In a highway career spanning 40 years, Rubin made his most prominent mark as executive officer of the Mackinac Bridge Authority from its creation in 1950 until his retirement in 1983. He figured importantly in the financing and construction of the $100 million bridge and then supervised its operation and maintenance for 26 years. From 1954 to 1960, he also served as secretary-treasurer of the International Bridge Authority, helping with the legislation and financing for the bridge connecting the Sault Ste. Maries of Michigan and Ontario. As executive director of the Michigan Good Roads Federation (1947-1952), he worked closely with the state's leading good-roads advocates to develop a landmark highway needs study that led to passage of Act 51 of 1951, Michigan's basic highway law.