What does a Transportation Engineer do?

Railway, bus, highway, and airport systems are intricate infrastructures that require considerable planning and development. A person who designs these systems is known as a transportation engineer. Transportation engineers may work for a variety of sectors, including consulting firms, private businesses, universities, and government agencies.

Depending on his or her specialty, a transportation engineer may be responsible for specific tasks in one concentration only. People who study railroad systems may work only on rail services, while those who concentrate in traffic engineering exclusively may develop new roads and design traffic patterns. A transportation civil engineer who works in the general field may perform all of these tasks, as well as others.

Supervision of transportation construction and repair may be a task covered by transportation engineer jobs. Another duty may be to assist in teaching researchers or other teachers at the university level. Solving problems, such as creating alternative routes to congested traffic areas, is another specialty of the transportation civil engineer.

During road construction, engineers must make sure design plans and highway department standards are fully met. They also must be flexible, adapting to changes in plans when necessary and devising new strategies. They are responsible for calculating project costs, land availability, and local needs when planning a new transportation system. Constructing detailed proposals, following careful planning, and coordination is another job task of the transportation engineer.

Inspection following a completed project is usually a requirement of transportation engineer jobs. Engineers must ascertain whether or not completed subway, train, bus, road, and other systems are safe for drivers and passengers. Other job titles an engineer may carry include designer of transportation systems, construction supervisor, and project engineer.

Work conditions vary depending on the company and specific position. Engineers may work exclusively in an office setting, though usually they will be required to work at construction sites as well. An engineer should expect to work in all kinds of weather conditions. A forty-hour work week is typical, though overtime is often necessary.

To become a transport engineer, a bachelor's degree in civil engineering is typically required. A strong foundation in science, math, and computer systems is advisable. Other courses that can be helpful include communications, English, social sciences, political science, and business administration classes. Transportation engineers usually continue their education throughout their careers through various conferences, seminars, and conventions.

A transportation engineer can expect to have a considerable income on average. Engineers who obtain higher degrees can expect to make more money. Employment outlook for this position is considered good, as transport engineering is something that most societies require. As systems become more sustainable and technologically advances, more innovative transportation engineers are needed to help areas cope with change.