Highway Designer

What is the role?

The Highway Designer is responsible for supporting the planning, design, and delivery of highway infrastructure projects within the Civil Division. This role contributes to the preparation of technical design deliverables, coordination with project teams and stakeholders, and application of transportation engineering principles and design standards to support the successful completion of projects. The Highway Designer works collaboratively with engineers, designers, and project managers while continuing to develop technical expertise in highway design and project delivery.

Why join LEA?

LEA is an employee-owned engineering consulting firm with a 72‑year history. We provide multidisciplinary engineering services across Transportation, Civil, Structures, Construction Administration, Electrical and Infrastructure Systems, and Environmental Management.

In the Civil Division at LEA, we specialize in the preliminary and detailed design of civil infrastructure, including land development, transit, municipal infrastructure, drainage and hydrology, water resources, highways, and provincial roads. Our expertise has contributed to numerous landmark projects across these sectors.

At LEA, we are committed to producing high-quality, client-focused engineering solutions while supporting the professional growth and self-realization of our people. As an employee-owned company, every team member contributes directly to LEA’s continued success and growth.

We’re confident that by joining LEA, you can discover and realize your full career potential because LEA:

• Has been recognized as a Greater Toronto Top Employer and Canada’s Top Employer for Young People for 2025 & 2026, highlighting our commitment to fostering an outstanding workplace culture and supporting the next generation of professionals.
• Recruits high-performing, motivated individuals who strive to achieve the highest level of technical excellence and quality.
• Is an Employee-owned company, and almost half of our employees are shareholders.
• Offers a competitive total rewards package of salary, substantial bonuses, benefits and other perks.
• Is continuously involved in many exciting and challenging projects throughout Ontario and around the world.
• Allows for a collaborative hybrid work environment with flexible hours to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
• Cultivates team companionship and collaboration, offering a variety of social events aimed at fostering relationships across the company, including sports leagues, game nights, special events, and volunteer/charitable opportunities.
• Is an organization that is committed to achieving our Environmental, Social & Governance objectives through our various committees.
• Prioritizes mentorship, training, and rotational assignments for knowledge advancement and career growth.
• Has an entrepreneurial spirit as an employee-owned company, with continuous growth and expansion, taking part in meaningful projects.

In this role, your duties and responsibilities will include:

Design and Technical Work

• Supporting the detailed design of highway infrastructure projects in accordance with TAC and MTO manuals, design standards, guidelines, and project requirements.
• Preparing and developing highway design deliverables, including geometric design, alignments, staging, pavement markings, signage, roadside safety, and constructability considerations.
• Applying transportation engineering principles and design standards to support the successful delivery of highway projects.
• Preparing quantity takeoffs and supporting the development of cost estimates and technical documentation.
• Reviewing design drawings and ensuring compliance with applicable standards and project requirements.

Project Coordination & Delivery

• Collaborating with Project Engineers, Designers, and Project Managers on design coordination, project scheduling, and day-to-day project activities.
• Contributing to the preparation of project specifications and other technical project deliverables.
• Developing an understanding of project delivery processes, design coordination, and project management practices through mentorship and involvement in project activities.
• Assisting with the preparation of proposals, fee estimates, and other project pursuit activities as required.

Field Reviews & Investigations

• Conducting field reviews and site investigations to collect information and document existing highway conditions.
• Preparing field review notes, reports, and supporting documentation to assist with design development and project delivery.

Quality & Safety

• Following quality control and assurance practices to ensure design deliverables meet project requirements and applicable standards.
• Actively participating in maintaining a safe and healthy work environment by following company policies, procedures, and applicable regulations.

Professional Development

• Participating in training sessions, seminars, workshops, and professional associations to stay current with transportation engineering practices, design standards, software, and technology.
• Supporting other assignments within the Civil Division to broaden technical knowledge and understanding of highway design and project delivery.

The qualifications you need:

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Transportation Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Engineering internship, co-op placement, or professional experience related to highway design; experience with MTO highway projects is considered an asset.
• Strong understanding of transportation engineering principles and applicable design guidelines, including TAC, MTO, OPSD, and AODA requirements.
• Knowledge of highway design fundamentals, including geometric design, alignments, grading, staging, utilities, roadside safety, pavement markings, signage, quantity takeoffs, and constructability considerations.
• Experience using industry-relevant design software such as AutoCAD, MicroStation, Civil 3D, and/or OpenRoads/InRoads.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage priorities, meet deadlines, and support multiple project activities.
• Strong attention to detail with demonstrated analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team environment while also working independently with appropriate guidance.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

Total Rewards at LEA

At LEA, we offer a total rewards package designed to support your financial well-being, health, and work-life balance, along with unique opportunities for shareholding and long-term share value growth.

• Annual Salary Range: $65,000 – $75,000
• Discretionary Profit Sharing: LEA offers opportunities to receive a bonus payment from the profit-sharing program.
• Shareholding: Unique opportunity to become a shareholder in the firm, have a voice in governance, and benefit from long-term share value growth.
• Group Health Benefits: Comprehensive coverage including prescription drugs, dental, vision, STD, LTD, life insurance, critical illness, wellness account, travel coverage, and virtual health services.
• Retirement & Savings Plans: RRSP with employer matching and TFSA options for tax-free growth.
• Personal Days: 7 days of flexible paid time off that can be used as needed, including for personal matters or vacation.
• Hybrid & Flexible Work Model: LEA operates in a hybrid environment with flex hours to ensure flexibility, safety, and well-being. Periodic attendance at our Markham/Toronto office is expected for in-person learning and collaboration.
• Social Club: LEA has a unique, employee-co-funded social club with an annual budget of approximately $50,000 to host social events and activities that bring employees together. Many events welcome guests, with the social club covering part or all of the guest costs.

Type of Position:

Full-Time Permanent

The work arrangement:

LEA operates in a hybrid environment to ensure flexibility, safety, and the well-being of everyone. Periodic attendance at our Markham office is expected to facilitate in-person learning of new tasks with experienced senior staff.

LEA's Commitment to Inclusive Hiring and Equal Opportunity:

LEA Consulting Ltd. is proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer, with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) embedded in all strategic planning and operational activities. As part of our commitment to fair representation and equitable access to opportunities, we encourage applications from underrepresented groups, including Indigenous peoples, LGBTQ2S+ individuals, newcomers, neurodiverse individuals, persons with disabilities, racial and ethnic minorities, refugees, veterans, and women.

We evaluate all qualified candidates based on their skills and experiences, without regard to factors such as age, colour, conviction for an offence for which a pardon has been granted, disability, family status, gender identity or expression, genetic characteristics, marital/family status, national origin, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or any other status protected under the Canadian Human Rights Act.

Accessibility:

LEA is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible experience for all candidates. If you require accommodations during any stage of the recruitment or interview process, please contact People@LEA.ca. We remain committed to ensuring that accommodations are available and supported throughout employment.

AI Disclosure:

We do not use Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to screen, assess, or select applicants at any stage of the hiring process for this position.

Vacancy Status:

This position is an existing vacancy.

Apply and stay connected with LEA:

We appreciate your interest in joining LEA! If this role aligns with your experience, we would love to hear from you. While we’ll only be reaching out to candidates selected for an interview, we encourage you to apply again when a suitable opportunity arises. Stay connected with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.