Principal Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position title:      Principal Engineer (Regional Freeway Program)

Post-date:          6/15/2026

Closes:              This position is open until filled.

Status:               Full-Time, Exempt 

Salary:               $99,867 - $149,800

Location:           Maricopa Association of Governments, downtown Phoenix, Arizona

MAG is a great place to work. We offer a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and a hybrid work environment that supports flexibility, with a minimum of three days per week in the office, along with a collaborative culture where employee contributions make a real impact.

About MAG

The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) is a group of local governments working together on issues that touch the lives of every resident. We are a regional planning agency that develops solutions in areas such as transportation, environmental and air quality, and human services.
MAG serves a thriving region of 5 million people. Our members include 27 cities and towns, three Native nations, and Maricopa and Pinal counties. Our planning area encompasses more than 10,000 square miles. MAG is the council of governments and the designated metropolitan planning organization for transportation planning for the greater Phoenix metropolitan area.
To learn more visit: www.azmag.gov  

Your Team

The Freeway Engineering Team provides oversight and management for the implementation of the Freeway Life Cycle Program under Propositions 400 and 479. The team plays a key role in the delivery of the program by performing studies, identifying needs, assessing evaluations of transportation infrastructure, and coordinating the delivery of the program with the Arizona Department of Transportation.

The Position

MAG is seeking a skilled transportation engineer to support its efforts in the Transportation Division. As the Principal Engineer, you will focus on activities related to the management and implementation of the Freeway Life Cycle Program.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Managing scopes, schedules and budgets of transportation planning studies
• Assessing and evaluating transportation infrastructure design, functionality, cost, schedule, and project risk analysis
• Developing alternative approaches to respond to transportation and traffic needs
• Coordinating with key stakeholders for project design and implementation efforts
• Public meeting presentations and facilitation of working group sessions
• Presenting study outcomes to MAG member agencies and MAG policy committees

The Candidate

As a successful Principal Engineer, you bring experience leading planning level analysis, reviewing engineering and design-specific solutions, and have experience with managing consultants or consultant teams, preferably in a large urban area. 

You are comfortable presenting complex technical information to diverse stakeholders, including members of the public and policymakers, and experience coordinating with internal and external agency partners.  Strong writing skills are a plus. 

You are skilled in:

• Excellent communication and writing skills, time management, note taking, and highly organized
• Presenting and conveying technical knowledge to a diverse set of stakeholders, the public and policy makers
• Coordinating with internal and external stakeholders or staff
• Prioritizing workload and responding quickly and accurately
• Anticipating needs and being proactive
• Being self-motivated with a desire to learn and contribute while being detail oriented

You have the ability to:

• Lead planning level analysis and review engineering and design specific solutions
• Manage consultants or consultant teams of large urban area studies
• Adapt to performing a wide range of duties, frequently shifting tasks of varying nature or complexity
• Work independently
• Analyze and think critically, draw conclusions, and problem solving
• Develop productive relationships and work effectively with a diverse group of stakeholders or staff
• Manage multiple assignments with competing timelines effectively

Technology Skills:

• You are proficient in Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office products, including Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel, as well as Microsoft Teams, Zoom and webinar tools

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Engineering or related field
• At least five years of related work experience in engineering, freeway and roadway design and/or planning
• Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities

Required Licenses or Certifications

• Professional Engineer (PE) license

The Maricopa Association of Governments is an Equal Opportunity Employer. During the selection process any applicant requiring accommodation for a disability should advise the Human Resources Division by calling (602) 452-5032.