Job brief
We are seeking a detail-oriented Transportation Engineer to join our infrastructure design team and lead high-impact mobility projects. In this role, you will be responsible for creating innovative traffic solutions that shape how our cities move, from highway geometry to pedestrian-friendly intersection upgrades. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams of civil engineers, urban planners, and environmental consultants to deliver resilient transportation networks. If you are passionate about data-driven design and want to solve complex urban mobility challenges, we invite you to join our mission.
Key highlights
- Design and analyze roadway geometry, intersection configurations, and traffic control plans using AutoCAD Civil 3D and MicroStation software.
- Perform traffic impact analysis and capacity studies to assess the potential effects of proposed land development on existing transit infrastructure.
- Develop and calibrate microsimulation models in PTV VISSIM to simulate traffic flow patterns and identify potential bottlenecks before construction begins.
- Ensure all design deliverables and project plans strictly adhere to AASHTO guidelines, MUTCD standards, and local state department of transportation requirements.
What is a Transportation Engineer?
A Transportation Engineer is a specialized civil engineer focused on the planning, design, and operational management of complex transit networks and infrastructure systems. By applying traffic flow theory, geometric design principles, and ITS (Intelligent Transportation Systems) technologies, a Transportation Engineer ensures the safe and efficient movement of people and goods. Their work is essential for urban development, as they model future travel demand, optimize signal timing, and enhance multi-modal connectivity to reduce congestion and improve community mobility.
What does a Transportation Engineer do?
On a typical day, a Transportation Engineer conducts traffic impact studies using modeling software like VISSIM or Synchro to forecast road usage and intersection performance. They coordinate with municipal planners and civil contractors to review site plans, prepare technical designs for roadway alignments, and ensure compliance with AASHTO and MUTCD safety standards. Additionally, they analyze crash data to recommend traffic calming measures, manage signal timing programs, and present technical findings to regulatory boards and public stakeholders to secure project approvals.
Key responsibilities
- Design and analyze roadway geometry, intersection configurations, and traffic control plans using AutoCAD Civil 3D and MicroStation software.
- Perform traffic impact analysis and capacity studies to assess the potential effects of proposed land development on existing transit infrastructure.
- Develop and calibrate microsimulation models in PTV VISSIM to simulate traffic flow patterns and identify potential bottlenecks before construction begins.
- Ensure all design deliverables and project plans strictly adhere to AASHTO guidelines, MUTCD standards, and local state department of transportation requirements.
- Coordinate with civil engineers and landscape architects to integrate complete streets features like bicycle lanes, transit stops, and pedestrian crossings.
- Conduct field observations and site audits to evaluate existing traffic signal operations, signing, and pavement marking performance for safety optimization.
- Prepare comprehensive technical reports and engineering specifications for bidding processes, procurement, and regulatory review by city planning departments.
- Manage project schedules and budgets while providing regular technical progress updates to external clients and agency stakeholders during public hearings.
Requirements and skills
- Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related discipline with a focus on transportation/traffic engineering.
- Possession of an EIT certification or a Professional Engineer (PE) license, with a strong preference for those pursuing PTOE certification.
- Proven proficiency in industry-standard software suites including AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Synchro, SimTraffic, or HCS (Highway Capacity Software).
- Deep understanding of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and AASHTO Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets.
- Demonstrated ability to interpret complex civil engineering blueprints and translate design requirements into actionable construction specifications.
- Strong technical writing skills for preparing detailed traffic impact reports and presenting engineering recommendations to non-technical committees.
- Experience managing multi-phase engineering projects, demonstrating the ability to meet strict regulatory deadlines and budgetary constraints.
- Effective collaboration skills to facilitate interdisciplinary discussions between engineering teams, government agencies, and public interest groups.
FAQs
What does a Transportation Engineer do?
A Transportation Engineer specializes in the planning, design, and operational improvement of transit networks, roads, and multi-modal facilities. They perform capacity analysis, design intersection geometry, optimize traffic signal timing, and ensure all systems adhere to rigorous safety standards like the MUTCD and AASHTO. Their primary goal is to minimize congestion and enhance the safety and reliability of public and private transportation systems.
What skills are required for a Transportation Engineer?
Essential skills include proficiency in technical software like AutoCAD, Synchro, VISSIM, and MicroStation, along with a deep understanding of traffic flow theory and civil engineering principles. Strong analytical abilities are needed to interpret crash data and traffic metrics, while soft skills like technical communication and project management are crucial for dealing with regulatory bodies and local stakeholders.
Who does a Transportation Engineer work with?
Transportation Engineers collaborate with a diverse group of stakeholders, including civil engineers, urban planners, environmental specialists, and private developers. They often interact with municipal departments, such as local Departments of Transportation (DOTs), to secure permits and regulatory approvals. Their role also involves frequent communication with contractors and the general public during the project planning and design phases.
Why is a Transportation Engineer important for urban development?
Transportation Engineers are critical because they dictate how people move through cities, directly impacting economic efficiency and community quality of life. By proactively modeling travel demand and designing safe, scalable infrastructure, they prevent long-term congestion and ensure that growth is sustainable. Their engineering solutions save lives through safety-focused design and improve the overall efficiency of public transit and commercial logistics.