significant, high-profile transportation infrastructure projects.

• Potential for flexible work arrangements, including remote work options.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week. While the role is listed as remote-friendly, specific on-site requirements for project meetings or site visits may apply, with potential flexibility for managing work hours around project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on research of similar engineering and technologist roles in the Greater Toronto Area, considering the experience level and specialized skill set (Civil 3D, P.Eng./CET eligibility). Benefits are standard for professional roles in Canada but may include specific perks related to consulting engineering firms.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: SYSTRA Canada operates within the Transportation and Infrastructure sector, specializing in engineering and consulting for public transport solutions. They are a global leader in transport infrastructure design, with a strong focus on railway and road projects.

Company Size: SYSTRA is a large, international group with a significant presence in Canada. This implies a robust organizational structure, established processes, and access to a wide range of expertise and resources.

Founded: The SYSTRA group has a long history, founded in 1957. SYSTRA Canada is its Canadian arm, leveraging global expertise for local projects. This long-standing presence suggests stability, deep industry knowledge, and a commitment to long-term development.

Team Structure:

• The Road Design Technologist reports to a "Road Design Lead," indicating a clear reporting hierarchy within a specialized design team.

• The team likely comprises other engineers, technologists, and drafters focused on civil and road design, working collaboratively on large-scale transportation projects.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, as evidenced by the involvement in "Roads and Drainage" and "Staging and Temporary Traffic" Technical Working Groups, requiring interaction with specialists in these areas. Methodology:

• SYSTRA's approach emphasizes offering comprehensive transportation solutions, from feasibility studies to detailed design and potentially operational support.

• The company likely employs rigorous project management methodologies, adhering to industry standards for safety, quality, and efficiency in engineering design.

• A focus on data-driven decision-making and the use of advanced design software (like Civil 3D) are inherent to their operations.

Company Website: https://www.systra.com/ and https://www.systracanada.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's global reach and specialization in transportation infrastructure suggest a culture that values technical expertise, innovation, and collaborative problem-solving. The emphasis on adding value for clients and the community points towards a mission-driven environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level Technologist, requiring 5+ years of experience and the potential for professional certification (P.Eng. or CET). It's a hands-on technical role with opportunities to contribute significantly to project design.

Reporting Structure: The Technologist reports to a Road Design Lead, indicating a clear line of supervision and mentorship. This structure allows for guidance on complex tasks and career development.

Operations Impact: The Road Design Technologist plays a crucial role in the successful execution of transportation infrastructure projects. Their work directly impacts project timelines, budgets, safety, and the overall functionality of the road network, especially in integration with public transit systems.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of road design, such as geometric design, traffic staging, or roadside safety, potentially leading to senior technologist or specialist roles.

• Professional Certification: Obtain P.Eng. or CET designation, opening doors to more senior engineering roles, project leadership, and increased responsibility.

• Project Management: Develop skills in project coordination and management, potentially transitioning into roles focused on managing specific design packages or smaller projects.

• Cross-functional Advancement: Gain exposure to other areas of transportation engineering through working groups and project involvement, broadening career options within SYSTRA.

• Mentorship: Progress to mentoring junior technologists and drafters, sharing knowledge and guiding their development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Road Design Technologist at SYSTRA is likely tied to gaining practical experience, pursuing professional accreditation, and demonstrating proficiency in key design software and methodologies. Growth can be vertical (seniority) or horizontal (specialization/cross-functional exposure).

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The job description mentions "Remote OK" but also lists a specific office address in Toronto. This suggests a hybrid work model is likely, with the potential for significant remote work but also requiring occasional presence at the Toronto office for team meetings, client consultations, or site visits.

Office Location(s): Suite 1800, 145 King Street West, Toronto, ON M5H1J8. This is a central downtown Toronto location, accessible via public transit.

Workspace Context:

• The environment is expected to be collaborative, with regular interaction with the Road Design Lead and other members of the technical team.

• Access to industry-standard design software (Civil 3D) and potentially other specialized engineering tools will be provided.

• The nature of infrastructure projects means there might be opportunities for site visits to observe construction progress and verify design implementation.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is typical for full-time roles. The "Remote OK" status indicates some flexibility, allowing for potential adjustments to work hours to accommodate project demands or personal needs, within the framework of delivering on time and to specification.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the work environment, combining remote flexibility with office-based collaboration and potential site visits, is common in engineering consulting. Candidates should be prepared for a dynamic work setting that balances individual focused work with team-based problem-solving.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter will likely review applications and resumes, focusing on experience, qualifications, and alignment with the role's requirements (e.g., Civil 3D proficiency, P.Eng./CET eligibility).

• Technical Interview: Expect an interview with the Road Design Lead or other senior engineers. This will likely involve discussing past projects in detail, assessing technical knowledge of road design principles, Civil 3D capabilities, and problem-solving approaches. Be prepared to walk through portfolio examples.

• Skills Assessment/Case Study: A practical exercise or case study may be presented, requiring you to demonstrate your design approach, problem-solving skills, or ability to interpret technical drawings and specifications. This could involve a hypothetical design challenge related to LRT integration or traffic staging.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: An opportunity to meet other team members and assess cultural alignment. Questions may focus on collaboration style, communication, and how you handle challenges within a team environment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Organize by Project Type: Group projects by complexity or type (e.g., geometric design, safety analysis, traffic staging).

• Highlight Civil 3D Proficiency: Showcase specific examples where Civil 3D was used effectively to produce design drawings, models, or calculations.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, quantify the results of your work (e.g., efficiency gains in design, cost savings in estimation, safety improvements).

• Detail Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions to each project, especially when working in a team.

• Prepare to Discuss: Be ready to verbally walk through 2-3 key projects, explaining the challenges, your approach, the tools used, and the outcomes.

Challenge Preparation:

• Review Civil 3D Fundamentals: Brush up on core functionalities for road design, terrain modeling, and alignment creation.

• Understand LRT Integration: Familiarize yourself with common challenges and design considerations when roads intersect with light rail transit lines.

• Practice Traffic Staging: Be prepared to discuss methodologies for planning safe and efficient traffic diversions during construction.

• Develop Problem-Solving Scenarios: Think about past engineering challenges you've faced and how you resolved them using analytical and problem-solving skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for an engineering technologist role will heavily emphasize practical skills and experience. A well-curated portfolio that clearly demonstrates proficiency in Civil 3D and understanding of road design principles, particularly in the context of transit infrastructure, will be crucial for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Civil 3D: Essential for 2D drafting, 3D modeling, corridor design, grading, and generating quantity take-offs for road and civil projects.

• AutoCAD: Fundamental for 2D drafting and design, often used in conjunction with Civil 3D.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Including Word for technical reports, Excel for data analysis and quantity calculations, and PowerPoint for presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly stated, tools for data analysis and reporting may be used for traffic studies, quantity calculations, and project documentation. This could include advanced Excel functions or specialized reporting software. CRM & Automation:

• SYSTRA's internal project management and document control systems will be used for managing project data, workflows, and communication. Experience with document management systems is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Civil 3D is a non-negotiable requirement for this role. Familiarity with other CAD software and standard office productivity tools is also expected. The company's internal systems for project management and collaboration will be key to daily operations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Technical Excellence: A commitment to high-quality engineering design and problem-solving, driven by a deep understanding of civil engineering principles.

• Collaboration: Emphasis on teamwork, open communication, and mutual support within multi-disciplinary teams to achieve project goals.

• Innovation & Value Addition: Encouraging progressive, imaginative, and enthusiastic approaches to design and problem-solving to deliver optimal solutions for clients and the community.

• Safety & Quality: A strong focus on ensuring the safety and integrity of infrastructure designs, adhering to rigorous quality control standards.

• Client Focus: Dedication to understanding and meeting client needs, delivering effective transportation solutions.

Collaboration Style:

• SYSTRA fosters a collaborative environment where engineers and technologists work together, sharing expertise and supporting each other's tasks.

• Active participation in technical working groups is expected, requiring effective communication and the ability to contribute constructively to discussions.

• The culture likely encourages proactive problem-solving and a willingness to assist colleagues across different disciplines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's emphasis on "progressive, imaginative, and enthusiastic" work suggests a culture that values initiative and creative problem-solving within a structured engineering framework. Collaboration is paramount, especially given the complex, multi-disciplinary nature of transportation projects.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• LRT Integration Complexity: Designing road infrastructure that seamlessly integrates with existing or new LRT alignments requires careful consideration of traffic flow, safety, and operational constraints.

• Multi-disciplinary Coordination: Effectively communicating and coordinating design elements with specialists in drainage, traffic staging, and other disciplines can be challenging but is critical for project success.

• Technical Problem-Solving: Addressing unique design challenges that arise during preliminary and detailed design phases, requiring innovative solutions within project constraints.

• Adapting to Evolving Standards: Keeping abreast of updated engineering standards, software capabilities, and best practices in road design and transportation engineering.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Civil 3D Training: Opportunities to enhance skills in advanced Civil 3D functionalities, potentially including BIM workflows.

• Specialized Road Design Courses: Access to training in specific areas like highway capacity analysis, traffic simulation, or advanced pavement design.

• Project Management Fundamentals: Exposure to project management principles through assisting senior leads, which can pave the way for future project management roles.

• Mentorship Programs: Learning from experienced Road Design Leads and senior engineers within SYSTRA's global network.

• Industry Conferences: Potential to attend industry events and conferences to stay updated on the latest trends and network with professionals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges inherent in this role are typical of complex infrastructure projects, requiring strong technical skills and effective collaboration. SYSTRA's structured environment and global presence offer robust opportunities for professional development and career advancement in specialized areas of transportation engineering.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex road design challenge you faced, particularly one involving integration with public transit, and how you used Civil 3D to develop a solution." (Focus on problem-solving, technical skills, and collaboration).

• "How do you ensure accuracy and efficiency when preparing quantity take-offs and technical specifications for road projects?" (Assess process orientation and attention to detail).

• "Walk me through your process for conducting a roadside safety analysis or designing a traffic staging plan for a construction project." (Evaluate practical application of core responsibilities). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about SYSTRA's work in transportation infrastructure, specifically LRT projects?" (Demonstrate research and genuine interest).

• "How do you approach collaboration within a multi-disciplinary engineering team?" (Highlight teamwork and communication skills).

• "Describe a time you had to add value or be progressive in your approach to a design task." (Showcase initiative and innovation). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select 2-3 Strong Examples: Choose projects that best showcase your Civil 3D skills, geometric design capabilities, and experience with traffic staging or safety analysis.

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly explain the problem, your role and approach, the tools used (especially Civil 3D features), the solution, and the outcome/impact.

• Highlight Technical Details: Be prepared to discuss specific design decisions, calculations, and how you leveraged Civil 3D functionalities to achieve them.

• Emphasize Collaboration: If applicable, discuss how you collaborated with other team members or disciplines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviews will likely probe for practical experience with Civil 3D and a solid understanding of road design principles, especially in the context of urban infrastructure and public transit. A well-prepared portfolio and clear explanations of your contributions will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Road Design Technologist position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the SYSTRA careers portal.

• Customize Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your experience with Civil 3D, road design, geometric design, traffic staging, and any experience with transit projects. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your skills and experience. Be ready to discuss them in detail, focusing on your role, the technical challenges, and how you utilized design software and methodologies.

• Research SYSTRA: Familiarize yourself with SYSTRA's projects in Canada and globally, particularly their work on transportation infrastructure and public transit. Understand their company values and mission.

• Practice Interview Questions: Prepare answers for common technical and behavioral questions, focusing on your experience with road design, Civil 3D, and collaborative teamwork.

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