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Traffic Signal System Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Traffic Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · Remote

$100K - $151K/yr

Traffic signal systems, transit signal priority (TSP), and coordination between transit and roadway operations Traffic engineering or signal-related work in the public sector Proficiency with VISSIM ...

Traffic Signal Engineer

Nashville, TN · On-site

$85 - $125/hr

Arcadis is seeking a Traffic Signal Engineer (Signal Operations & Analysis) with experience in traffic engineering, traffic operations and intelligent transportation systems to join our Nashville, TN ...

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Traffic Signal Engineer

Nashville, TN · On-site

$85K - $125K/yr

Arcadis is seeking a Traffic Signal Engineer (Signal Operations & Analysis) with experience in traffic engineering, traffic operations and intelligent transportation systems to join our Nashville, TN ...

Traffic Signal Technician

Denton, TX · On-site

$23.39 - $30.41/hr

... traffic signal system Essential Functions and Other Important Duties Essential Functions: • Troubleshoots, repairs and maintains the central traffic masters and intersection controllers and ...

New

Traffic Signal Technician

Denton, TX · On-site

$23.39 - $30.41/hr

... traffic signal system Essential Functions and Other Important Duties Essential Functions ... Troubleshoots, repairs and maintains the central traffic masters and intersection controllers and ...

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Traffic Signal System Engineer information

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$27.5K

$60.5K

$99.5K

How much do traffic signal system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for traffic signal system engineer 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 does a traffic signal system engineer do?

A Traffic Signal System Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining traffic signal systems to ensure safe and efficient flow of vehicles and pedestrians. They analyze traffic patterns, develop signal timing plans, and use specialized software and hardware to optimize traffic control. Their work helps reduce congestion, improve safety at intersections, and support city infrastructure projects. They often collaborate with city planners, transportation agencies, and contractors.

What are some common challenges traffic signal system engineers face when integrating new technologies with existing infrastructure?

Traffic Signal System Engineers often encounter challenges when introducing advanced technologies, such as adaptive signal controls or vehicle-to-infrastructure communication, into existing traffic signal networks. Legacy equipment may lack compatibility with new systems, requiring creative solutions or phased upgrades. Additionally, ensuring minimal disruption to traffic flow during installations and coordinating with city planners, IT departments, and contractors are essential parts of the process. Staying updated on evolving standards and addressing cybersecurity concerns are also key challenges in this role.

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

To thrive as a Traffic Signal System Engineer, you need a solid background in civil, electrical, or transportation engineering, often supported by a bachelor’s degree and relevant licensure (such as a PE). Familiarity with traffic simulation software (e.g., Synchro, VISSIM), signal controller programming, and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) is crucial. Strong problem-solving, project management, and communication skills help in coordinating with agencies and translating technical requirements into practical solutions. These competencies ensure safe, efficient traffic flow and successful implementation of complex signal systems in urban environments.

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

AspectTraffic Signal System EngineerTraffic Signal Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field, certifications in traffic signal designHigh school diploma or equivalent, technical training or certifications in traffic signal installation and maintenance
Work EnvironmentDesign, planning, and overseeing traffic signal systems, often in office or field inspection rolesHands-on installation, maintenance, and repair of traffic signals in the field
Employer & Industry UsageMunicipalities, transportation agencies, consulting firmsTraffic departments, construction companies, maintenance contractors

While both roles are essential in traffic signal operations, Traffic Signal System Engineers focus on designing and planning signal systems, requiring engineering credentials. Traffic Signal Technicians handle installation and maintenance, with technical training. Their collaboration ensures safe and efficient traffic management.

More about Traffic Signal System Engineer jobs

What job categories do people searching Traffic Signal System Engineer jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Traffic Signal System Engineer jobs are:

Infographic showing various Traffic Signal System Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,460 per year, or $29.1 per hour.

TRAFFIC SIGNAL SPECIALIST

Town of Chapel Hill, NC

Chapel Hill, NC • On-site

$59K - $77K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Town Of Chapel Hill (North Carolina) rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

56th of 848 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Salary : $59,766.00 - $77,994.00 Annually
Location : Town Hall, Chapel Hill, NC
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 26/27-02063
Department: PUBLIC WORKS
Opening Date: 08/13/2026
Max Number of Applicants: 100
Summary
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions described here.Employees may be required to perform other duties as assigned that are not specifically spelled out in this job description, but which may be reasonably considered to require similar knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Summary of Position:
The position performs fundamental engineering duties in applying traffic engineering regulations, principles, and standards which includes operating the computerized traffic signal system to analyze traffic patterns, troubleshoot signal malfunctions, and implement signal timing adjustments. The position will report to the Traffic Management Center (TMC) during peak hours (Monday-Friday, 9AM-6PM) and during adverse weather events and special events. The position reports to the Assistant Transportation Engineer.
CANDIDATES SHOULD INCLUDE A RESUME AND A COVER LETTER THAT DESCRIBES WHY THEY ARE INTERESTED IN THIS POSITION AND THEIR EXPERIENCE WORKING WITH TRAFFIC SIGNAL SYSTEMS.
Essential Functions
What you can expect to be doing (Essential Functions):
  • Manages the Traffic Management Center (TMC) which includes overseeing CCTV camera feeds on the TV monitors and the operation of traffic signals using Centracs software to ensure proper traffic flow throughout the Town.
  • Manages the servers that provide remote access to Variable Message Sign (VMS) boards, cameras, and the traffic signal system.

  • Designs and implements messages to be displayed onVon VMS boards throughout the Town.

  • Analyze traffic signal reports, detection failures, and ensure the data within the controller matches data in the Centracs database.
  • In the field, manually input timing plans in the signal controller/cabinet as needed and maintain accurate signal plans in the signal cabinet.
  • Review and analyze traffic patterns in the office and field in order to document raw data results and prepare or fine tune signal timing plans as necessary; make redline revisions to traffic signal plans as needed.
  • Coordinates, reviews, and implements traffic signal timing plan revisions from NCDOT, consultants, and or as directed by the supervisor or the Transportation Division Manager.

  • Coordinate with the signal supervisor or other signal technicians to diagnose the extent of necessary repairs of the traffic signal system, cameras, or VMS boards for referral to external contractors or in-house signal technicians.
  • Notify supervisor and signal supervisor about signal-related emergencies and adjustments of timing or manual signal commands.
  • Implements signal timing plans for special events, generates traffic signal report data to supervisor for quarterly maintenance invoice to NCDOT.

  • Creates or attend meetings with vital stakeholders about special events or other collaborative information; share camera views via Microsoft Teams on request.
  • As needed, be present in the TMC during special events (UNC football games, 4th of July, etc.) and adverse weather events (hurricane, snowstorm).
  • May be asked to retrieve traffic signal timing and other signal related data for legal timing requests.
  • Completes all other duties as assigned.

Do you supervise or not?
This position has no responsibility for the direction or supervision of others.
What are the physical demands?
The work is typically performed while standing or stooping. The employee uses equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity and strength.
Where and how do you work?
The work is typically performed in the office and some field environments, including high traffic volumes.
Minimum Qualifications
What do you need to know to do this job effectively?
Knowledge of:
  • Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), Town policies and ordinances, NCDOT standards pertaining to traffic signals and signage. Principles and practices of Civil, Transportation, Electrical or Electronic Engineering as applied to traffic control, signal timing, and signal design.
  • Various computer software such as AutoCAD, ARCGIS, Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, or similar tools.
  • Signal system operating software such as Centras or similar software; and minimum knowledge of traffic signal cabinets and traffic signal controllers.
  • Traffic modeling/Signal Timing Software (Synchro, Sim-traffic, TruTraffic, etc.).
  • Traffic control, computer systems, and basic research and analysis techniques.
  • Pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations governing traffic engineering projects.

Ability to:
  • Communicate effectively orally and in writing with other Town employees, contractors, and the public
  • Read and interpret signal plans and maps, and compile and analyze traffic data.
  • Apply mathematical concepts including fractions, percentages, and ratios to traffic situations and job tasks.
  • Prepare written reports, letters, and summaries with correct grammar and formatting.
  • Model behaviors that are consistent with our values of RESPECT.

What is education and/or experience do you need to be considered for this job?
Education
An associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university with major course work in civil engineering, electrical engineering, computer programming, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties, a bachelor's degree preferred.
Experience
A minimum of three years of progressive and directly related experience in traffic signal system operations and maintenance is required.
Supplemental Information
What are the safety considerations for this job?
  • This position is designated safety sensitive and driving- essential.

  • You will be subject to the policy.
  • You will be subject to the Policy.

Here is other information you should know about the position:
  • A valid NC driver's Class C required.
  • This position is designated safety sensitive.
  • This position is driving essential and must conform to the Town's Safe Driving and Accident policy.
  • This position is designated as non-exempt and subject to FLSA overtime rules.

The Town of Chapel Hill has the right to revise this job description at any time. This description does not represent in any way a contract of employment.
The Town of Chapel Hill does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.
The Town of Chapel Hill offers comprehensive and competitive benefits to regular full time and part time employees.
Health and Dental Insurance
Health and dental insurance are effective the first day of employment. The town will provide full-time employees group medical and dental insurance including family coverage. Employees and the town will share equally in the additional cost of the medical plan for dependent coverage if employees desire to purchase such coverage for family members. Employees are responsible for the full cost of dependent dental insurance.
Retirement Health Savings Plan
Employees hired after June 30, 2010, in a regular full-time or regular part- time position are required to participate in the Retirement Health Savings Plan. Contributions are taken on a pre-tax basis. The current contribution amount is 1%.
Paid Time Off
  • Vacation/Annual Leave: Employees in regular full or part time positions earn between 12 and 26 days per year depending upon length of Town service.
  • Sick Leave: Employees in full or part time regular positions earn 12 days per year.
  • Paid Parental Leave: Eligible employees receive 6 weeks of Paid Parental Leave after birth or placement of a child in the home for adoption or foster care. This leave does not come from Employee's leave bank.
  • Paid Holidays: There are 12 official Town holidays. Employees in full or part time regular positions are eligible for paid holiday time.
  • Personal Leave: All employees in full or part time regular positions are granted 3 days of personal leave per year. This leave is non-cumulative

Local Government Retirement System
All employees in regular full or part time position are required to contribute to the retirement system. Contributions are taken on a pre-tax basis. The current contribution amount is 6%.
Supplemental Retirement Plans
  • NC 401(k)-The Town makes a contribution of 5% to the 401(k) for all regular full and part time employees. There is no employee match required. Employees have the option of making contributions on a pre or post tax basis. The plan is administered by Empower.
  • 457 Deferred Compensation Plan-Town of Chapel Hill employees have the option of making contributions to a 457. The Town does not make contributions to this plan. The plan is administered by MissionSquare.

Disability Insurance
  • Town Provided: The Town provides both short term and long term disability insurance to all regular full or part time employees. The plan will pay up to 50% of the employee's base income up to $462 per week for non-job related injuries.
  • Voluntary Short Term Disability: Employees have the option of purchasing supplemental disability insurance. This plan will pay employees a maximum of 25% of their base weekly earnings up to $400.

Life Insurance
The Town provides full and part time regular employees with an individual term life insurance policy. Employees have the option of purchasing additional life insurance for a small fee. Dependent life insurance is also available.
Direct Deposit
All employees hired after July 1, 2007 are required to have direct deposit.
Other Benefits
  • Credit Union: Employees of the Town of Chapel Hill are eligible to open accounts at Civic Federal Credit Union.
  • Parking is provided free of charge at or near worksites
  • Annual longevity payment beginning with the 5th year of full or part time regular employment
  • Tuition assistance is available upon completion of the initial probationary period
  • Town has a Housing Assistance Program that assists employees secure housing in Town see the following https://www.chapelhillaffordablehousing.org/employee-housing

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