Civil Engineering Technician - Highway Design

As a Civil Engineering Technician - Highway Design at TKDA, your main duties will involve supporting the design and development of various transportation projects, including highways and interchanges. You'll collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team to create design plans and geometric layouts, ensuring compliance with prevalent engineering standards. Engaging in project meetings, you'll interact regularly with both technical team members and clients, which makes strong communication skills vital. This role will also include utilizing your knowledge of CAD software for drafting and plan development.

To qualify for the Civil Engineering Technician - Highway Design role at TKDA, candidates should possess an Associate’s Degree or certification in Civil Engineering Technology or a related field. While 0-3 years of experience in CAD design is required, relevant internships or formal training may also be accepted. Familiarity with software tools like AutoCAD, Civil 3D, or MicroStation is essential, alongside strong interpersonal and communication skills. Having previous coursework focused on roadway design will be considered a plus.

TKDA provides a hybrid work environment for their Civil Engineering Technicians, allowing you to work in-office four days a week as you get acclimated, then transitioning to a flexible 3/2 model—three days in-office and two remote. This balance fosters both productivity and professional development, ensuring that you can thrive in a collaborative atmosphere while enjoying the benefits of remote work.

The salary for a Civil Engineering Technician - Highway Design at TKDA typically ranges from $55,000 to $65,000 per year, depending on your experience level and qualifications. Additionally, TKDA offers an array of benefits including annual bonuses, health insurance plans, and a robust 401(k) match, all contributing to a competitive total compensation package that reflects your expertise and dedication.

As a Civil Engineering Technician - Highway Design at TKDA, you can expect comprehensive benefits that include medical, dental, vision, and life insurance from your very first day. You'll also be eligible for discretionary bonuses through our Annual Incentive Plan, and you'll benefit from employer contributions to HSA-eligible plans. With a well-structured 401(k) match and an employee stock ownership plan, you’re not just an employee; you’re a part-owner in our success!

When answering this question, highlight your familiarity with CAD software such as AutoCAD or Civil 3D. Discuss specific projects where you've used these tools, focusing on your contributions and the skills you developed, like drafting techniques and plan development. Be sure to emphasize how this experience aligns with what TKDA is looking for in their Civil Engineering Technicians.

To respond effectively, think about various challenges such as traffic flow, safety standards, and environmental regulations. Share a specific example from your studies or previous projects where you tackled a complex issue, illustrating your problem-solving abilities. This shows that you understand the intricacies of highway design and are prepared for potential challenges on the job.

Explain your process for task management, such as using project management tools, setting deadlines, and communicating effectively with team members. Share a personal anecdote demonstrating your organizational skills and adaptability when juggling responsibilities, underscoring how this approach would benefit you as a Civil Engineering Technician at TKDA.

Discuss approaches like regular check-ins, collaborative tools, and open feedback loops that foster a cohesive team atmosphere. Sharing an instance where your communication made a positive impact on a project results speaks volumes about your interpersonal skills, which are crucial for the position at TKDA.

Describe a specific project you participated in, focusing on your role and the design techniques you applied. Highlight how you incorporated feedback from professionals and clients while adhering to standards. Structuring your response with the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) will help you convey your experience accurately.

Talk about your commitment to continuous learning through professional development opportunities, online courses, or industry associations. Mention any blogs, webinars, or conferences focused on highway design that you've attended, demonstrating your proactive approach to staying up-to-date.

Be specific about your training or hands-on experience with developing quantity take-offs and deliverables. Share details about a particular project where you successfully executed these tasks and how they contributed to the overall project success, showcasing your technical competence in this area.

Research TKDA’s values, projects, and company culture, and relate them to your aspirations and career goals. Emphasizing TKDA’s employee ownership model and collaborative environment reinforces your alignment with their mission and your enthusiasm for contributing to their team.

Discuss your positive attitude towards feedback by sharing experiences where constructive criticism led to your professional growth. Highlight how you welcome feedback as part of your journey and how it could enhance your contributions as a Civil Engineering Technician at TKDA.

Highlight your ability to listen actively, consider different perspectives, and communicate openly to address disagreements. Share an example of a time you successfully navigated a team conflict, focusing on methods you employed to reach a consensus that benefited the project and strengthened team dynamics.