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Traffic Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

AECOM

Traffic Engineering Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

AECOM is seeking a Traffic Engineering Manager to be based in Orange or Los Angeles, CA and will be a hybrid role. We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Traffic Engineering Manager in ...

AECOM

Traffic Engineering Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

AECOM is seeking a Traffic Engineering Manager to be based in Orange or Los Angeles, CA and will be a hybrid role. We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Traffic Engineering Manager in ...

RICK ENGINEERING COMPANY

Traffic Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$52 - $69.75/hr

Rick Engineering Company (RICK) is seeking a confident, Traffic Engineer to join our Traffic Division for our San Diego office. If you are looking for a place to grow your career and make a ...

RICK ENGINEERING COMPANY

Traffic Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$52 - $69.75/hr

Rick Engineering Company (RICK) is seeking a confident, Traffic Engineer to join our Traffic Division for our San Diego office. If you are looking for a place to grow your career and make a ...

HDR

Traffic Engineering Section Lead

San Diego, CA · On-site

The Transportation Division/Traffic Engineering and ITS Market Sector of HDR is actively seeking a creative, highly talented Section Leader and Senior Traffic/ITS Engineer in our traffic engineering ...

City of Palmdale

City Traffic Engineer

Palmdale, CA · On-site

$153K - $195K/yr

Present transportation and traffic engineering information to City Council, commissions, and other groups. Recommend vendors and manage contracts related to transportation planning, traffic ...

City of Sunnyvale

Traffic Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

Performs professional engineering duties and advises subdividers and developers on traffic engineering and street lighting requirements. Prepares recommendations for Council action on speed limit ...

RICK

Be Seen First

Traffic Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$52 - $69.75/hr

Rick Engineering Company (RICK) is seeking a confident, Traffic Engineer to join our Traffic Division for our San Diego office. If you are looking for a place to grow your career and make a ...

City of Palmdale, CA

City Traffic Engineer

Palmdale, CA · On-site

$153K - $195K/yr

Engineering Opening Date: 07/17/2025 Closing Date: Continuous Max Number of Applicants: 150 ... The Traffic Engineer plans, organizes, directs, and participates in the development, operation ...

HDR

Traffic Engineering Section Lead

San Diego, CA

$108K - $143K/yr

The Transportation Division/Traffic Engineering and ITS Market Sector of HDR is actively seeking a creative, highly talented Section Leader and Senior Traffic/ITS Engineer in our traffic engineering ...

Protouch Staffing

Traffic Senior Engineer

Sacramento, CA

$150K - $200K/yr

The Traffic Division delivers complete traffic engineering solutions for public infrastructure and private development, including traffic signal design, roadway lighting, intelligent transportation ...

GDR Defense

Traffic Engineer

Carson, CA · On-site

$30 - $50/hr

... engineering activities under the direction of Public Works/City Engineer leadership. Work spans field investigations, traffic operations analyses (including signal timing/coordination and LOS ...

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All JobsTraffic Engineering JobsTraffic Engineering Jobs in California

Traffic Engineering information

See California salary details

$22.5K

$84.5K

$151.8K

How much do traffic engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for traffic engineering in California is $84,481.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,961.00 and $117,507.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by traffic engineers in managing urban traffic flow?

Traffic engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing the needs of different road users, managing congestion during peak hours, and adapting to unexpected incidents like accidents or roadwork. They must also consider the impact of new developments and work closely with city planners, public officials, and the community to implement effective solutions. Staying up-to-date with evolving technologies, such as smart traffic signals and real-time data analysis, is key to addressing these challenges successfully.

What is traffic engineering?

Traffic engineering is a branch of civil engineering that focuses on the safe and efficient movement of people and goods on roadways. It involves the design, operation, and management of roads, intersections, and traffic control devices to optimize traffic flow and reduce congestion and accidents. Traffic engineers use data analysis, modeling, and planning to improve transportation systems and ensure the safety of all road users.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Traffic Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Traffic Engineer, you need a solid background in civil engineering, traffic flow analysis, and transportation planning, usually supported by a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Familiarity with traffic modeling software (such as SYNCHRO or VISSIM), GIS systems, and CAD tools is typically required. Strong problem-solving, communication, and project management skills help you excel in collaborating with stakeholders and addressing complex transportation challenges. These competencies are essential for designing safe, efficient transportation systems and ensuring regulatory compliance.

What is the difference between Traffic Engineering vs Civil Engineering?

AspectTraffic EngineeringCivil Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Civil Engineering, PE license often preferredBachelor's in Civil Engineering, PE license often required
Work EnvironmentUrban planning agencies, transportation departments, consulting firmsConstruction sites, infrastructure projects, consulting firms
Industry UsageSpecialized in transportation systems, traffic flow, signal timingBroader scope including roads, bridges, buildings

Traffic Engineering focuses specifically on transportation systems, traffic flow, and signal timing, often requiring similar credentials as Civil Engineering. Civil Engineering covers a wider range of infrastructure projects. While both roles share work environments and industry usage, Traffic Engineering is more specialized in transportation-related projects.

What are the most commonly searched types of Traffic Engineering jobs in California? The most popular types of Traffic Engineering jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Traffic Engineering jobs in California? For Traffic Engineering jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Traffic Engineering jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Traffic Engineering jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Traffic Engineering jobs? Cities in California with the most Traffic Engineering job openings:
Traffic Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Traffic Engineering job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,481 per year, or $40.6 per hour.
Traffic Engineering Manager

Traffic Engineering Manager

City of Lake Forest

Lake Forest, CA

$136K - $177K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Description The City of Lake Forest is looking for a knowledgeable and motivated Traffic Engineering Manager who is committed to improving transportation safety and mobility for the community. The successful candidate will bring expertise in traffic analysis, roadway design, and traffic operations, along with the ability to identify and implement effective solutions that support a safe and efficient transportation system. This position works closely with City staff, consultants, partner agencies, and community members to deliver projects and address transportation needs.

The ideal candidate is collaborative, organized, and able to clearly communicate technical information while maintaining a strong focus on public service. Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis. First review is scheduled for April 2, 2026.

Apply early for priority consideration. Reports to: Director of Public Works / City Engineer Licenses/Certificates/Special Requirements: Professional registration with the State of California as a Traffic Engineer or Civil Engineer. Education/Training/Experience: A typical way of obtaining the knowledge, skills and abilities outlined above is graduation from a four-year college or university with a Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, traffic engineering, or a closely related field and five years of professional traffic engineering experience, including two years of administrative and supervisory responsibility; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

For full position details, please click the job description: Traffic Engineering Manager This position is required to work on-site at the City of Lake Forest City Hall from 8 AM to 6 PM, Monday through Friday, following a 9/80 work schedule (with every other Friday off). (Note: The incumbent may be eligible to hybrid work one day per week, per department approval).

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