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Principal Traffic Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hernando County, FL

Traffic Engineer

Brooksville, FL · On-site

$86K - $125K/yr

Examples of Duties The following statements describe the principal functions of this job and its ... Performs engineering investigations, traffic studies, and feasibility studies and prepares clear ...

Woolpert

Traffic Engineer

Miami, FL · On-site

$101K - $126K/yr

Position Overview Woolpert is hiring a Traffic Engineer to join our dynamic Infrastructure Team at ... Principal program: Earn the opportunity to become an owner of the firm. * Flexible paid time off ...

City of Federal Way, WA

Traffic Engineer

Federal Way, WA · On-site

$105K - $133K/yr

Continuous Basic Function The first review of applications will be on July 16th Under the direction of the Principal Transportation Engineer, the Traffic Engineer's responsibilities include ...

Woolpert

Traffic Engineer

Harrisburg, PA · On-site

$101K - $126K/yr

Position Overview Woolpert is hiring a hiring a Traffic Engineer to join our dynamic Transportation ... Principal program: Earn the opportunity to become an owner of the firm. * Flexible paid time off ...

EmploYou, LLC

Traffic Engineer - Direct Hire/Hybrid

Tampa, FL · Hybrid

$82K - $112K/yr

The Traffic Engineer will lead the analysis, design, and delivery of traffic engineering solutions ... The above description covers the principal duties and responsibilities of the job. The description ...

HNTB Corporation

Sr. Traffic Engineer - Design

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$112K - $154K/yr

... the principal engineer and architect for Crenshaw/LA Transit Corridor. At HNTB, you can create a ... Experience in delivering traffic signal, signing/striping, maintenance of traffic, street lighting ...

HNTB

Sr. Traffic Engineer - Design

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$112K - $154K/yr

... the principal engineer and architect for Crenshaw/LA Transit Corridor. At HNTB, you can create a ... Experience in delivering traffic signal, signing/striping, maintenance of traffic, street lighting ...

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All JobsPrincipal Traffic Engineer Jobs

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 Jul 13, 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 engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Principal Traffic Engineers in large metropolitan areas or with extensive experience and specialized skills can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially with bonuses and benefits. Such high compensation typically reflects senior-level positions requiring advanced certifications, leadership responsibilities, and significant industry expertise.

Can you make $500,000 as a civil engineer?

Principal Traffic Engineers, a specialized civil engineering role, can potentially earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership responsibilities. High salaries are often associated with senior positions, consulting roles, or work in high-cost-of-living areas, but such earnings are not typical for all civil engineers.

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 engineers make $200,000 a year?

Principal Traffic Engineers and other senior engineering roles in transportation, civil, or systems engineering can earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership responsibilities. Salaries vary based on location, industry, and employer size, with some positions in consulting firms or government agencies reaching this level.

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 engineers make $300,000 a year?

Principal Traffic Engineers in large organizations or consulting firms can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership responsibilities. High salaries are often associated with senior roles that involve complex traffic systems, data analysis, and project management.
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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% 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.

Traffic Engineer

Hernando County, FL

Brooksville, FL • On-site

$86K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted just now

Job description

Salary : $86,299.20 - $125,028.80 Annually
Location : Brooksville, FL
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 14320
Department: Department of Public Works
Division: County Engineer's Office
Opening Date: 08/18/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: N/A
Description
Highly responsible supervisory work involving directing and coordinating the combined efforts of a multi-discipline staff of technicians and project managers in the accomplishment of complex traffic engineering projects and studies. Highly technical nature including the investigation, design, review, inspection, and coordination of a wide variety of complex engineering projects and programs. Serves as program manager for the County's traffic engineering program. Performs field surveys and data collection, studies and analyses to evaluate traffic related impacts of development projects on the serviceability of the County's roadway systems. Develops prioritized, multi-year capital improvement plans for upgrading roadway and signal systems. Technical work in the operation of the Hernando County Computerized Traffic Signal System; determination and implementation of timings for traffic signals and groups of signals, operation of electronic school zone flashing beacons, review construction plans and development projects for impact on the signal system, traffic signal information management and distribution including the FDOT database, and computer traffic modeling with Synchro 7 and SimTraffic and other programs as necessary. The position requires the ability to make independent decisions based upon technical expertise and sound engineering judgment.
Examples of Duties
The following statements describe the principal functions of this job and its scope of responsibility but shall not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including working in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload.
Supervisory
  • Serves as first level/immediate supervisor for a diverse staff of subordinate technical specialists, and technicians that include the Traffic Project Manager and Traffic Engineering Assistants II.
  • Assigns, monitors, reviews, and approves subordinates' work to make optimal use of their abilities, education, and experience and ensure timely and successful completion.
  • Performs evaluations and provides periodic performance feedback to subordinates.
  • Coordinates the efforts of subordinates among one another and with other County staff.
  • Responsible for training and employee development of subordinates.
  • Responsible for discipline and enforcing all County regulations, and policies in the workplace.

Project Management
  • Serves as the primary project manager and County representative for complex, highly technical, traffic engineering projects. Assigned projects typically are broad in scope involving multiple technical disciplines and, due to the degree of complexity, require professional engineering expertise.
  • Responsible for successful completion of assigned projects on time and within budget. Workload requires ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Coordinates, monitors, and reviews construction documents (i.e. plans and specifications) prepared by professional engineering/architectural firms and/or in-house technical staff and incorporates these documents into the project design.
  • Conducts meetings with clients/customers to determine initial project objectives and requirements. Keeps clients/customers well advised of project status.
  • Conducts meetings with the public, other County staff members, and the Board of County Commissioners regarding all aspects of assigned projects.
  • Ensures that completed projects are functional, economical, maintainable, and aesthetically pleasing.
  • Performs field investigations and inspections of assigned project sites to collect data, verify existing/actual conditions, and ensure conformance with plans/specifications.

Design Services and Technical Support
  • Possesses and demonstrates knowledge of construction principles, traffic engineering principles, and construction management.
  • Conducts reviews of plans, specifications, studies, and reports prepared by other professional engineering firms. Reviews engineering project drawings and designs for compliance with County Standards.
  • Prepares designs for projects within one's technical competence. Obtains design services for areas outside of one's technical competence and integrates those designs into the overall project.
  • Possesses and demonstrates proficiency in Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Geographical Information System (GIS) software to produce drawings, sketches, maps, charts and graphics.
  • Prepares plans and specifications for proposed capital improvement projects, including fiber optic facilities, roadway improvements, and traffic signals and their appurtenances. Work to include detailed construction plans, contract documents, specifications, proposed quantities, and estimated costs.
  • Prepares progress schedules and project summaries on a regular basis.
  • Provides technical assistance in response to inquiries from the Board of County Commissioners, other County staff members, and the public.
  • Performs engineering investigations, traffic studies, and feasibility studies and prepares clear and precise reports on findings.
  • Coordinates with project engineers and contractors from project implementation to completion to ensure that plans, specifications, contract documents, schedules and safety standards are followed.
  • Provides direction and supervision for construction and inspection of highway design, and traffic control projects.
  • Prepares and reviews detailed MOT plans, detour plans, and signs and pavement marking plans using CAD and/or GIS software.

Traffic Signal System
  • Lead operator of the Hernando County Computerized Traffic Signal System. Provides normal workday review and operation of Signal System, school zone flashing beacon system, video surveillance and detection, dynamic message signs, and permanent count stations.
  • Investigates and calculates optimized timings of traffic signals and groups of signals for differing time of day, day of week, holidays, emergencies, and change of season. Implements approved timing and phasing data.
  • Manages the County traffic signal system records and database. Prepares annual reports on traffic signal maintenance and operation.
  • Investigates complaints and requests relative to traffic signal and signal system timings and provides response to those making the requests.

Traffic Engineering Responsibilities
  • Determines the justification and placement of traffic control devices including but not limited to signage, markings, signals, guardrail, etc.
  • Establishes/Recommends traffic signal timings and phasing.
  • Reviews and designs improvements for pedestrian, bicycle facilities, and school zones for access and safety.
  • Coordinates and conducts traffic data collection including, but not limited to volumes, speeds, classification, intersection movement, trip generation, and intersection delay.
  • Completes and reviews traffic studies for speed limits, sight distance, truck usage, and other safety concerns.
  • Meets with citizens, County staff, MPO, and other agencies to review findings.
  • Reviews submitted plats, subdivisions, and commercial development plans as part of the development review process.
  • Coordinates the in-house design of signage and pavement markings, signalization including fiber optic interconnect, highway lighting, and maintenance of traffic plans.
  • Coordinates and provides technical assistance to other departments and agencies pertaining to engineering matters, (i.e.., FDOT, DRC, MPO, etc.).
  • Regular attendance.

Typical Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
  • Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a related field, with technical training in traffic signal operation traffic signals and signal systems timings.
  • Experience: Minimum of four (4) years engineering experience in Public Works or Traffic Engineering. Minimum of one (1) year supervisory experience, including personnel management.
    A combination of education, training and experience may be substituted at the County's discretion.
  • Skills: Ability to work independently. Ability to supervise and work well with county staff, the BOCC, contractors and private citizens.
Licenses, Certifications, or Registrations
  • Prefer a registered Professional Engineer (P.E.) license in the State of Florida or have the ability to obtain within six (6) months by having certification in a state that has a reciprocal licensing agreement with the State of Florida.
  • Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver's License and be insurable by current insurance carrier.
  • Must possess or be able to obtain within one (1) year of employment, Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Intermediate Work Zone Traffic Control and IMSA Level I certification in Signs and Pavement Markings and in Traffic Signals.
  • Must possess or be able to obtain within ninety (90) days of employment, certification in NIMS/Incident Command Courses IS100PWb, IS200, IS700, and IS800.

Supplemental Information
Grade: 14
*****Veterans Preference Position, must be minimally qualified*****
Hernando County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, gender, orientation, national origin, age, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, disability, or any other protected characteristic as defined by law.
Hernando County is a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to drug testing in accordance with Federal and Florida State Law.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must provide notification to the BOCC in advance to allow sufficient time to provide an accommodation.
Join our team!
Our benefits are designed to enhance your work and life balance, as well as the community we serve.
Hernando County offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees including health care, dental, vision, Florida Retirement System (FRS), voluntary deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, and paid time off plans.
To learn more details, visit our benefits page:
01
Which statement below best describes the highest level of education you have completed?
  • High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (GED)
  • Associate degree
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Master's degree
  • Professional degree
  • Doctorate degree

02
How many total years of supervisory experience do you have?
03
How many total years of project manager experience do you have?
04
When is the last time you reviewed engineering project drawings and designs for compliance?
05
How many total years do you have as a Traffic Engineer?
06
How would you approach a citizen complaint?
07
When is the last time you had to justify the placing of a traffic signal and what was the outcome?
08
When is the last time you had to investigate a signal system issue and what was the outcome?
09
When is the last time you conducted a traffic study and what was the outcome?
Required Question

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