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Traffic Operations Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Associate Traffic Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$92K - $126K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... 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 ...

Traffic Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$52 - $69.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 TRAFFIC ENGINEER

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$68.43 - $90.42/hr

Business Operations, Engineering, Environmental Services, Project Management, Public Service, and ... The City Traffic Engineer directs complex citywide systems and programs, monitors transportation ...

Traffic Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$90K - $125K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

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

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

Traffic Engineer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$127K - $157K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

CA

$146K - $178K/yr

Leads the Traffic Engineering team in administering the County's traffic operations program. Reviews roadway construction plans and recommends changes related to traffic engineering. Reviews ...

SENIOR TRAFFIC ENGINEER

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$60.06 - $81.81/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Professional Traffic Operations Engineer (PTOE) and/or Roadway Safety Professional (RSP) certification from Transportation Professional Certification Board, Inc. SELECTION PROCEDURE EXAMINATION ...

SENIOR TRAFFIC ENGINEER

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$60.06 - $81.81/hr

Professional Traffic Operations Engineer (PTOE) and/or Roadway Safety Professional (RSP) certification from Transportation Professional Certification Board, Inc. SELECTION PROCEDURE EXAMINATION ...

Traffic Senior Engineer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

The Senior Traffic Engineer leads the preparation of traffic studies, traffic operations analyses, and plan, specification, and estimate packages for traffic signals, lighting, ramp metering ...

Showing results 21-40

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 Aug 15, 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?

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 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 is a traffic operations engineer?

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:

Infographic showing various Traffic Operations Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,599 per year, or $48.8 per hour.

Associate Traffic Engineer

WSP

Irvine, CA • On-site

$92K - $126K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


WSP rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 69 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 72 rated business consultants


Job description

This Opportunity

WSP is in search of an Associate Traffic Engineer to support our California Transportation team. This position can be based out of our Irvine-CA or San Diego-CA offices. Join our team to build your expertise with the opportunity to work alongside transportation experts that are leading the way on innovative projects that support local communities.

Provides support to technical staff and project managers for the analysis, improvement, planning, engineering, design, and operation of streets and highways, their networks, adjacent land uses, and interaction with other modes of transportation and their terminals.  Tasks may include basic assistance with performing capacity analyses and assisting with the design, concept development, and construction of roadways, traffic patterns, and traffic signal design and timing.  Generates accurate and concise reports and documentation regarding assigned construction specifications.  Ensures that responsibilities are delivered and adhered to with a level of quality that meets or exceeds acceptable industry standards for design, safety, and functionality.

Your Impact  
  • Perform basic professional traffic engineering work relating to conducting investigations and inspections of proposed and existing site conditions, roadways, intersections, signage, signals, pavement markings, and transportation corridors to determine conformance with applicable rules, standards, and construction or operating permits.
  • Assist with the development of technologies, monitoring devices, modeling techniques, design requirements, and operating strategies to account for the safety and functionality of end-users, transportation vehicles/systems, and incorporate future-ready solutions with traffic engineering design standards.
  • Assist with verifying the assigned characteristics of a site and providing technical assistance on traffic engineering studies, capacity analyses, traffic complaint investigation, traffic plan review, signal system design, monitoring and control, and operations analysis to ensure roadways are designed in a safe and efficient way and the driver is provided with all of the necessary information and safety metrics to help ensure that their driving experience is safe and efficient.
  • Assist with conducting traffic counts for roadways and intersections to determine the volume of traffic, where the traffic is going to and from, and the type of traffic on the roadway.
  • Write technical reports summarizing research with findings and conclusions, generating complete, accurate, and concise documentation using electronic systems, spreadsheets, and software.
  • Assist technical staff and project managers with risk identification and assessment, offering input and analysis with design concepts, construction, mitigation and improvement activities, and remediation projects.
  • Work with cross-functional teams in executing project work.
  • Assist with work plan preparation and coordination of field/site work.
  • Complete training on assigned tasks.
  • Work collaboratively with other engineers, planners, scientific professionals, and DOT authorities on Federal, State, regional, and locally funded road and transportation improvement and development projects. 
  • Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP's Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
  • Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.
Who You Are

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, or closely related discipline.
  • 1 to 3 years of relevant post education experience.
  • Knowledge of traffic engineering principles, practices, process, design/build, and the application to project work-related issues. 
  • Familiarity with roadway planning, design, and construction management; including traffic control, capacity and operational analysis, and related communication systems.
  • Highly familiar with relevant roadway transportation construction laws, codes, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.
  • Analytical mindset with an ability to exercise sound judgement in evaluating situations and making decisions. 
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to an engineering and non-engineering audience.
  • Capable self-leadership with attention to detail, accuracy, multi-tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, as well as part of a team to meet business objectives.
  • Basic proficiency with technical writing, office automation, software, technology, math principles, predictive models, spreadsheets, and tools.
  • Experience with AutoCAD, Microstation, and other applicable design software packages.
  • Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP's health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
  • Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
  • Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Engineer in Training Certification.
  • Prior design experience.
  • A member of and/or actively participate in local professional practice organizations.

WSP Benefits:

WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on a providing health and financial stability throughout the employee's career. These benefits include coverage related to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation (or other personal time); paid parental leave; and paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings. 

Compensation:
Expected Salary: $76,200 - $111,000

WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and offer for this position, based on the successful applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities in addition to internal equity and specific geographic location. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant's sex or other status protected by local, state, and/or federal law.

#LI-RF1
 

About WSP

WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.

www.wsp.com

WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee's career.

At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?

WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.

The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.

NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:

WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to WSP in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where WSP has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand.  Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of WSP and WSP will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation - no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service. 


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