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Traffic Signal Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Your engineering assignments may include signal and intelligent transportation systems design, signing, pavement marking, work zone traffic control, and supporting DOT and municipal transportation ...

Your engineering assignments may include signal and intelligent transportation systems design, signing, pavement marking, work zone traffic control, and supporting DOT and municipal transportation ...

Your engineering assignments may include signal and intelligent transportation systems design, signing, pavement marking, work zone traffic control, and supporting DOT and municipal transportation ...

Your engineering assignments may include signal and intelligent transportation systems design, signing, pavement marking, work zone traffic control, and supporting DOT and municipal transportation ...

Your engineering assignments may include signal and intelligent transportation systems design, signing, pavement marking, work zone traffic control, and supporting DOT and municipal transportation ...

Develops preliminary/final plans and designs using CAD and other engineering/drafting tools; and ... Implement traffic signal timing plans and assist in their developments. * Troubleshoot and repair ...

Traffic Design Engineer

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

Your engineering assignments may include signal and intelligent transportation systems design, signing, pavement marking, work zone traffic control, and supporting DOT and municipal transportation ...

Sr Traffic Engineer

Hartford, CT · On-site

$147 - $168/hr

Traffic signal design for CTDOT, CT Municipalities, including physical equipment and timings* Review contractor submittals during traffic signal construction* Transportation engineering and traffic ...

Develops preliminary/final plans and designs using CAD and other engineering/drafting tools; and ... Implement traffic signal timing plans and assist in their developments. * Troubleshoot and repair ...

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Showing results 1-20

Traffic Signal Design information

See salary details

$27.5K

$60.5K

$99.5K

How much do traffic signal design jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for traffic signal design in the United States is $60,460.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,500.00 and $72,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is traffic signal design?

Traffic signal design is the process of planning, engineering, and implementing the layout and operation of traffic signals at intersections or other critical locations to ensure safe and efficient movement of vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. This involves determining the placement of signal heads, timing of signal phases, and selecting appropriate equipment based on traffic volumes, roadway geometry, and safety considerations. Traffic signal designers use traffic studies, engineering standards, and specialized software to optimize signal performance and minimize delays. Their work is essential for reducing congestion, preventing accidents, and improving overall transportation system efficiency.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in traffic signal design roles?

Professionals in traffic signal design often encounter challenges such as balancing safety, efficiency, and budget constraints while creating signal plans that accommodate all road users. Coordinating with city planners, engineers, and utility companies to ensure compatibility with existing infrastructure can be complex and time-consuming. Additionally, keeping up with evolving technologies, such as adaptive signal control and smart traffic systems, requires ongoing learning and adaptation. These challenges make strong communication, problem-solving, and project management skills essential for success in the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a traffic signal design engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Traffic Signal Design Engineer, you need a solid background in civil or transportation engineering, often supported by a relevant degree and, ideally, a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Proficiency with design software such as AutoCAD, Synchro, and MUTCD standards is essential, as well as knowledge of traffic control devices and signal timing systems. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help in collaborating with stakeholders and delivering safe, efficient designs. These competencies are crucial for ensuring compliance, safety, and optimal traffic flow in complex roadway environments.

What is the difference between Traffic Signal Design vs Traffic Signal Maintenance?

AspectTraffic Signal DesignTraffic Signal Maintenance
CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications in traffic engineeringTechnical certifications, electrical or electronics training
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, field surveys, planning sessionsFieldwork, repair shops, on-site troubleshooting
Employer & IndustryTransportation agencies, engineering firmsMunicipalities, transportation departments
Common Search/ComparisonDesign processes, planning, traffic flow optimizationRepair procedures, troubleshooting, system upkeep

Traffic Signal Design focuses on planning and creating new traffic signal systems, while Traffic Signal Maintenance involves repairing and maintaining existing systems. Both roles are essential for safe and efficient traffic management but differ in their daily tasks and skill sets.

More about Traffic Signal Design jobs

What cities are hiring for Traffic Signal Design jobs?

Cities with the most Traffic Signal Design job openings:

What states have the most Traffic Signal Design jobs?

States with the most job openings for Traffic Signal Design jobs include:

Infographic showing various Traffic Signal Design job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,460 per year, or $29.1 per hour.

$115K - $155K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Michael Baker International rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 450 rated engineering


Job description


Transportation Practice
Consistently ranked by Engineering News-Record as a Top 20 transportation firm, Michael Baker International offers clients an integrated team of professionals versed in all aspects of transportation planning, design, permitting, and construction management and inspection. In addition, Michael Baker International is a recognized leader in the practical aspects of operating and maintaining a safe and efficient transportation infrastructure.
What We're Looking For:
Michael Baker International is seeking a Traffic Signal Design Lead to support our growing Transportation Practice. This position offers the opportunity to provide technical leadership, quality oversight, and strategic guidance for traffic engineering and transportation projects serving state, county, municipal, and private-sector clients.
The successful candidate will lead and oversee traffic signal design, signing and pavement marking plans, maintenance of traffic planning, and transportation planning initiatives. This role will serve as a key technical resource within the organization, support transportation growth initiatives, and mentor engineering staff while helping deliver projects that improve mobility, safety, and operational efficiency throughout our service area.
What You'll Do:
Technical Leadership and Design
  • Provide technical leadership and oversight for traffic engineering and transportation projects.
  • Direct the preparation and review of traffic signal designs, signing and pavement marking plans, maintenance of traffic plans, and related transportation documents.
  • Stay current with FHWA guidance, MUTCD requirements, and industry best practices to support technical excellence.
  • Prepare and oversee plans, specifications, estimates, and technical reports in accordance with IDOT, Illinois Tollway, and local agency standards.
  • Provide technical guidance, mentorship, and quality reviews for junior engineering staff.

Project Delivery and Coordination
  • Coordinate with internal disciplines and subconsultants on technical aspects of projects.
  • Assist with project planning, staffing, scheduling, and workload management.
  • Support proposal development, scope development, and client presentations as needed.
  • Assist with strategic growth initiatives and expansion of traffic engineering services.

Quality Assurance & Client Service
  • Ensure compliance with applicable agency standards, design manuals, and quality management procedures.
  • Participate in client meetings and serve as a trusted technical resource.
  • Foster strong relationships with clients and project partners.

What You Need to Succeed:
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license in Illinois, or ability to obtain within four months of hire
  • 8+ years of roadway and transportation engineering experience with an emphasis on traffic signal design.
  • Demonstrated experience delivering projects for IDOT, county, municipal, or other public-sector clients.
  • Proficiency with OpenRoads Designer (ORD) and MicroStation.
  • Strong understanding of IDOT design policies, standards, and contract plan development.
  • Excellent communication, project coordination, and leadership skills.
  • Ability to lead and review traffic impact studies, transportation analyses, traffic signal warrant studies, safety evaluations, and corridor studies is a plus.

Compensation
The approximate compensation range for this position is $115,000 to $155,000. This compensation range is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Actual compensation is dependent upon factors such as education, qualifications, experience, skillset, and physical work location.
Why Choose Us:
  • Medical, dental, vision insurance
  • 401k Retirement Plan
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • Life, AD&D, short-term, and long-term disability
  • Professional and personal development
  • Generous paid time off
  • Commuter and wellness benefits

#LI-MM1 #LI-HYBRID
About Us
Michael Baker International, a leading provider of engineering and consulting services, including design, planning, architectural, environmental, construction and program management, has been solving some of the world's most complex infrastructure challenges for more than 85 years with a legacy of expertise, experience, innovation and integrity.
Based in Pittsburgh and with over 100 offices nationwide, we partner with clients on everything from roads, bridges, tunnels, mass transit, and airports, to water treatment plants, arctic oil pipelines, environmental restoration and specialized overseas construction. We serve as a trusted adviser to the communities we serve, making them safer, more accessible, more sustainable and more prosperous.
We provide visionary leadership in facilitating transformational change for our clients. Our work delivers differentiating innovations and dedicated experts who challenge the status quo and share a world of diverse experience and an impassioned entrepreneurial spirit. We deliver quality of life.
We Make a Difference.
Michael Baker International is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Michael Baker International provides equal employment opportunity for all persons, in all facets of employment. Michael Baker International maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply for any open position for which they feel they are qualified and all will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, familial status, pregnancy or childbirth, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status, status with regard to public assistance, or membership or activity in a local human rights commission, or any other legally protected status.
EEO is the Law. Applicants to and employees of Michael Baker International are protected under Federal law from discrimination.
*It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
*There is no current application deadline. Michael Baker will continue to accept applications on an ongoing basis until the position is filled or no longer needed.

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