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Traffic Engineering Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Traffic Engineer

Federal Way, WA · On-site

$105K - $133K/yr

Reviews traffic engineering and transportation planning studies and develops appropriate mitigating measures to impose as conditions for projects in accordance with City Policies and State ...

Senior Traffic Engineer

Bellevue, WA

$117K - $162K/yr

Lead traffic engineering design, corridor traffic analysis, and traffic operations efforts for municipal, transit, and infrastructure projects * Provide technical oversight and direction for traffic ...

Senior Traffic Engineer

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$117K - $162K/yr

Lead traffic engineering design, corridor traffic analysis, and traffic operations efforts for municipal, transit, and infrastructure projects * Provide technical oversight and direction for traffic ...

Traffic Design Engineering EIT

Seattle, WA · Hybrid

$43.95 - $47.74/hr

Traffic Design Engineering EIT As a Traffic Design Engineering EIT, you will be working with our seasoned team of Engineers and Project Managers to develop plans, specifications, and estimates (PS ...

Traffic Design Engineer Our client is proud to be 100% employee-owned with a commitment to making a ... Leading transportation engineering design projects of varying complexity, including scope, schedule ...

Traffic Design Engineer Our client is proud to be 100% employee-owned with a commitment to making a ... Leading transportation engineering design projects of varying complexity, including scope, schedule ...

Traffic Project Engineer

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$104K - $156K/yr

... engineering and related services. Our in-house expertise spans Civil and Land Development ... Collaborating closely with our traffic engineers, you'll help develop and implement roadway ...

... engineering and related services. Our in-house expertise spans Civil and Land Development ... Collaborating closely with our traffic engineers, you'll help develop and implement roadway ...

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Showing results 1-20

Traffic Engineering information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$24.9K

$93.4K

$167.8K

How much do traffic engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for traffic engineering in Seattle, WA is $93,374.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,115.00 and $129,877.00 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.

Infographic showing various Traffic Engineering job openings in Seattle, WA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,374 per year, or $44.9 per hour.

Traffic Engineer

City of Federal Way

Federal Way, WA • On-site

$105K - $133K/yr

Other

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

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 professional and technical engineering and planning duties in support of the Community Development Transportation Division's review of land use permits and site improvements for private and public development within the City's Right-of-Way and/or private property. Land Use permits and site improvements include but are not limited to reviewing traffic impact analyses, site access, roadway construction including traffic signals and channelization plans, and traffic mitigation, with emphasis on compliance with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), Federal Way Revise Code (FWRC), Right-of-Way Design & Construction Standards, Federal Way Comprehensive Plan, and other applicable federal, state, and county design manuals. In addition, the position will have responsibilities in the City's permit review process, plan and land use, transportation concurrency management program, and customer service.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities Perform professional and technical engineering and planning duties in support of the transportation division of the Community Development Department. Reviews traffic engineering and transportation planning studies and develops appropriate mitigating measures to impose as conditions for projects in accordance with City Policies and State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA). Reviews engineering plans for compliance with engineering standards and project requirements.

Interprets, applies, and ensures compliance with codes, standards, specifications, policies, and procedures; ensures compliance with standard engineering principles for review of traffic related transportation infrastructure plans. Where guidelines are not applicable or definitive, base decisions on qualitative and quantitative information. Prepares letters, memos, and reports addressing site design and traffic impact issues; provides recommendations for developer conditions.

Uses the city permit tracking and time-keeping systems to maintain accurate records of current status of projects, billable time spent, and workload. Attends Council meetings and public hearings to present information or recommendations related to development applications. Represents the City in a variety of public forums.

Prepare work orders for consultant development review, signs, pavement markings, and traffic signal related projects; follow up and oversee status of work orders to ensure timely and proper implementation. Assist in the development of transportation-related development ordinances, standards, codes, and regulations. Prepare responses to inquiries from community members.

Provide excellent service to internal and external customers. Work with diverse groups to arrive at agreements on transportation engineering issues. Use the travel demand model to identify future roadway and traffic system deficiencies (with respect to signal operation, vehicular level of service, and overall traffic operations).

Develop and evaluate alternatives to include street improvements, signalization projects, road connections, and transportation management programs. Analyze and evaluate long-term traffic impacts of land use alternatives. Support Public Works and other City Departments in the preparation/revision of the Comprehensive Plan, Sub-Area Plans, and other transportation documents.

Assist Planning and Building in maintaining an accurate land use inventory on an annual basis. Perform transportation concurrency analysis for development permit applications including city-wide annual evaluation of transportation concurrency program, operate and maintain transportation concurrency database and propose appropriate improvements. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience Any combination of education and experience equivalent to Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from an accredited college or university and a minimum of three years increasingly responsible traffic engineering and/or transportation planning experience. Or: In place of the above requirements, the incumbent may possess any combination of relevant education and experience which would demonstrate the individual's knowledge, skill, and ability to proficiently perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above. Licenses: Engineer-in-Training (EIT) strongly preferred.

Professional Engineer (PE) and/or Professional Traffic Operations Engineer (PTOE) preferred. Master of Science in Civil Engineering with Transportation or Traffic Engineering focus preferred. Must have a valid Washington State Driver's license (or the ability to obtain within six months) and ability to remain insurable under the City's insurance to operate motor vehicles.

Knowledge and Abilities Knowledge of: Organization, operation, policies and objectives of City Government. Principles, theory and practices of modern civil and traffic engineering design and standards as applied to various traffic design functions, particularly traffic signals, signing, striping, and illumination. Pertinent federal, state and local laws and industry standards such as Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), AASHTO, and Highway Capacity Manual.

Traffic engineering software such as Synchro, Passer, HCS, and SIDRA. Transportation related aspects of the Growth Management Act and State Environmental Policy Act and associated case law. Travel demand modeling, preferably with EMME.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Excellent problem-solving skills, including the ability synthesize complex tasks into manageable procedures. Knowledge of highway safety management principles and practices, such as the FHWA's Safe System Approach.

Knowledge of Four-Step Travel Forecasting Process. Knowledge of traffic signal optimization and simulation software. Knowledge of zoning and development regulations.

Familiar with transit, non-motorized, and demand management and their relationship to a complete transportation system. Ability to: Perform highly technical and professional traffic engineering and transportation planning duties in support of the transportation division. Read, interpret and apply a variety of written regulations and instructions.

Plan and organize work. Establish and maintain effective working relationship with other employees, city officials, other governmental agencies, and community groups. Review traffic impact analysis.

Observe traffic safety laws and regulations. Meet schedule and deadlines. Work independently with minimum supervision.

Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Plan, organize, coordinate, assign and evaluate the work of technical and administrative staff and consultants. Analyze traffic problems accurately and adopt an effective course of action.

Physical ability to perform the essential job functions. Demonstrate the ability to positively and effectively interact with diverse individuals to accomplish a common goal. Ability to analyze and interpret data and come up with a recommendation or conclusion.

Represent City interests in regional forums consisting of technical staff and elected officials. Environmental Conditions/Physical Effort: Work is performed primarily in an office environment and may require travel to a variety of locations to perform site visit work or to attend meetings. Employee may be exposed to noise from basic office equipment operation, and to weather conditions and traffic hazards.