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Traffic Operations Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Traffic Engineer

Waterford, MI · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

Professional Traffic Operations Engineer (PTOE) certification. * Experience with Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) projects. * Experience with local agency Federal Aid transportation ...

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Traffic Engineer

Louisville, KY

$83K - $113K/yr

Perform traffic engineering analysis such as traffic counts, levelofservice analysis, safety evaluations, and operational assessments under the guidance of senior staff. * Prepare designs of traffic ...

Traffic Engineer

Merrillville, IN · On-site

$85K - $116K/yr

Perform traffic engineering analysis such as traffic counts, level-of-service analysis, safety evaluations, and operational assessments under the guidance of senior staff. * Prepare designs of ...

Traffic Engineer

Merrillville, IN

$85K - $116K/yr

Perform traffic engineering analysis such as traffic counts, levelofservice analysis, safety evaluations, and operational assessments under the guidance of senior staff. * Prepare designs of traffic ...

Traffic Engineer

Indianapolis, IN

$83K - $113K/yr

Perform traffic engineering analysis such as traffic counts, levelofservice analysis, safety evaluations, and operational assessments under the guidance of senior staff. * Prepare designs of traffic ...

Traffic Engineer

Jeffersonville, IN · On-site

$83K - $113K/yr

Perform traffic engineering analysis such as traffic counts, level-of-service analysis, safety evaluations, and operational assessments under the guidance of senior staff. * Prepare designs of ...

Traffic Engineer

Jeffersonville, IN

$83K - $113K/yr

Perform traffic engineering analysis such as traffic counts, levelofservice analysis, safety evaluations, and operational assessments under the guidance of senior staff. * Prepare designs of traffic ...

Perform traffic analyses and studies, including traffic impact, capacity, safety, and operational ... Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Traffic Engineering, or a related field. * New Jersey ...

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Traffic Operations Engineer information

See salary details

$45.5K

$102.9K

$141K

How much do traffic operations engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for traffic operations engineer in the United States is $102,947.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,000.00 and $118,500.00 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.
More about Traffic Operations Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Traffic Operations Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Traffic Operations Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Traffic Operations Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Traffic Operations Engineer jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Traffic Operations Engineer jobs? The top employers for Traffic Operations Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Traffic Operations Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Traffic Operations Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Traffic Operations Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Traffic Operations Engineer jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Traffic Operations Engineer jobs? For Traffic Operations Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Traffic Operations Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,947 per year, or $49.5 per hour.
Senior Transportation Engineer - Traffic Operations

Senior Transportation Engineer - Traffic Operations

VHB

Charlotte, NC • Hybrid

$85K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Overview

ABOUT THE POSITION

VHB is seeking an experienced Senior Transportation Engineer to join our growing Transportation Systems team in Raleigh and/or Charlotte, NC. This role is ideal for an experienced traffic operations professional with a strong background in traffic analysis, signal design, modeling, and statewide operational programs. You'll work with public and private clients on high-impact projects ranging from corridor and TIP studies to complex traffic operations improvements across the Southeast.

Join a recognized leader in transportation engineering and safety, with a collaborative culture focused on delivering innovative, data-driven solutions that improve safety and mobility.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Serve as Project Manager on transportation systems projects, overseeing schedules, budgets, deliverables, and quality assurance.
  • Lead and support development of traffic operations analyses, corridor studies, TIP studies, and statewide safety programs.
  • Apply advanced modeling and simulation using tools such as Synchro, SIDRA, VISSIM, and VISSUM to analyze traffic operations and optimize mobility strategies.
  • Develop recommendations for traffic operational improvements, including intersection control evaluations, signal operations, access management, and congestion mitigation strategies.
  • Work closely with NCDOT and other public agencies on statewide operations initiatives, planning and engineering efforts, and complex corridor analyses.
  • Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to integrate traffic operations with broader transportation planning, safety, and multimodal design goals.
  • Prepare and present clear, data-driven technical reports and visualizations to clients and stakeholders.

Qualifications:

  • 8-11+ years of progressive experience in traffic operations, signal design, planning, or safety engineering.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license required.
  • Proven experience working with NCDOT on statewide operational or safety projects.
  • Strong proficiency with Synchro required; familiarity with VISSIM and TransModeler a plus.
  • Knowledge of TIP processes and multi-jurisdictional project delivery.
  • Strong communication and technical writing skills, with ability to convey complex traffic findings to diverse audiences.
  • Experience managing or supporting multidisciplinary teams on corridor or operational studies.

 

Building what's next, together.

Our people make the difference. We foster a technology-empowered, peopledriven, futureready culture where agility, innovation, and collaboration shape how we work every day.

 

When you join VHB, you'll find:

  • Meaningful work on complex projects with real community impact
  • A collaborative, inclusive culture that values curiosity and shared success
  • Support to grow your skills and lead through change
  • Learning and development supported by evolving tools and technologies, including AI
  • Best-in-class benefits and a flexible, hybrid work environment

We're growing across the East Coast and are consistently recognized as a great place to work. Ready to shape what's next? Learn more about what sets our employee experience apart and connect with us.  

 

VHB is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer. Since our founding, we have intentionally fostered a culture of inclusion and belonging, supported by deep-rooted core values, one of which is diversity. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

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Employment Type: FULL_TIME