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Traffic Operations Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Senior Traffic Engineer

Sacramento, CA ยท On-site

$150 - $190/hr

Prepare traffic operations analysis to support traffic design projects * Prepare proposals for traffic engineering design projects Requirements * BS in Civil or Electrical Engineering * Registered as ...

New

We are hiring a Staff Engineer to provide technical leadership across this platform, with ... Lead or heavily influence AI-agent-enabled traffic operations work - agent-driven troubleshooting ...

Senior Engineer - Traffic

Encinitas, CA ยท On-site

$116K - $181K/yr

Provide technical guidance and mentorship to engineering staff and assist with project coordination and workload management. Assist the City Traffic Engineer in supporting division operations and ...

DEvops Engineer with CASSANDRA

Mountain View, CA ยท On-site

$62.25 - $85.25/hr

... s Engineer (CASSANDRA) Interview mode: Phone then Onsite Looking for a strong DevOps engineer with ... Good understanding of web traffic load balancing and http health checks. Additional Information All ...

... ITS Engineer in our traffic engineering group for immediate employment in our downtown San Diego ... Take responsibility for operations of production section including staff development, profitability ...

Principal DevOps Engineer

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$144 - $210/hr

... s Engineer is a senior-level individual contributor who architects and implements scalable, secure ... Traffic Manager, and Event Hub. * Experience automating deployments for microservices-based ...

Principal DevOps Engineer

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$56.75 - $77.75/hr

... s Engineer is a senior-level individual contributor who architects and implements scalable, secure ... Traffic Manager, and Event Hub. * Experience automating deployments for microservices-based ...

Showing results 41-60

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.

Senior Professional Engineer / Project Manager - Traffic Engineering

TKDA

Riverside, CA โ€ข Hybrid

$137K - $182K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

As a Senior Professional Engineer / Project Manager - Traffic, you will lead the design and delivery of complex, safe, and efficient transportation systems. This role is ideal for a candidate with a background in traffic design and/or traffic operations, bringing expertise in either (or a combination of both) to support impactful transportation projects.ย 
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You'll partner with clients, mentor team members, and help shape impactful projects that improve mobility and safety in the communities we serve.ย 
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We take a "Seller-Doer" approach to business development.ย You will collaborate with the Traffic Group Manager and the Vice President of Surface Transportation Engineering to further advance our services and enhance our reputation by contributing to the development of marketing plans, cultivating / maintaining relations with clients and agency representatives, tracking prospective opportunities, developing proposals, and delivering client presentations.ย 
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Our employee-owned, multi-disciplined team thrives on collaboration and innovation, ensuring every project is optimized for cost efficiency and risk mitigation. Join us to make a tangible difference in the communities we serve, while advancing your career in a supportive, hybrid work environment.
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Hybrid Work Environment: Tuesday - Thursday In-Office | Monday & Friday WFH
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*We're Moving! - TKDA is currently located in San Bernardino with plans to relocate to Downtown Riverside by October 2026. Additional information about the exact location of our Riverside office will be communicated soon through a formal press release, so stay tuned!ย 
Responsibilities
  • Design Lead traffic related projects, includingย design and/or operations-focused work such as signing, pavement markings, traffic signals, lighting, intelligent transportation systems, construction staging, and/or maintenance of trafficย Develop plans, specifications and cost estimates
  • OPsConduct traffic operations, safety, and/or system performance analyses; apply findings to support project design and decision making. Prepare traffic study reports and memorandums
  • Ensure project goals are met within time and budget constraints
  • Establish work plans and staffing for project phases
  • Coordinate activities of engineers, technicians, and production staff
  • Market traffic engineering services and capabilities to current and perspective clients
  • Establish and cultivate relationships with the traffic engineering community to create opportunities to partner on larger projects
  • Conduct client and internal meetings, and reviews with governing agencies
  • Supervise design and technical development
We welcome candidates with strengths in either traffic design or traffic operations. Both are highly valued on our team!ย 
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering
  • Registered as a Professional Engineer in the State of California
  • Minimum of 10 years of related transportation experience
  • Minimum of 2 years of experience managing multi-disciplined projects; strong working knowledge of the project development process including coordination with other disciplines during design and construction
  • Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, Outlook)
Desired Qualifications
  • Previous business development experience demonstrated by a track record of securing new project opportunities
  • Experience in traffic engineering projects with an emphasis in designย such as plan development for signing, pavement markings, traffic signals, lighting, intelligent transportation systems, construction staging, and/or maintenance of traffic
  • Strong working knowledge and previous experience with CADD software (MicroStation, AutoCAD, etc.)
  • Strong interpersonal skills and effective verbal and written communication skills; Ability to write descriptive and technically accurate specifications and reports; Ability to participate in or lead project team meetings and client consultations
  • PTOE Certification or interest in attaining PTOE Certification
  • Previous experience in developing and evaluating transportation system and corridor alternatives
  • Previous experience with traffic operations analysis, forecasting, and modeling
  • Working knowledge of traffic analysis software (Synchro/SimTraffic, VISSIM, etc.)
$137,500 - $182,500 a year
The listed salary range reflects only the base pay for candidates with 15 - 25 years of related experience. Compensation may vary based on experience, qualifications, and responsibilities.
Join Our 100% Employee-Owned Firm
At our company, every employee is an owner. From the front desk to the corner office, every one of our 430+ professionals thrive on collaboration and holistic development. Our success is collective, and so are the rewards.
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Comprehensive Benefits
Health Benefits: Enjoy medical, dental, vision, and life insurance from day one
Annual Incentive Plan: Eligible for discretionary bonuses
HSA Contributions: Receive monthly employer contributions if you choose an HSA-eligible plan
401(k) Match: Get employer matching on your 401(k) deferrals
ESOP: Benefit from our Employee Stock Ownership Plan, funded entirely by company profits
Paid Time Off: Accrue PTO based on your professional experience and enjoy eight paid holidays per year
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Upon receiving a formal offer, you will get a personalized Total Compensation Overview (TCO) to see how everything adds up and what it looks like to be part of our community.
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TKDA is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status, gender identity, or any other characteristics protected by law. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, all applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.ย 
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All applicants must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer without current or future visa sponsorship needs or requirements. TKDA does not sponsor any type of employment visas, including but not limited to H1B, F1 OPT/CPT, TN, or other work authorization programs.
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*Pre-Employment Screening*
Upon acceptance of a conditional offer of employment, the selected candidate will be required to complete a standard pre-employment background screening, which consists of Social Security verification, educational verification, review of criminal convictions, and driving history.
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*Notice to Recruiters and Placement Agencies*
TKDA will not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or placement agencies unless a service agreement is in place. In the event TKDA receives an unsolicited resume without a service agreement in place, TKDA will not be obligated to pay a service fee of any amount nor will TKDA be held liable to terms or conditions under any agreement of any kind that has not been authorized in writing by a TKDA officer.
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About TKDA

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

Saint Paul, MN, US

Year founded

1910

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