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Senior Transportation Engineer Jobs in California

EPD Solutions, Inc

Senior Transportation Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$112K - $154K/yr

About the PositionThe Sr. Transportation Engineer will play an integral role in the daily operations of the company and contribute to its overall success. This position will support the Technical ...

Toole Design

Senior Transportation Engineer

Oakland, CA · On-site

$150K - $171K/yr

We're looking for a Senior Engineer to join our team in Oakland, CA: someone who is excited to lead impactful roadway and active transportation projects that reflect our mission and values. Why You ...

Toole Design

Senior Transportation Engineer

Oakland, CA · Hybrid

$150K - $171K/yr

We're looking for a Senior Engineer to join our team in Oakland, CA: someone who is excited to lead impactful roadway and active transportation projects that reflect our mission and values. Why You ...

Toole Design

Senior Transportation Engineer

Oakland, CA · On-site

$150K - $171K/yr

We're looking for a Senior Engineer to join our team in Oakland, CA: someone who is excited to lead impactful roadway and active transportation projects that reflect our mission and values.Why You'll ...

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All JobsTransportation Engineer JobsSenior Transportation Engineer JobsSenior Transportation Engineer Jobs in California

Senior Transportation Engineer information

See California salary details

$58.7K

$124.9K

$181.1K

How much do senior transportation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior transportation engineer in California is $124,900.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $103,100.00 and $141,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior transportation engineer?

Senior Transportation Engineers are experienced professionals responsible for planning, designing, and overseeing transportation projects such as roads, highways, bridges, and transit systems. They lead project teams, ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations, and work closely with government agencies and stakeholders. Their expertise is crucial for developing efficient, safe, and sustainable transportation networks. Additionally, they may mentor junior engineers and contribute to long-term transportation planning initiatives.

What are some typical challenges faced by senior transportation engineers when managing large infrastructure projects?

Senior Transportation Engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating multidisciplinary teams, managing tight project timelines, and ensuring compliance with evolving regulations and safety standards. They must effectively communicate with stakeholders, including public agencies and contractors, while balancing project budgets and addressing unforeseen site conditions or technical issues. Success in this role relies on strong project management skills, adaptability, and the ability to proactively identify and resolve problems as they arise.

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

To thrive as a Senior Transportation Engineer, you need a solid background in civil or transportation engineering, a professional engineering (PE) license, and substantial project management experience. Proficiency in technical tools like AutoCAD, Civil 3D, traffic simulation software, and familiarity with transportation planning regulations is typically required. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills set standout professionals apart in this role. These skills ensure the successful design and delivery of complex transportation projects that meet regulatory standards and community needs.

What is the difference between Senior Transportation Engineer vs Transportation Engineer?

AspectSenior Transportation EngineerTransportation Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in civil engineering, PE license often preferred, several years of experienceBachelor's degree in civil engineering, entry-level or few years of experience
Work EnvironmentDesign, planning, project management, team leadershipDesign, analysis, project support, field inspections
Employer & Industry UsagePublic agencies, consulting firms, transportation departmentsEngineering firms, government agencies, construction companies

The main difference between a Senior Transportation Engineer and a Transportation Engineer lies in experience, responsibilities, and leadership. Senior Transportation Engineers typically have more years of experience, hold professional engineering licenses, and oversee projects and teams. Transportation Engineers are often earlier in their careers, focusing on technical tasks and supporting project execution.

What are the most commonly searched types of Transportation Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Transportation Engineer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Transportation Engineer jobs in California?

For Senior Transportation Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Transportation Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Transportation Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Senior Transportation Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Senior Transportation Engineer job openings:

Senior Transportation Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Transportation Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 56% Full Time, 38% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,900 per year, or $60 per hour.

Senior Transportation Engineer

Sacramento, CA • On-site

Boutique Recruiting
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Boutique Recruitingexternal

$135K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Position Title: Senior Transportation Engineer
A respected private transportation consulting firm is seeking a Senior Transportation Engineer to lead traffic, parking, transportation planning, and impact analysis projects throughout Northern California. This hybrid role combines hands-on technical oversight with project management, client relationships, proposal development, public engagement, and staff mentorship. The ideal candidate is an organized, adaptable transportation professional with at least 10 years of relevant experience, strong communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities without letting details fall through the cracks. This person will bring an ownership mindset, enjoy mentoring others, and willingly step into technical, operational, and business development responsibilities as needed.
Salary: $135,000-$175,000 annually / DOE
Senior Transportation Engineer Responsibilities:
  • Oversee traffic, parking, transportation planning, and impact analysis studies
  • Manage approximately 12 active projects at a time, ranging from short-term traffic studies to complex, long-term environmental impact reports
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, ensuring projects remain on schedule, within scope, and aligned with applicable requirements
  • Review technical work completed in Synchro, HCM, and related transportation analysis platforms
  • Apply current TIA guidelines, Caltrans requirements, HCM methodologies, VMT standards, trip and parking generation practices, site design principles, and active transportation standards
  • Attend public hearings, community forums, city council proceedings, and client meetings throughout Northern California
  • Prepare responses to proposal requests, including brief letter proposals and formal, bound submissions
  • Support business development efforts by cultivating client relationships and helping the firm pursue and secure new work
  • Collaborate with architects, civil engineers, planning firms, municipalities, and other project partners
  • Train and mentor approximately seven team members, providing technical guidance and professional development support
  • Balance technical reviews, project delivery, client communication, proposal work, and staff mentorship in a fast-moving consulting environment

Senior Transportation Engineer Requirements:
  • Bachelor's or master's degree in Civil Engineering, Transportation Planning, Urban Planning, or a closely related field
  • At least 10 years of experience in traffic operations, transportation planning, transportation impact analysis, or transportation engineering
  • Direct transportation industry experience
  • Strong project and client management capabilities
  • Experience managing multiple projects with different schedules, budgets, scopes, and municipal requirements
  • Familiarity with TIA guidelines, Caltrans standards, HCM, VMT, trip and parking generation, site design, and active transportation standards
  • Working knowledge of Synchro, HCM, and related transportation technology
  • Strong technical aptitude and the ability to review work completed by other team members
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Exceptional organization, time management, and attention to detail
  • Ability to adapt quickly, manage competing priorities, and take ownership of responsibilities
  • Must reside in California
  • Must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future visa sponsorship

Benefits
  • Medical and dental coverage (employee and dependents)
  • 401(k) plan
  • 2 weeks of vacation, with increased accrual based on tenure
  • 2 weeks of sick leave annually
  • 9 paid holidays, including 2 floating holidays
  • Hybrid schedule with up to three remote workdays per week

This is an opportunity to lead meaningful transportation projects, shape the development of emerging professionals, and build a long-term future with a firm that values transparency, flexibility, and shared success. If you are an experienced transportation professional ready to make an immediate impact and grow toward leadership or ownership, apply today!
#LI-CC1 #LI-MB1
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About Boutique Recruiting

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We are a team with shared goals; mindfully placing candidates in the workforce to successfully fulfill their career ambitions while encouraging a sense of purpose and value. We have created a new kind of placement firm — one that values connection, personalization, commitment, impact, boldness and achievement. At Boutique Recruiting, our clients, candidates and employees are at the heart of our success.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

2014

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