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Principal Traffic Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Traffic Engineer

Santa Monica, CA ยท On-site

$127K - $157K/yr

SUPERVISION Works under the administrative supervision of the Principal Traffic Engineer. May supervise, oversee, or coordinate the work of assigned staff, contractors, and consultants.

Traffic Engineer

Federal Way, WA ยท On-site

$105K - $133K/yr

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 performing ...

Traffic Engineer

Brooksville, FL ยท 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 ...

Traffic Engineer

Miami, FL ยท On-site

$101K - $151K/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 ...

Traffic Engineer

Harrisburg, PA ยท On-site

$101K - $151K/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 ...

Traffic Engineer - Direct Hire/Hybrid

Tampa, FL ยท 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 ...

Sr. Traffic Engineer - Design

Los Angeles, CA ยท 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 ...

Sr. Traffic Engineer - Design

Los Angeles, CA ยท 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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Principal Traffic Engineer information

See salary details

$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:
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.

Traffic Engineer

City of Santa Monica

Santa Monica, CA โ€ข On-site

$127K - $157K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Job Summary This continuous recruitment will remain open until the position is filled. Applications received will be reviewed periodically. This recruitment may close at any time without prior notice.

DEFINITION Performs professional engineering and project management work related to transportation programs, operations, and facilities. Operates and maintains the City's traffic control system, signing and striping, and residential traffic management programs. SUPERVISION Works under the administrative supervision of the Principal Traffic Engineer.

May supervise, oversee, or coordinate the work of assigned staff, contractors, and consultants. Representative Duties Prepares, reviews, and approves the design, supporting calculations, specifications, and estimates for a wide variety of transportation engineering projects, including but not limited to; traffic signals, signing and striping, temporary traffic control, and event traffic management. Prepares analyses related to proposed traffic and circulation changes.

Analyzes the impacts of proposed developer traffic mitigation strategies. Conducts or oversees studies and prepares reports and correspondence related to traffic control issues; presents associated information to City Council, the Planning Commission, local neighborhood advisory committees, and civic groups. Supports the preparation of grant applications with technical review of proposed project scope and cost estimate, participation in meetings, and review of drafts prepared by the division's planning staff.

Provides assistance regarding traffic safety issues to other City departments, such as evaluating vertical speed reduction treatments and traffic signal priority systems for improved emergency response, analyzing speed data for enforcement, and recommending devices appropriate to restrict access to the pier, as required. Directs the design and implementation of traffic signal devices. Operates, and monitors the City's traffic signal system, including providing technical expertise in identifying and correcting signal operational problems, programming signal operations, coordinating parameters, and reporting malfunctions.

Directs and/or performs the collection of traffic and other related data, such as traffic volume, capacity origin and destination, speed, accident reports, and pedestrian and bicycle counts in order to prepare reports, tables, maps, and graphs related to traffic and pedestrian safety, road and intersection design, and traffic control. Issues work orders, specifications, and standards for new or revised traffic control devices. Responds to non-routine public requests for traffic control changes.

Provides technical guidance to transportation planning, traffic operations, and other City staff. Coordinates with the signing and striping crews to ensure that work standards are met for the division. Leads and coordinates the work of others, including division staff, contractors, and consultants to ensure that work is completed on schedule, within budget, and in accordance with the terms of the contracts and the division's work plan.

Performs project management work, including monitoring status, design, budgets, and account balances for transportation engineering projects. Reviews local traffic operating conditions in the field. Prepares capital project scoping and cost estimate reports.

Assesses the feasibility of proposed designs. Performs inspection of contractors' field layout and completed work to ensure compliance with contract documents. Ensures the division's compliance with applicable ordinances, regulations, and standards for a variety of projects.

Performs other duties, as assigned. Requirements KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Knowledge of: Principles and practices of transportation engineering Design principles and construction techniques, scheduling , and phasing Signal system technologies Traffic operations and highway capacity theory fundamentals Vehicle, bicycle, pedestrian and transit design and operational standards Various state and federal standards pertaining to road design, such as the California on Uniform Traffic Control Devises Government processes and regulations Project management techniques Effective customer service techniques Ability to: Read, interpret, and check engineering drawings and designs, including specifications , cost estimates , and signal timing and phasing plans Prepare calculations to support engineering designs in accordance with applicable codes Develop comprehensive programs for the analysis and implementation of new traffic engineering strategies Identify the need for change orders and evaluate the financial status of projects Prepare traffic control and construction phasing plans Prepare recovery schedules to ensure completion of projects in a timely manner Prepare clear and concise written and oral reports, including recommendations Direct and monitor the installation of traffic control devices Manage multiple tasks with varying deadlines Interpret and apply policies, codes, and regulations Exercise sound business decisions Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with city employees and the public. Provide effective customer service Work effectively with people from diverse social, cultural, and economic backgrounds as well as a variety of work styles, personalities, and approaches REQUIREMENTS Minimum Qualifications: Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a closely related field.

Experience: Four years of paid , work experience in transportation engineering, transportation management, civil engineering , or a closely related field. Two years of the required experience must include project management and municipal engineering experience. Licenses and Certificates: Possession of a valid Class C driver license or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions .

Registration as a Professional Civil Engineer (PE) in the State of California. Registration as a Traffic Engineer (TE) in the State of California is desirable. WORKING CONDITIONS: Work is regularly performed indoors in an office or home environment, in accordance with the City's Telework/Flexible Workplace Policy.

Site visits are required so some work occurs outdoors in the community. Outdoor work requires exposure to moving equipment, dust, noise, odor, slippery surfaces and season weather conditions; it will be required to use safety gear and follow safety procedures. Work during weekends or evenings may be required.

Supplemental Information HOW TO APPLY: All applicants must submit an online City application and required supplemental questions to be considered for this position. Please note, applications may be rejected if incomplete. Resumes, CVs and cover letters are not reviewed as part of the application screening process and should not be submitted.

If you have questions about the application process, you may email Clare Caldera at clare.caldera@santamonica.gov. NOTE: You must submit a copy of your college diploma/transcript with your application. Applicants who indicated receipt of degree from a foreign institution must provide United States degree and credential equivalency verification along with a copy of your college diploma/transcript

All materials must be received in the Human Resources Department no later than close of business on the application closing date. Failure to do so will result in your application being disqualified. You must upload and attach a scanned copy of your transcripts or diploma to your on-line application.

SELECTION PROCESS: All applicants must submit clear, concise and complete information regarding their qualifications for the position. All applicants will be reviewed and only those candidates determined to be most qualified on the basis of experience and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process. Testing may consist of the following: Training & Experience Evaluation - Qualifying Oral Interview NOTE: If three or more qualified City employees apply and pass the examination, a promotional list will be established in addition to an open-competitive list.

If fewer than three qualified City employees pass the examination, the appointing authority, in accordance with the City's civil service rules and regulations, can decline to use a promotional list, in which case a promotional list will not be established for this position. BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS: Candidates who have successfully completed all prior phases of the selection process will be subject to a thorough background investigation. The City of Santa Monica is a progressive, inclusive and culturally-rich community.

As leaders in public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a highly-talented workforce where people of diverse races, religions, cultures and lifestyles thrive. Our goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where our staff are empowered to perform at their highest level and where their differences make a positive impact. The City is an equal opportunity employer and strives to build balanced teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law.

We aim to create a workplace that celebrates and embraces the diversity of our employees. Join us. Special assistance with the application and examination process is available, upon request, for persons with disabilities.

Call (310) 458-8246, TDD (310) 458-8696 (Hearing Impaired Only). Please note the request for reasonable accommodations must be made to Human Resources at least three work days prior to the examination.