Professional Traffic Operations Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Hampton, Lenzini and Renwick, Inc. (HLR) of Elgin, IL is looking to hire a full-time Traffic Engineer. Are you a civil engineering professional who is ready to take your career to the next level in a rewarding environment with an established and respected firm that cares about the happiness and wellbeing of their employees? Do you want to work for a firm that works hard, has fun, and gives back? If so, please read on!

The Traffic Engineer Serves as a core technical specialist and project manager for all traffic related analysis and design functions at HLR. As a key member of the Traffic Engineering Group, this position is responsible for the independent execution and management of traffic engineering tasks and projects. This role will apply advanced engineering principles to develop traffic studies, models and designs for Key firm Clients, including the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority (ISTHA) and various county and municipal agencies. This position requires deep technical expertise and the ability to manage project scope, schedule and budget effectively with minimal direct personnel management responsibilities.

Founded in 1965, Hampton, Lenzini and Renwick, Inc. (HLR) is a 100% employee-owned civil engineering firm headquartered in Elgin, IL with additional offices spanning across the state of Illinois. HLR is a leading provider of professional consulting engineering, environmental, and surveying services, serving public agencies and private-sector clients throughout the Midwest.

We believe that our team and award-winning Work Hard | Have Fun | Give Back® culture are what draw employees and clients to our firm and are proud to be named the number one 2025 A/E/C Employer of Choice® by PSMJ Resources, Inc., based on our workforce retention, productivity, and superior level of employee engagement. Additionally, HLR received the 2024 Premier Award for Client Satisfaction by PSMJ Resources, Inc. - the only award recognizing the A/E/C firms that deliver a truly exceptional client experience.

At HLR, our culture and team are paramount to our success. We've built an incredible atmosphere that attracts bright, driven, caring individuals who sincerely want to make a difference in the industry. We are truly a team in every sense: we're mentors and collaborators who believe in supporting one another as we work together to achieve our goals. We're passionate about employee development, evidenced by our Pathways to Success program - a specialized roadmap to career advancement - as well as the time and resources we dedicate to employee training and education. We challenge ourselves, celebrate accomplishments big and small, and focus on fostering a positive, synergetic environment where individuals can thrive professionally and personally. By joining our team, you are joining us on our mission to make a measurable impact in the communities which we live and work each and every day. Together, we can redefine excellence.

On any given day you'll:

• Dive into specialized software like Trafficware Synchro or Highway Capacity Software (HCS) to run capacity analyses, model traffic simulations, or develop optimized signal coordination and timing plans for a corridor.
• Coordinate with electrical contractors and traffic signal maintainers regarding traffic operations and maintenance responsibilities.
• Program and troubleshoot traffic signal controllers and operations both remotely via centralized traffic signal management systems and in the field.
• Use MicroStation to prepare detailed traffic design plans, including traffic signals, pavement markings, and signage, ensuring strict adherence to IDOT, ISTHA, and MUTCD standards.
• Author a comprehensive technical report for a traffic impact study (TIS) or safety study, analyzing crash data and clearly communicating your findings and recommendations.
• Develop a complex, multi-stage Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) plan for a major construction project, coordinating with internal design and construction teams.
• Serve as the primary technical expert on a project, managing the scope and budget for your tasks and communicating directly with clients, agencies, and subconsultants.
• Review project data, apply standard engineering practices to correlate results, and identify any discrepancies to ensure quality control.
• Collaborate with HLR's internal departments (Design, Municipal, Construction) to ensure your traffic engineering components are seamlessly integrated into the final project deliverables.
  

Key Responsibilities

• Traffic Analysis and Modeling:

  • Performs comprehensive traffic impact studies (TIS), safety studies, and intersection design studies (IDS).

  • Conducts traffic operations and capacity analysis using specialized software, including HCS, Synchro, etc.

  • Develops traffic simulations and models to evaluate existing conditions and proposed improvements for various transportation facilities.

  • Prepares and performs traffic signal coordination and timing studies.

  • Analyzes crash data to identify trends and recommend appropriate safety countermeasures in accordance with the FHWA Safe System approach

• Traffic Design:

  • Prepares Plans, Specifications, and Estimates (PS&E) for traffic engineering projects.

  • Designs traffic signals (new, modifications, and modernization), fiber optic traffic signal interconnect systems, pavement markings, and roadway signage.

  • Develops complex Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) and traffic control plans for multi-stage construction projects.

  • Ensures all designs are in strict accordance with IDOT, ISTHA, and local agency standards, as well as MUTCD guidelines.

  • Advise construction staff regarding traffic signal related submittals and compliance with specifications.

• Traffic Optimization and Field Adjustments

  • Investigates and resolves reported traffic issues in the field.

  • Makes signal equipment updates to improve or rectify traffic problems due to residential complaints or observed issues 

  • Completes traffic signal turn ons with contractors and local stakeholders.

  • Completes temporary traffic signal timings on active construction projects.

• Project Management & Coordination:

  • Manages the technical execution, schedule, and budget for traffic engineering components of larger projects or as the lead on standalone traffic projects.

  • Serves as the primary technical liaison for traffic engineering matters with clients, subconsultants, and regulatory agencies.

  • Prepares and reviews comprehensive technical reports, memoranda, and exhibits to support project findings and recommendations.

  • Coordinates with internal HLR departments (e.g., Design, Municipal, Construction) to ensure traffic requirements are integrated seamlessly.

  • Applies standard engineering practices and techniques, adjusts and correlates data, and recognizes discrepancies in results.

  • Reads, analyzes, and interprets technical procedures and governmental regulations.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from an ABET-accredited program.

• Licensure: Must possess a valid Professional Engineer (P.E.) license in the State of Illinois or have the ability to obtain licensure within 6 months of hire if an out-of-state license is currently held.

• Experience: A minimum of 5-10 years of progressive, post-licensure experience focused specifically on traffic engineering and transportation design.

• Agency Expertise: Demonstrated experience in the successful planning and design of projects for the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and/or the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority (ISTHA).

• Technical Knowledge: Working knowledge of the modern principles and practices of Traffic Engineering, including traffic flow, capacity analysis (HCM), and safety analysis (HSM).

Desired Skills and Experience

• Technical Software:

  • High proficiency with traffic analysis and modeling software is required (e.g., Synchro, SimTraffic, HCS).

  • Proficiency with CADD software, preferably MicroStation and OpenRoads Designer (ORD). Experience with AutoCAD or GEOPAK is also beneficial.

  • Experience with VISSIM or Vistro is highly desirable.

• Certifications:

  • Professional Traffic Operations Engineer (PTOE) certification is highly desired.

  • IMSA/IPSI Certified Traffic Signal Technician I or above or have the ability to obtain the certification within 6 months of hire.

• Soft Skills:

  • Excellent technical writing and verbal communication skills.

  • Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel) for preparing reports, specifications, and client communications.

  • Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and project deadlines independently.

  • Meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to quality control.

  • Advanced critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Physical Abilities

• Ability to sit or stand for prolonged periods while working in a professional office environment; involves constant hand, finger, and arm use, constant computer screen exposure, and prolonged reading.

• Ability to occasionally visit active construction or project sites, which may involve walking, standing on uneven surfaces, reaching, crouching, or bending.

• Ability to lift and carry a minimum of 30 lbs.

• Must possess a valid State of Illinois driver's license and maintain a-satisfactory driving record.

The Traffic Engineer position earns a competitive salary, depending on experience. We also offer health insurance (PPO and HSA), Dental Insurance, an employer health savings account (HSA) contribution, vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with a 6% company match, paid holidays, paid time off (PTO), short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, a Lifestyle account of up to $2,000, a student loan paydown, an employee assistance program (EAP), flexible hours, continuing education, professional license expense reimbursement, professional society/association membership dues, and opportunities for career growth. If this sounds like the right opportunity for you, apply today!

READY TO JOIN OUR TEAM? We understand your time is valuable and that is why we have a very quick and easy application process. If you feel that you would be right for this position, please fill out our initial 3-minute, mobile-friendly application. We look forward to meeting you!