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Traffic Operations Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

City of Oxnard, CA

City Traffic Engineer

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$153K - $194K/yr

Engineer Division Manager DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This classification is distinguished from ... Traffic Operations and maintenance - manages the planning, coordination, maintenance, and repairs ...

WSP

Associate Traffic Engineer

Irvine, CA

$92K - $126K/yr

... and operation of streets and highways, their networks, adjacent land uses, and interaction with ... Your Impact * Perform basic professional traffic engineering work relating to conducting ...

WSP

Associate Traffic Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$92K - $126K/yr

... and operation of streets and highways, their networks, adjacent land uses, and interaction with ... Your Impact * Perform basic professional traffic engineering work relating to conducting ...

City of Oxnard

City Traffic Engineer

Oxnard, CA · Hybrid

$153K - $194K/yr

Traffic Operations and maintenance - manages the planning, coordination, maintenance, and repairs ... Bachelor's degree in engineering or a directly related field EXPERIENCE: Five (5) years of ...

BKF

Project Engineer - Traffic

San Jose, CA · On-site

$99K - $135K/yr

Assess traffic operations using Cubic Synchro/SimTraffic and develop signal timings * Support ... S. in Civil Engineering or related field from an ABET accredited program * 3+ years of experience ...

BKF

Project Engineer - Traffic

San Jose, CA

$99K - $135K/yr

Assess traffic operations using Cubic Synchro/SimTraffic and develop signal timings * Support ... S. in Civil Engineering or related field from an ABET accredited program * 3+ years of experience ...

HireRight

Traffic Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$92K - $125K/yr

Traffic Engineer 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 ...

New

RICK

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 ...

Techoundsllc

Traffic Engineer

San Diego, CA

$88K - $120K/yr

Candidate shall have a BSCE degree, CA Registration as a Professional Engineer, plus a minimum of 5 years' experience in traffic engineering or the equivalent work experience of 10 years in this ...

BKF

Project Engineer - Traffic

San Jose, CA · On-site

$99K - $135K/yr

Assess traffic operations using Cubic Synchro/SimTraffic and develop signal timings * Support ... S. in Civil Engineering or related field from an ABET accredited program * 3+ years of experience ...

TYPSA, Inc.

Traffic Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$93K - $127K/yr

Traffic Engineer We are currently seeking resumes from qualified, responsible, self-sufficient, energetic Traffic Engineers for our Irvine, CA office. The ideal candidate will be motivated to develop ...

TYPSA INC

Traffic Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$90K - $125K/yr

Perform traffic analysis, studies, preliminary engineering, transportation planning, and develop final design plans for traffic signals, ITS, lighting, signing, pavement marking, traffic handling ...

City of Santa Monica

Traffic Engineer

Venice, CA · On-site

Transportation Engineer Performs professional engineering and project management work related to transportation programs, operations, and facilities. Operates and maintains the City's traffic control ...

New

Government Jobs

Traffic Engineer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

Job Title Traffic Engineer Job Summary Performs professional engineering and project management work related to transportation programs, operations, and facilities. Operates and maintains the City ...

New

City of Santa Monica

Traffic Engineer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$127K - $157K/yr

Job Summary DEFINITION Performs professional engineering and project management work related to transportation programs, operations, and facilities. Operates and maintains the City's traffic control ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsTraffic Operations Engineer JobsTraffic Operations Engineer Jobs in California

Traffic Operations Engineer information

See California salary details

$44.9K

$101.6K

$139.2K

How much do traffic operations engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for traffic operations engineer in California is $101,599.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,900.00 and $116,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Traffic Operations Engineer vs Traffic Signal Technician?

AspectTraffic Operations EngineerTraffic Signal Technician
CredentialsBachelor's in Civil Engineering or related field, certifications like PE or PMP often preferredHigh school diploma or technical training, certifications like NEMA or signal technician certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign, planning, and overseeing traffic systems; office and field workInstallation, maintenance, and repair of traffic signals; primarily field work
Employer & Industry UsageTransportation agencies, city departments, consulting firmsMunicipal traffic departments, contractors, transportation agencies

Traffic Operations Engineers focus on planning, designing, and managing traffic systems, often working in offices and on projects. Traffic Signal Technicians handle the installation and maintenance of traffic signals in the field. Both roles are essential in traffic management but differ in responsibilities and required credentials.

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

To thrive as a Traffic Operations Engineer, you need a solid background in civil or transportation engineering, typically with a relevant degree and Professional Engineer (PE) licensure. Familiarity with traffic analysis software (such as Synchro or VISSIM), GIS systems, and traffic control devices is important. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help you excel in coordinating with stakeholders and interpreting complex data. These competencies are crucial for designing safe, efficient traffic systems and improving roadway operations.

What does a traffic operations engineer do?

A traffic operations engineer designs, manages, and maintains traffic control systems to ensure safe and efficient movement of vehicles and pedestrians. They analyze traffic data, implement signal timing plans, and use tools like traffic simulation software to optimize flow and reduce congestion. The role often requires knowledge of transportation engineering principles and relevant certifications.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior traffic operations engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and specialized skills in traffic management systems can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $300,000 annually, especially in high-cost-of-living areas or with leadership responsibilities. Such roles often require expertise in traffic modeling, data analysis, and the use of advanced tools like GIS and traffic simulation software.

What are some common challenges a Traffic Operations Engineer faces when implementing new traffic signal technologies?

Traffic Operations Engineers often encounter challenges such as integrating new technologies with existing infrastructure, managing public expectations during transition periods, and ensuring minimal disruption to traffic flow. Collaborating with city planners, IT specialists, and public works teams is essential to address these hurdles. Additionally, balancing budget constraints while prioritizing safety and efficiency improvements requires careful planning and communication.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Traffic Operations Engineers typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are more common in executive or specialized roles within transportation or infrastructure management. Senior engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, or leadership responsibilities in large organizations may reach high six-figure incomes, but $500,000 is uncommon for standard engineering positions in this field.

Can you make $500,000 as a civil engineer?

Traffic Operations Engineers typically earn salaries below $200,000 annually, with higher earnings possible through senior roles, specialized skills, or management positions. Reaching a $500,000 salary usually requires extensive experience, advanced certifications, or leadership responsibilities in large organizations. Such high compensation is uncommon in this field without significant career advancement or additional income sources.

What are Traffic Operations Engineers?

Traffic Operations Engineers are professionals who design, analyze, and optimize the flow of traffic on roadways to ensure safety, efficiency, and mobility. They use data, technology, and engineering principles to plan and manage traffic control devices like signals, signs, and road markings. Their work often involves conducting traffic studies, implementing traffic management strategies, and collaborating with local government agencies to address transportation challenges.
What are popular job titles related to Traffic Operations Engineer jobs in California? For Traffic Operations Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Traffic Operations Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Traffic Operations Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Traffic Operations Engineer jobs in CA? For Traffic Operations Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Traffic Operations Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Traffic Operations Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $101,599 per year, or $48.8 per hour.
Traffic Engineer

Traffic Engineer

RICK ENGINEERING COMPANY

San Diego, CA • On-site

$52 - $69.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

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 difference – RICK is the place for you! As a Traffic Engineer in San Diego, CA, you will have an opportunity to work with a multi-disciplinary team on meaningful, landmark projects in the San Diego region. As a RICK team member, you will help clients and communities turn their dreams into reality. You will learn from and work alongside industry-leading experts and together shape the future of tomorrow.

Qualifications

  • Candidate shall have a BSCE degree, CA Registration as a Professional Engineer (Civil or Traffic), plus a minimum of 4-5 years’ experience in traffic engineering or the equivalent work experience of 9-10 years in this industry.
  • Candidate must have a minimum of three years management experience supervising the work of traffic designers and CAD drafters/technicians.
  • Candidate for this position must demonstrate strong independent thought and decision-making abilities; possess demonstrated leadership and supervisory skills; exhibit management ability; be adept in establishing and maintaining strong and positive working relationships with clients/public-agency personnel, and in-house staff.
  • Candidate shall have recent Southern California experience, preferably in the San Diego County region.
  • Candidate’s managerial experience shall also include the following: supervision of traffic engineering design teams; management of project schedules and budgets; preparation of contracts, fee proposals, and scopes of work; and experience in client and public-agency interactions.
  • Candidate’s technical experience shall include the following: providing municipal traffic engineering services, including in-house services, preparation/processing of final traffic engineering plans (traffic signals, traffic control plans, signing/striping plans, etc.), preparation of Traffic Impact Analysis, and various traffic related studies and reports. Experience in transit planning and design is a plus.
  • Position generally requires extensive experience and demonstrated engineering abilities in all aspects of traffic engineering and planning projects; and in interacting comfortably and productively with clients and public agencies. It is desired that the Candidate be experienced in HCS, Vistro, Synchro, and other traffic related software, as well as the California Vehicle Code (CVC), MUTCD, and familiar with Highway Capacity Manual.

What We Offer

  • Generous Benefits package
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Profit Sharing, 401K, and Life and Disability Insurance and Personal Leave
  • Alternative Work Schedule
  • Holiday Parties, Team Building Activities and Events

At RICK you will find an abundance of opportunities for mentorship, growth, and (of course) fun! Learn more by visiting www.rickengineering.com

RICK Engineering Company (RICK) is an Equal Opportunity

RICK employees are protected by laws designed to protect employees from discrimination based on race, religion, color, sex, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, parental status, national origin, age, disability, family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or any other non-merit-based factor. These protections extend to all management practices and decisions, including recruitment and hiring practices, appraisal systems, promotions, and training and career development programs. RICK employees are also protected against retaliation if they engage in a protected activity, whistleblowing, or the exercise of any appeal or grievance right provided by law.