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Traffic Signal Timing Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Valley Metro

Senior Traffic Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · Remote

$100K - $151K/yr

Ensures safe and efficient transportation operations through signal timing strategies, system ... Traffic engineering or signal-related work in the public sector Proficiency with VISSIM, INRIX, and ...

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Traffic Signal Timing Engineer information

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$27.5K

$60.5K

$99.5K

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

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for traffic signal timing 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 are some common challenges traffic signal timing engineers face when optimizing intersections in urban environments?

Traffic Signal Timing Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing the needs of vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and public transit at busy intersections. Urban environments typically present unpredictable traffic patterns, frequent construction, and coordination with multiple agencies, making signal optimization complex. Engineers must use data analysis, simulation tools, and field observations to develop timing plans that improve safety and flow while minimizing congestion. Collaboration with city planners, transportation departments, and the public is crucial to successfully implement and adjust signal timing strategies.

What does a traffic signal timing engineer do?

A Traffic Signal Timing Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing the timing of traffic signals at intersections to ensure safe and efficient traffic flow. They analyze traffic patterns, collect and interpret data, and use specialized software to create timing plans that minimize delays and improve safety for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. Their work often involves coordinating with city planners, transportation agencies, and the public to adapt signals to changing traffic demands and infrastructure projects.

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

AspectTraffic Signal Timing EngineerTraffic Signal Designer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Civil Engineering or related field, certifications in traffic signal systemsBachelor's in Civil or Electrical Engineering, focus on signal design certifications
Work EnvironmentTraffic management centers, field data collection, traffic analysisDesign offices, CAD software, project planning
Employer & Industry UsageMunicipalities, transportation agencies, consulting firmsEngineering firms, transportation planning companies

While both roles involve traffic systems, Traffic Signal Timing Engineers focus on optimizing signal timings for traffic flow, whereas Traffic Signal Designers create the physical layouts and plans for traffic signals. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

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

To thrive as a Traffic Signal Timing Engineer, you need expertise in traffic engineering principles, data analysis, and a relevant engineering degree, often with a Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred. Familiarity with traffic signal control software such as Synchro, VISSIM, and other simulation tools is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills help you collaborate with stakeholders and effectively address real-world traffic challenges. These competencies are critical to designing and optimizing signal timing plans that improve safety, reduce congestion, and enhance overall traffic flow.
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Cities with the most Traffic Signal Timing Engineer job openings:

What states have the most Traffic Signal Timing Engineer jobs?

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

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Traffic Signal Timing Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Traffic Signal Timing Engineer job openings in the United States 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 $60,460 per year, or $29.1 per hour.

Signal Timing Engineer (Transportation Engineer) III, IV, or V: Traffic Signal Crew (Austin Distr...

Texas Department of Transportation

Austin, TX

$79K - $107K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Texas Department Of Transportation rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

196th of 846 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

This position performs advanced and complex transportation engineering work in one or more functional areas such as planning, project development and design, construction, transportation/traffic operations and maintenance. Ensures compliance with applicable federal and state laws, policies, procedures, standards and guidelines. Work requires contact with governmental officials and private entities. Employees at this level establish their own work plan and priorities to meet set objectives. Issues are rarely referred to the supervisor but are handled at the occurrence.

Essential Duties:Responsibilities for Signal Timing Engineer III, IV, or V includes:

  • Coordinates traffic engineering studies and traffic counts.

  • Drives/travels to project/work locations to make on-site engineering reviews, analyses, tests and to provide technical support.

  • Interprets manuals and required guidelines for traffic operations.

  • Investigates and responds to public complaints on traffic signals, signs, railroad crossings, pavement markings, traffic management systems or other traffic related items.

  • Meets with law enforcement agencies and city officials to discuss traffic problems and possible solutions.

  • Monitors consultants' progress and work quality; checks invoices and associated documents; prepares supplemental agreements.

  • Performs and coordinates the review and processing of Plans, Specifications & Estimates (PS&E) submission, special specifications or special provisions.

  • Performs/monitors field applications of experimental features or other innovative methods.

  • Provides technical expertise in planning, coordinating, maintaining and operating traffic management systems.

  • Responsible for Traffic Engineering operations.

  • Reviews traffic engineering studies, warranting of traffic signals and speed zones.

  • Testifies at condemnation hearings and trials.

  • Troubleshoots electronic systems.

  • Performs other job responsibilities as assigned. This position requires driving a state vehicle.

 Additional Responsibilities for Signal Timing Engineer IV or V includes:

  • Coordinates and monitors consultant contracts related projects.

  • Formulates, develops and monitors budgets and financial information.

  • Interprets laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to professional services contracting to ensure compliance with Department and governmental regulations.

  • Monitors contract performance, evaluates contract deliverables, reviews billing documentation, monitors the consultant's compliance with the terms of the contract, and prepares and delivers a written evaluation of the consultant's performance.

  • Develops traffic engineering and traffic management system policies, procedures and standards.

 Additional Responsibilities for Signal Timing Engineer V includes:

  • Designs, installs, maintains and repairs all traffic management computer/communication/video systems and traffic signals, radios, and railroad crossing equipment.

Minimum Qualifications:Education: 

Bachelor's Degree in engineering or related science bachelor's or higher degree accepted by TX PELS.

Experience: 

  • Signal Timing Engineer III: 6 YEARS engineering, transportation engineering, or related engineering experience.

  • Signal Timing Engineer IV: 7 YEARS engineering, transportation engineering, or related engineering experience.

  • Signal Timing Engineer V: 8 YEARS engineering, transportation engineering, or related engineering experience.

 (Experience can be satisfied by full time or prorated part time equivalent).Related graduate level education may be substituted for experience on a year per year basis. Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications

Licenses and Certifications:

  • Valid driver's license. This position requires driving a state vehicle.

  • Licensed Prof Engineer*

*Professional engineers licensed in another state in the United States, but not currently licensed in the State of Texas, must (1) meet the license requirements of the State of Texas Engineering Practices Act, (2) obtain a professional engineering license from the State of Texas within six (6) months of the date of hire, and (3) sign an agreement to that effect as a condition of employment.

Competencies:Competencies for Signal Timing Engineer III, IV, or V Include:

  • Traffic management systems operations

  • Traffic signal systems design, testing and maintenance operations

  • Schematic electrical wiring

  • Developing and giving presentations

  • Exercises logic and reasoning to define problems, establish facts and draw valid conclusions; makes decisions that support business objectives and goals

 Additional competencies for Signal Timing Engineer IV or V include:

  • DBE, HUB, SBE

  • Contract development and oversight

  • Applying engineering principles, practices, and methods in job responsibilities

  • Monitoring the status and progress of projects

 Additional competencies for Signal Timing Engineer V include:

  • Troubleshooting, repairing and maintaining equipment of the trade

 Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

  • Subject to extreme cold and heat; below 32 and above 100 degrees for more than one hour

  • Subject to hazards-moving vehicles/mechanical parts, high places/heat, or chemicals

  • Required to wear protective gear-respirator, hard hat, or other device

  • Light work: Lift up to 20 lbs at a time and frequently lift or carry objects up to 10 lbs

  • Standing-prolonged periods of time

  • Walking-moving on foot to accomplish tasks: long distance/from one work site to another

  • Talking-expressing or exchanging ideas by spoken words

  • Close Visual Acuity-work includes data/figures; view a computer screen; extensive reading


     

Conditions of Employment:

Please read the Standard Conditions of Employment (TxDOT) for all positions

  • This job has been identified as physically demanding and will require a pre-employment physical. 

  • Must pass a drug test prior to employment for safety impact positions. This is a Safety Impact position and will be subject to random drug testing.

    • Please note that the Department of Transportation's Drug and Alcohol Testing Regulation - 49 CFR Part 40, at 40.151(e) - does not authorize "medical marijuana" under a state law to be a valid medical explanation for a positive drug test result for an employee in this position.

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