Welcome to my Portfolio

Hi, I'm Soliyana👋

I'm a |
Get in Touch Download CV
Scroll
01

About Me

I'm a dedicated Graduate Civil Engineer currently working at the City of Philadelphia Streets Department, where I focus on designing and improving transportation infrastructure that enhances urban mobility and public safety.

My journey in civil engineering began at Debre Markos University in Ethiopia, where I earned my BSc in Civil Engineering with a focus on Construction Technology. During my academic years, I developed a strong foundation in structural analysis, transportation engineering, and sustainable design principles.

I'm driven by the opportunity to create infrastructure that positively impacts communities and stands the test of time. Every project is an opportunity to build something meaningful.

3.75
GPA
2+
Major Projects
7+
Software Tools
02

Work Experience

2023 — Present

Graduate Civil Engineer

City of Philadelphia

Streets Department • Philadelphia, PA

Key Responsibilities

  • Design and improve transportation infrastructure to enhance urban mobility and public safety
  • Conduct traffic flow analysis and develop signal timing optimization plans
  • Perform site inspections and ensure compliance with engineering standards
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams on infrastructure improvement projects
  • Prepare technical documentation and engineering reports
03

Education

2013 — 2017

BSc. Civil Engineering

Debre Markos University

Debre Markos, Ethiopia

3.75 GPA
Grade Point Average
Dean's List

Key Achievements & Recognition

Academic Excellence

Dean's List recognition throughout academic career

Structural Design

Excellence in structural analysis and design courses

Technical Proficiency

Advanced CAD and modeling skills certification

Sustainable Design

Focus on sustainable and resilient infrastructure

04

Featured Projects

01

Debre Markos Traffic Signal Design

Designed a comprehensive traffic signal system from scratch for a busy four-way intersection in Debre Markos, Ethiopia. The project included traffic flow analysis, signal timing optimization, and safety enhancements that significantly improved intersection functionality, reduced congestion, and decreased accident rates.

Traffic Engineering Safety Design Urban Infrastructure
2016 — 2017
02

University Foundation Footing Project

Designed and implemented foundation footings as part of an academic capstone project at Debre Markos University. Conducted comprehensive soil testing, performed geotechnical analysis, and developed detailed structural designs based on soil bearing capacity. Received faculty recognition for technical excellence.

Geotechnical Engineering Soil Testing Structural Design
2016 — 2017
05

Skills & Expertise

◇

Technical Skills

  • Structural Analysis & Design
  • Transportation Engineering
  • Geotechnical Engineering
  • Water Resources Management
  • Urban Infrastructure Planning
  • Traffic Signal Design
◆

Software Proficiency

  • AutoCAD Civil 3D
  • Revit
  • SAP 2000
  • VISSIM & Synchro
  • HEC-RAS
  • GIS Software
□

Field Experience

  • Construction Site Inspection
  • Material Testing & QC
  • Surveying & Site Layout
  • Traffic Data Collection
  • Environmental Compliance
  • Safety Protocols
○

Project Management

  • Project Planning & Scheduling
  • Budget Development
  • Resource Allocation
  • Risk Assessment
  • Contract Administration
  • Stakeholder Communication
△

Analytical Skills

  • Structural Calculations
  • Traffic Flow Analysis
  • Hydrologic Modeling
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis
  • Environmental Assessment
  • Data Interpretation
▽

Specialized Knowledge

  • Building Codes & Standards
  • Sustainable Design
  • Construction Materials
  • Soil Mechanics
  • Urban Planning Principles
  • Regulatory Compliance
06

Certifications

✦

Engineer In Training (EIT)

NCEES — National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying
In Progress

The EIT credential is earned by passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, the first milestone toward Professional Engineer (PE) licensure. It validates mastery of core engineering principles including structural analysis, transportation, geotechnical engineering, and mathematics — essential for practicing civil engineers in municipal infrastructure roles.

FE Exam PE Pathway State Licensure Infrastructure
◆

Professional Engineer (PE)

NCEES — National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying
In Progress

The Professional Engineer (PE) license is the highest standard of competence for the engineering profession. It authorizes engineers to sign and seal project plans, take responsible charge of public infrastructure projects, and offer services directly to the public. Requires passing the PE Civil exam and meeting state-specific education and experience requirements.

PE Civil Exam Licensure Public Safety Project Authority
07

Get in Touch

Let's Build
Something Great

I'm always open to discussing new opportunities, collaborations, or just having a conversation about civil engineering and infrastructure projects.

✉
Email gurarasoliyana@gmail.com
◎
Location Philadelphia, PA
×

SOLIYANA GURARA

CIVIL ENGINEER

gurarasoliyana@gmail.com  |  linkedin.com/in/soliyana-gurara  |  github.com/soliyanagurara

WORK EXPERIENCE

Graduate Civil Engineer
City of Philadelphia – Street Department | July 2023 - Present
  • Develop engineering drafting skills and create design plans for proposed transportation infrastructure
  • Participate in review of consultant design plans, contract specifications, and construction estimates
  • Perform engineering calculations and review of industry standards
  • Create contract specifications and detailed construction cost estimates
  • Make field visits to review proposed street, intersection, and transportation infrastructure locations
Customer Experience Specialist
Danta | June 2022 – June 2023
  • Provided exceptional customer service and experience
  • Managed passenger check-in, boarding passes, and immigration documentation
  • Ensured safety procedures and company regulations compliance
Senior Engineer
Defense Construction Enterprise | June 2017 – January 2022
  • Responsible for material testing and inspection
  • Highly skilled in reading and interpreting complex plans and specifications
  • Proficient in writing construction project reports and maintaining quantity books
  • Experienced in all phases of construction inspection and quality control
  • Utilized Microsoft Project to prepare schedules

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering
Debre Markos University | 2019 - 2023

TECHNICAL SKILLS

Engineering Software

AutoCAD, Civil 3D, MicroStation, SAP2000

Project Management

Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Construction Management, Quality Control

Print / Save as PDF