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Principal Traffic Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Principal Traffic Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$62.50 - $79.25/hr

As an Principal Traffic Engineer in San Diego, CA, you will have an opportunity to work with a multi-disciplinary team on meaningful, landmark projects in the San Diego region. As a RICK team member ...

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Principal Traffic Engineer information

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$74K

$147.2K

$212.5K

How much do principal traffic engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal traffic engineer in the United States is $147,220.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,500.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a principal traffic engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Principal Traffic Engineer, you need advanced expertise in traffic engineering principles, transportation planning, and a professional engineering (PE) license, often supported by a degree in civil engineering. Familiarity with traffic analysis software (such as Synchro, VISSIM, and AutoCAD), MUTCD standards, and state/local regulations is essential. Strong leadership, communication, and project management skills distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies ensure effective oversight of complex projects, stakeholder coordination, and the delivery of safe, efficient transportation systems.

How does a principal traffic engineer typically collaborate with other departments and stakeholders on large-scale projects?

A Principal Traffic Engineer regularly works with a diverse range of teams, including urban planners, civil engineers, government agencies, and community representatives. Collaboration is essential for integrating traffic solutions with broader infrastructure and urban development goals. The role often involves leading meetings, coordinating multidisciplinary input, and ensuring that traffic engineering considerations are aligned with safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements. This collaborative environment fosters innovative solutions and helps ensure the successful delivery of complex transportation projects.

What does a principal traffic engineer do?

A Principal Traffic Engineer is a senior professional responsible for overseeing the planning, design, and implementation of traffic engineering projects. They analyze traffic flow, develop solutions to improve road safety and efficiency, and lead teams of engineers and technical staff. Their work often involves coordinating with government agencies, preparing reports, and ensuring compliance with transportation regulations and standards. Principal Traffic Engineers also provide expert guidance on traffic management strategies and may be involved in public consultations on major infrastructure projects.

What is the difference between Principal Traffic Engineer vs Traffic Engineer?

AspectPrincipal Traffic EngineerTraffic Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Civil or Transportation Engineering, PE license often preferredBachelor's in Civil or Transportation Engineering, PE license beneficial but not always required
Work EnvironmentLeadership role overseeing projects, strategic planning, and team managementProject execution, data analysis, and design tasks under supervision
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in consulting firms, government agencies, and large infrastructure projectsCommon in municipal agencies, consulting firms, and private sector projects

The main difference between a Principal Traffic Engineer and a Traffic Engineer lies in their level of responsibility and experience. The Principal Traffic Engineer typically holds a leadership role, focusing on strategic planning and project oversight, while the Traffic Engineer handles more technical, execution-focused tasks. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications, but the Principal position involves greater managerial duties and industry influence.

What cities are hiring for Principal Traffic Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Principal Traffic Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Principal Traffic Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Principal Traffic Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Principal Traffic Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Principal Traffic Engineer jobs include:
Principal Traffic Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Traffic Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,220 per year, or $70.8 per hour.

Principal Traffic Engineer

Best Infosystems LLC

San Diego, CA • On-site

$130K - $165K/yr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Principal Traffic Engineer_San Diego, CA_Full-Time(FTE)_Direct Hire

Hi,
Trust this finds you well!
We've spotted your impressive profile and have an exciting opportunity tailored to your skills and passions.

Position Title: Principal Traffic Engineer
Job Type: Full-Time
Location: San Diego, CA
Base Salary: $130,000 to $165,000 + Best-in-class benefits
Industry: Manufacturing & Production
Job Category: Engineering

Job Description: 
Key Responsibilities:
* Lead and manage traffic engineering design teams and transportation projects.
* Provide technical leadership for traffic engineering and planning initiatives.
* Manage project schedules, budgets, scopes of work, and deliverables.
* Prepare and review contracts, fee proposals, and project scopes.
* Coordinate directly with clients, public agencies, and internal stakeholders.
* Supervise traffic designers, planners, CAD drafters, and technical staff.
* Develop and maintain strong client relationships.
* Provide guidance and mentorship to engineering team members.
* Support business development activities and project pursuits.
* Ensure projects meet technical standards, quality expectations, and regulatory requirements.

Required Qualifications:
* Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering (BSCE) required.
* Active California Professional Engineer (PE) Registration in Civil or Traffic Engineering required.
* Minimum 7 years of experience in traffic engineering/planning or equivalent 12 years of industry experience.
* Minimum 5 years of management experience supervising traffic engineering teams.
* Strong leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
* Ability to independently manage complex engineering projects.

Experience building relationships with:
* Clients
* Public agency representatives
* Internal project teams
* Recent Southern California experience required, preferably within the San Diego County region.

Management Experience Required:
The ideal candidate will have experience with:
* Managing traffic engineering design teams.
* Supervising traffic designers, planners, CAD drafters, and technicians.
* Managing project schedules, budgets, and resources.
* Preparing contracts, fee proposals, and scopes of work.
* Leading client communications and public agency coordination.
* Overseeing project deliverables and quality standards.

Technical Experience Required
Candidates should have experience with:
* Municipal traffic engineering services.
* In-house traffic engineering support for public agencies.
* Traffic engineering plans.
* Traffic signal plans.
* Traffic control plans.
* Signing and striping plans.
* Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA).
* Traffic studies and engineering reports.
* Transportation planning and design projects.

Software & Technical Knowledge
Experience with:
* HCS
* Vistro
* Synchro
* Other traffic engineering software platforms

Knowledge of:
* California Vehicle Code (CVC)
* Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)
* Highway Capacity Manual (HCM)

Preferred Qualifications:
* Experience managing large-scale transportation projects.
* Transit planning and design experience.
* Strong understanding of traffic engineering principles and transportation planning.
* Experience working directly with government agencies and municipalities.
* Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams.

Benefits Offered:
* Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
* Profit Sharing
* 401(k) Plan
* Life and Disability Insurance
* Personal Leave
* Alternative Work Schedule
* Holiday Parties
* Team Building Activities and Events

Ideal Candidate Background
Candidates with experience as:
* Principal Traffic Engineer
* Senior Traffic Engineer
* Traffic Engineering Manager
* Transportation Engineering Manager
* Traffic Project Manager
* Transportation Project Manager

Compensation:
Full-time
Benefits - Full
Relocation Assistance Available - Possible for ideal candidate

Candidate Details:
Seniority Level - Mid-Senior
Minimum Education - Bachelor's Degree
Willingness to Travel - Occasionally
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