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Transport Engineer Career Pathway

Transport Engineers plan and develop transport systems, managing projects and working with clients to oversee the design of transport projects. Transport Engineering focus on transport means for both people and freight. They design, test and improve systems and structures used to move people, cars, trains, aeroplanes and ships. They also plan future travel needs of city and country areas as populations increase and needs change. 

 

What does a Principal Highway Engineer do?

Transport Engineers coordinate and prepare designs and documentation for civil infrastructure projects as well as ensuring the company and client deadlines are met. They prepare cost estimates, tender submissions, technical documents and reports (for clients and projects). Senior transport engineers will have extensive experience in pavement, road and highway engineering as well as experience in AutoCAD and 12D. Some tasks transport engineers look after include: Assessing present and future travel flow patterns taking into account population increases and needs changes; They design the physical aspects of transportation systems such as highways, railroads, urban transit, air transportation, logistical supply systems and their terminals. 

It is incredibly important for any engineer, including transport engineers, to be working in line with relevant state and national engineering regulations.

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A man and woman collaborate on a laptop in a factory setting, focused on their work amidst industrial surroundings.

Career outlook at a glance

36

Median age of the Australian Transport Engineers (in years)

4,900

Transport Engineers workforce in Australia

19%

Female share of Australian Transport Engineers

Where do Transport Engineers work?

Transport Engineers work on-site and in an office, and can spend their time between both, depending on the project. Are you curious about engineering in general? Below is a fantastic video that explains what engineering is (and isn't).

How much do Transport Engineers earn in Australia?

According to Payscale, the average annual salary for a Highway Engineer is $75,600. 1

Payscale. 2024. Transportation Engineer Salary in Australia

 

Transport Engineering Industries

Transport Engineers work in varying industries, with public administration and safety, professional, scientific and technical services, transport and postal and warehousing being the most prevalent. 

Skills & attributes that can help you

Some soft skills needed in a role as a transport engineer include excellent written and verbal communication skills and well as strong technical design skills, generally you will need experience using AutoCAD and/or 12D would be preferred as well as proficiency in SIDRA, CIRCLY and other software, depending on the role and the requirements of the transport project.   

Below is a snapshot of some of these skills needed as an engineer: 

  • Engineering and technology: Use engineering, science and technology to design and produce goods and services.
  • Technical design: Transport engineers need the skills to make detailed technical plans, blueprints, drawings and models.
  • Maths: Transport engineers work with numbers in their jobs, and need to have an advanced level of aptitude in this area.
  • Mechanical: Understand machinery and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
  • Physics: Transport engineers need to possess the knowledge and understanding of the physical laws of matter, motion and energy, and how they interact through space and time.
  • Civil Engineers 
  • Geotechnical Engineers 
  • Quantity Surveyors 
  • Structural Engineers 

 

SCU Online courses

SCU Online has a range of courses designed to help you achieve your career goals. Two options for engineers looking to move into a senior leadership role include: 

Download a course guide

Find more information on our course, including:

  • Fees
  • Entry requirements
  • Units
  • Online platform
  • Current Step 1
  • Step 2
  • Step 3

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