Learn more about Highway Designer II, Kyle Breiman, a highway designer in our King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, office, whose structured daily approach and passion for problem-solving drives his growth in the transportation industry.
Tell us a little about yourself and how you ended up at Dawood.
I’m originally from New York, but Pennsylvania became home after I moved here for college. I attended Drexel University, and during one of their career fairs, I made it a point to stop by Dawood’s booth. My conversations with the team left a strong impression, and it felt like the right place to kickstart my career. Fast forward to Fall 2022, and I had the opportunity to return to that same career fair—this time representing Dawood with my colleague and fellow Drexel alum, Natalia Gorbachevska, EIT. It was great to come full circle, meeting with students who were just as excited about their futures as I was when I first connected with the company.
Describe what a typical day at work looks like for you.
I like to start each day with a clear plan. I review my projects and deadlines, making sure everything is aligned. Once the coordination is taken care of, I dive into the design and review work—this is where I can really focus on the technical aspects and ensure the work is up to Dawood’s standards. Staying organized helps me maintain a steady workflow and efficiently tackle challenges.
Is there a project you’ve worked on that was particularly valuable for your development?
One memorable and valuable experience was working on an emergency repair for a failing bridge along SR 2024. While it wasn’t a large-scale project, it offered me a great learning opportunity. The urgency of the repair meant that our impact needed to be efficient and focused. I was involved in preparing construction plans, erosion and sediment control plans, maintenance and protection of traffic plans, signing and pavement marking plans, and cross-section plans. The project involved repairing a culvert’s structurally deficient wing walls over an unknown tributary to Meshoppen Creek. We had to maintain the existing 22-foot curb-to-curb structure with two eleven-foot travel lanes, matching the roadway’s typical section over the structure and transitioning to the approach roadway. This project helped me sharpen my technical skills and understand the complexities of managing emergency repairs.
What’s your favorite part of working in the transportation industry?
I really appreciate the fact that the work we do directly improves people’s daily lives. We’re not just designing roads and bridges—we’re making sure that the infrastructure people rely on is safe, efficient, and functional. That’s what keeps me motivated.
Why did you choose to pursue engineering?
Engineering felt like a natural fit for me. I’ve always been drawn to math and science—especially physics—and I like the challenge that each project brings. There’s something rewarding about solving problems and then seeing the designs come to life in the real world. That hands-on impact is what makes the field exciting for me.
What are your professional goals?
In the short term, I’m focused on becoming a licensed Professional Engineer and continuing to build my design experience. In the long term, I’d like to transition into a management role, but I also believe in staying open to unexpected opportunities.