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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Traffic Engineer

💰 $75,000 - $125,000

EngineeringCivil EngineeringTransportationUrban Planning

🎯 Role Definition

As a Traffic Engineer, you are the architect of movement. You will apply advanced engineering principles to plan, design, and manage transportation networks, ensuring the safe and efficient flow of people and goods. This role involves a blend of technical analysis, creative problem-solving, and strategic planning to address traffic congestion, enhance road safety, and support community development. You'll be at the forefront of shaping modern infrastructure, from local intersections to major highway corridors, using cutting-edge software and data-driven insights to make a tangible impact on daily life.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Graduate Civil Engineer / Engineer-in-Training (EIT)
  • Transportation Planner
  • CAD Technician (Transportation)

Advancement To:

  • Senior Traffic Engineer
  • Project Manager (Transportation)
  • Principal Engineer / Department Head
  • City Traffic Engineer

Lateral Moves:

  • Transportation Planner / Urban Planner
  • Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Specialist
  • Transportation Data Scientist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Conduct comprehensive traffic impact studies (TIS) for new commercial, residential, and mixed-use developments, analyzing existing traffic conditions, forecasting future traffic volumes, and recommending necessary roadway improvements and mitigation measures.
  • Design and optimize traffic signal timing and coordination plans for arterial corridors and complex grid networks using software like Synchro and SimTraffic to improve traffic flow, reduce vehicle delays, and minimize emissions.
  • Develop detailed signing, pavement marking, and channelization plans in strict accordance with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), state DOT supplements, and local agency requirements using AutoCAD or MicroStation.
  • Perform in-depth traffic safety and operational analyses for existing roadways, intersections, and interchanges, identifying collision patterns and developing cost-effective countermeasures to enhance safety for all road users.
  • Prepare and review complex Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) and Traffic Control Plans (TCP) for construction zones to ensure worker and public safety while minimizing traffic disruption during infrastructure projects.
  • Utilize advanced traffic modeling and simulation software (e.g., Vissim, Vistro, Sidra) to evaluate the performance of alternative geometric designs and operational strategies for roundabouts, interchanges, and complex urban environments.
  • Manage and analyze large datasets from various sources, including traffic counts (manual and automated), speed studies, travel time data, and crash records to inform engineering decisions and performance monitoring.
  • Prepare detailed technical reports, engineering memoranda, and supporting documentation for traffic analyses, design projects, and environmental impact statements, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and compliance with all regulations.
  • Design and implement Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) components, such as adaptive signal control technology, dynamic message signs, and CCTV surveillance systems, to actively manage traffic in real-time.
  • Conduct thorough field investigations and site visits to gather data, assess existing conditions, and verify design assumptions, often involving the use of traffic data collection equipment.
  • Perform highway capacity and level of service (LOS) analysis based on the Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) methodologies for freeways, multilane highways, and urban streets.
  • Lead or contribute to the development of transportation master plans, corridor studies, and multimodal transportation plans that integrate pedestrian, bicycle, and transit facilities.
  • Prepare construction cost estimates, project specifications, and bid documents for traffic engineering projects, including signals, signing, and pavement markings.
  • Serve as a technical expert during public meetings, stakeholder workshops, and presentations to city councils or planning commissions, effectively communicating complex engineering concepts to a non-technical audience.
  • Review and provide expert comments on site plans, subdivision plats, and engineering designs submitted by other consultants or developers to ensure compliance with transportation standards and policies.
  • Develop roundabout feasibility studies and final geometric designs, including capacity analysis using specialized software to assess operational benefits.
  • Perform parking demand and supply studies for municipalities and private developers, recommending parking management strategies and design layouts.
  • Assist in the preparation of winning proposals, scopes of work, and fee estimates for new transportation engineering projects and pursuits.
  • Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior engineers, EITs, and technicians, fostering a collaborative and growth-oriented team environment.
  • Stay current with emerging trends, technologies, and best practices in the transportation engineering field, including connected and autonomous vehicles (CAV), complete streets, and Vision Zero initiatives.
  • Coordinate directly with clients, review agencies (e.g., state DOT, county, city), and other project disciplines to ensure seamless project execution and delivery.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis for planning and policy initiatives.
  • Contribute to the organization's data strategy and roadmap by identifying new data sources and analytical tools.
  • Collaborate with business units to translate data needs into engineering requirements.
  • Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the data engineering team.
  • Assist in business development activities by identifying potential clients and project opportunities.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Traffic Analysis & Modeling Software: High proficiency in Synchro, SimTraffic, HCS (Highway Capacity Software), and at least one microscopic simulation tool (Vissim, Aimsun).
  • CAD & Design Software: Strong skills in AutoCAD Civil 3D or MicroStation for creating detailed engineering plans.
  • Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA): Deep understanding of methodologies for conducting comprehensive traffic studies for land development.
  • Traffic Signal Design & Timing: Expertise in the principles of traffic signal phasing, timing, coordination, and hardware design.
  • Regulatory Standards: In-depth knowledge of the MUTCD, AASHTO Green Book, and the Highway Capacity Manual (HCM).
  • GIS for Transportation: Experience using Esri ArcGIS or similar platforms for spatial analysis, data visualization, and network planning.
  • Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS): Familiarity with the architecture, design, and application of ITS technologies.
  • Roadway Safety Analysis: Proficiency in conducting road safety audits (RSAs) and analyzing crash data to identify trends and countermeasures.
  • Pavement Marking & Signage Design: Ability to design clear and compliant signing and striping plans.
  • Technical Report Writing: Exceptional ability to author clear, concise, and defensible technical reports and documentation.
  • Roundabout Analysis & Design: Knowledge of the principles and software (e.g., SIDRA) used for designing and evaluating roundabouts.

Soft Skills

  • Project Management: Ability to manage project scope, schedule, and budget effectively.
  • Communication & Presentation: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for interacting with clients, agencies, and the public.
  • Analytical & Problem-Solving: A strong aptitude for identifying complex problems and developing innovative, practical solutions.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to design, calculations, and quality control.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Skill in building consensus and navigating the needs of diverse stakeholders.
  • Collaboration & Teamwork: Proven ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary project teams.
  • Client Management: Ability to build and maintain strong client relationships.
  • Adaptability: Flexibility to handle multiple projects simultaneously and adapt to changing priorities.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Civil Engineering or a closely related engineering field.

Preferred Education:

  • Master of Science (M.S.) in Civil Engineering with a specialization in Transportation Engineering.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Civil Engineering
  • Transportation Engineering

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 3-7 years of progressive, hands-on experience in traffic analysis, traffic modeling, and transportation design projects.

Preferred:

  • Professional Engineer (PE) license in the state of practice is highly preferred, or the ability to obtain it within one year of employment.
  • Certification as a Professional Traffic Operations Engineer (PTOE) is a significant advantage.
  • Direct experience working with state DOTs, counties, and municipal clients on a variety of transportation projects.
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