You are viewing a preview of this job. Log in or register to view more details about this job.

Highway Research Engineer

Federal Highway Administration
Email

Are you passionate about the intersection of cutting-edge technology and highway transportation? Do you want to play a pivotal role in the future of automated vehicles, digital infrastructure, and artificial intelligence? Then this role may be for you!

Don't Delay - Start Your Career Today with FHWA!

The Office of Research, Development, and Technology is hiring a Highway Research Engineer (GS-0801-13/14 - from $121,785 to $187,093 annually) at the Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center in McLean, Virginia. Apply today by visiting https://www.usajobs.gov/job/866367400 (open to U.S. Citizens, Nationals, or those who owe allegiance to the USA, as well as Career Transition: CTAP, ICTAP, or RPL Federal employees). This job announcement closes on 05/14/2026 (but submit your application as soon as possible to receive the best consideration).

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) provides stewardship over the construction, maintenance and preservation of the Nation's highways, bridges, and tunnels. FHWA also conducts research and provides technical assistance to state and local agencies to improve safety, mobility, and to encourage innovation.

===

FHWA's Office of Research, Development, and Technology (RD&T) is at the Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center (TFHRC). RD&T...

  • Leads a nationally coordinated highway research and technology program to enable improved safety, durability, resilience, and operational performance of the Nation's highway system
  • Champions the advancement of highway innovation in support of strategic goals and objectives
  • Provides expert technical assistance on matters of national importance

TFHRC is a Federally owned and operated national research facility in McLean (Virginia). The center houses 15 laboratories, support facilities, and data sets. It conducts applied and exploratory advanced research in vehicle-highway interaction, and a host of other types of transportation research in:

  • Safety
  • Pavements
  • Highway structures and bridges
  • Human-centered systems
  • Operations and intelligent transportation systems
  • Materials

The laboratories at the center provide a vital resource for advancing the body of knowledge that has been created and developed by our researchers.

---

This position serves as a "Communications Engineer" on the "Safety Design and Operations Team," specializing in highway engineering research related to wireless technologies for "Connected Vehicles" and the application of communications to support the safe operation of emerging technologies such as automated vehicles, digital infrastructure, and artificial intelligence.

As a Highway Research Engineer, you will:

  • Execute complex studies on wireless technologies and systems to advance Connected Vehicle safety, highway operations, and implementation of emerging technologies.
  • Manage staff research and external contracts focusing on solving engineering problems through advanced technology integration.
  • Work closely with other FHWA offices, DOT operating administrations, and state/local highway personnel to coordinate and obtain input on planned, ongoing, or completed research.

This role is exciting because you won't just be working on standard engineering projects. Instead, you will be at the forefront of the transportation revolution. This position focuses on the research and implementation of wireless technologies critical to the safety and operation of Connected and Automated vehicles. You will tackle real-world challenges involving radiofrequency spectrum, cybersecurity, and advanced digital infrastructure. All of your work helps ensure our nation's roadways are ready for the technology of tomorrow!

---

The ideal candidate for this position is a competent and productive researcher (or a recognized research leader at the GS-14 level) capable of conceiving, formulating, and conducting complex research studies in the field of general engineering.

Additionally, the ideal candidate possesses advanced professional knowledge of general engineering, specializing in the theories, principles, practices, and techniques for using radiofrequencies (wireless) technologies and systems to enable the Connected Vehicles component of the safety and operations research program.

===

Please also share with others who may be interested!