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Traffic Signal Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Senior Traffic Engineer

Columbia, MD

$101K - $139K/yr

Develop and review traffic signal plans, signing and pavement marking plans, and other traffic ... Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a related discipline * PE required, PTOE preferred * 12 ...

Lead Traffic Engineer

Herndon, VA ยท On-site

$111K - $189K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering * 7+ years of experience in a related engineering position ... Experience with traffic control device design in signing, pavement markings, signals, lighting ...

Lead Traffic Engineer

Herndon, VA ยท On-site

$111K - $189K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering * 7+ years of experience in a related engineering position ... Experience with traffic control device design in signing, pavement markings, signals, lighting ...

ITS / Traffic Designer / EIT

Vienna, VA ยท On-site

$77K - $95K/yr

We bring together planners, engineers, architects, construction management staff, environmental ... traffic signal interconnect, transit signal priority, lightning control systems, and other ITS ...

Senior Traffic Engineer

Vienna, VA

$104K - $144K/yr

... signals and traffic management system design plans; intersection design; capacity and signal ... Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng) license. * Knowledge of regulations of state and federal ...

New

ITS / Traffic Designer / EIT

Vienna, VA ยท On-site

$77K - $95K/yr

We bring together planners, engineers, architects, construction management staff, environmental ... traffic signal interconnect, transit signal priority, lightning control systems, and other ITS ...

Traffic Analysis Engineer

Rockville, MD ยท Hybrid

$88K - $120K/yr

Morton Thomas and Associates, Inc. (AMT) is seeking a Traffic Analysis Engineer to join our ... signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment ...

Senior Traffic Engineer

Fairfax, VA ยท On-site

$118K - $151K/yr

Primary responsibilities will be performing and managing traffic engineering design and studies related to work zone traffic control, signing and pavement markings, traffic signals, lighting ...

Senior Traffic Engineer

Fairfax, VA ยท On-site +1

$118K - $151K/yr

Primary responsibilities will be performing and managing traffic engineering design and studies related to work zone traffic control, signing and pavement markings, traffic signals, lighting ...

Project Manager

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$93K - $119K/yr

This position is located in the District Department of Transportation (DDOT), Traffic Signal and ... Coordinates project teams of diverse professionals and technicians to include engineers, planners ...

Showing results 21-40

Traffic Signal Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$31.1K

$68.5K

$112.7K

How much do traffic signal engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for traffic signal engineer in Washington is $68,476.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,400.00 and $81,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Traffic Signal Engineer, you need a solid background in traffic engineering, understanding of signal timing, and a degree in civil or electrical engineering, often supported by a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Familiarity with tools such as Synchro, VISSIM, and MUTCD standards, as well as experience with traffic management systems, is commonly required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this field. These competencies are crucial for designing safe, efficient traffic systems and ensuring seamless operation within evolving urban environments.

What does a traffic signal engineer do?

A Traffic Signal Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining traffic signal systems to ensure the safe and efficient movement of vehicles and pedestrians. They analyze traffic patterns, develop signal timing plans, and use specialized software to optimize traffic flow. These engineers also coordinate with local governments and agencies on road improvement projects and troubleshoot technical issues related to traffic signals.

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

AspectTraffic Signal EngineerTraffic Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Civil or Traffic Engineering, possibly PE licenseBachelor's in Civil or Traffic Engineering, often PE license
Work EnvironmentDesigning, installing, and maintaining traffic signal systemsPlanning, analyzing traffic flow, and overall transportation systems
Employer & IndustryMunicipalities, transportation agencies, consulting firmsTransportation departments, urban planning firms, government agencies

Traffic Signal Engineers focus specifically on designing and maintaining traffic signal systems, while Traffic Engineers have a broader role in traffic flow analysis and transportation planning. Both roles often require similar credentials and work within transportation agencies, but their daily tasks differ in scope and specialization.

What are some common challenges faced by traffic signal engineers when coordinating with municipal agencies and contractors?

Traffic Signal Engineers often encounter challenges in aligning project timelines and specifications with the requirements of various municipal agencies and contractors. Differences in priorities, communication gaps, and unexpected site conditions can complicate coordination efforts. To address these challenges, engineers must be adept at project management, possess strong interpersonal skills, and stay up-to-date with local regulations. Proactive communication and frequent status updates help ensure all stakeholders remain informed and projects move forward smoothly.
What are popular job titles related to Traffic Signal Engineer jobs in Washington? For Traffic Signal Engineer jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Traffic Signal Engineer jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Traffic Signal Engineer jobs in Washington are:
Infographic showing various Traffic Signal Engineer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $68,476 per year, or $32.9 per hour.

Traffic Engineering Group Lead

STV Incorporated

Fairfax, VA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Traffic Engineering Group Lead
STV's Transportation team is seeking a Traffic Engineering Group Lead for our Fairfax, VA or Washington DC office, with hybrid/flexible work arrangements that support both collaboration and work-life balance. This is a high-impact leadership opportunity at a strong moment of growth for STV's traffic engineering practice, backed by a growing pipeline of visible, technically meaningful work across Bus Rapid Transit, Vision Zero initiatives, traffic signal modernization, multimodal corridor improvements, and complex MOT/TMP assignments. The right leader will have the opportunity to guide project delivery, mentor growing technical talent, strengthen client relationships, and help shape transportation solutions across Virginia, Washington, DC, and the surrounding region.
n this role, you will lead task-order and small to mid-sized transportation projects from planning through final design while overseeing design production, coordinating multidisciplinary teams, supporting business development, and serving as a trusted partner to clients and agencies including VDOT, DDOT, and local jurisdictions. This position is ideal for a hands-on technical leader who enjoys developing people, solving complex mobility and safety challenges, and delivering projects that make communities more connected, efficient, and resilient.
Key Leadership Skills:
  • Project Leadership: Lead task orders, manage schedules and budgets, and guide projects from planning through final design.
  • Team Mentorship: Delegate effectively, support junior engineers, and help develop the next generation of traffic engineering talent.
  • Client Partnership: Build trusted relationships with agency clients, stakeholders, and project teams.
  • Technical Quality: Provide oversight, quality checks, and sound engineering judgment across traffic studies and design deliverables.
  • Business Development Support: Contribute to scopes, level-of-effort planning, proposals, and pursuit strategy.

What You'll Do:
  • Lead task orders and small to mid-sized traffic and transportation projects from planning through final design for VDOT, DDOT, and other local jurisdictions.
  • Oversee and quality check traffic studies and design plans, including horizontal and vertical alignment, construction staging, traffic signal design, lighting, signing and pavement markings, and MOT/TTC design packages.
  • Manage design production efforts, delegate work effectively, and mentor junior engineers to support technical growth and project success.
  • Support Vision Zero, safety, mobility, and multimodal transportation improvements that enhance communities across the region.
  • Develop technical reports, specifications, cost estimates, project phasing concepts, and bid package materials aligned with available funding and client goals.
  • Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality work on schedule, within budget, and in alignment with client expectations.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, agency stakeholders, technical staff, and project managers.
  • Support business development through scope development, level-of-effort planning, technical and cost proposal preparation, and pursuit strategy.
  • Represent STV through client service efforts, industry events, and participation in professional organizations.

What You'll Bring:
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering.
  • Current PE in Virginia or the ability to obtain Virginia reciprocity within 6 months of hire
  • PTOE, RSP, or Virginia Advanced Work Zone Certification is a plus.
  • Ideally 10 years of traffic engineering experience, though candidates with 8+ years and strong design, project management, staff leadership, and transportation project delivery experience are encouraged to apply.
  • Experience developing schedules, task lists, budgets, scopes, and staffing plans to achieve project milestones.
  • Experience with CAD/design tools such as MicroStation, Civil 3D, AutoTURN, GuideSIGN, or similar platforms; candidates do not need experience with every listed program if they bring strong technical fundamentals and the ability to learn new tools.
  • Familiarity with traffic analysis software such as HCS, Synchro, VISSIM, CORSIM, SIDRA, or comparable programs, with a willingness to learn STV's preferred tools and workflows.
  • Exposure to transportation planning and photometric software such as TransCAD, CUBE, and AGi32 is preferred.
  • Strong working knowledge of MUTCD, VDOT Road Design Manual, Virginia Work Area Protection Manual, and ADA/PROWAG pedestrian design requirements.
  • Strong communication, collaboration, and client engagement skills with the ability to translate complex technical concepts clearly.

Why STV?
At STV, you'll have the opportunity to lead meaningful transportation projects that improve safety, mobility, and quality of life in the communities we serve. You will join a collaborative team with the resources of a national firm, the responsiveness of a local office, flexible work arrangements, and continued momentum across the Mid-Atlantic region.
This role gives you the platform to be more than a technical contributor-you'll help lead people, influence project strategy, build trusted client partnerships, and play a visible role in growing STV's traffic engineering practice. If you are looking for a leadership opportunity where your technical expertise, client relationships, and mentorship can make a lasting impact, STV offers the environment to do your best work and continue advancing your career.
#LI-Hybrid
#LI-MS1
Compensation Range:
$143,435.23 - $163,925.98
STV offers the following benefits โ€ข Health insurance, including an option with a Health Savings Account โ€ข Dental insurance โ€ข Vision insurance โ€ข Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare, Dependent Care and Transit and Parking where applicable) โ€ข Disability insurance โ€ข Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment โ€ข 401(k) Plan โ€ข Retirement Counseling โ€ข Employee Assistance Program โ€ข Paid Time Off (starting at 16 days) โ€ข Paid Holidays (9 days) โ€ข Back-Up Dependent Care (up to 10 days per year) โ€ข Parental Leave (up to 80 hours) โ€ข Continuing Education Program โ€ข Professional Licensure and Society Memberships
STV is committed to paying all of its employees in a fair, equitable, and transparent manner. The listed pay range is STV's good-faith salary estimate for this position. Please note that the final salary offered for this position may be outside of this published range based on many factors, including but not limited to geography, education, experience, and/or certifications.
Not sure this role is the perfect match? We encourage you to apply if STV's work and values resonate with you. We know great candidates don't always meet every qualification, and research shows women and people of color are less likely to apply unless they do. At STV, we believe strong talent comes from a wide range of backgrounds, and your skills and experience may align with this or another opportunity as we continue to grow.