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Traffic Signal Timing Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Traffic Engineer III

Oakland, CA

$99K - $136K/yr

Prepare traffic signal timing and retiming evaluations, including signal timing sheets and implementation support as needed. * Develop cost estimates for safety, planning, and engineering projects.

Traffic Operations Engineer

Detroit, MI

$86K - $117K/yr

Implement traffic signal timing changes to alleviate congestion and delay due to construction ... and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had ...

Traffic Operations Engineer

Detroit, MI · On-site

$86K - $117K/yr

Implement traffic signal timing changes to alleviate congestion and delay due to construction ... and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had ...

Traffic Engineer III

Oakland, CA · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Prepare traffic signal timing and retiming evaluations, including signal timing sheets and implementation support as needed. * Develop cost estimates for safety, planning, and engineering projects.

Traffic Engineer

Carson, CA · On-site

$30 - $50/hr

Traffic Engineer Location: Carson, CA 90745 Rate: Depends on experience Position Overview The ... Work spans field investigations, traffic operations analyses (including signal timing/coordination ...

Successful candidate will work on VDOT Signal Timing, ITS/Signal Design and Operational Improvements projects, traffic safety, as well as traffic engineering projects for local governments. Candidate ...

Senior Traffic Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$112K - $168K/yr

Arcadis is seeking a Senior Traffic Engineer to join the team in Texas to assist our team in modeling, developing, implementing, and fine-tuning signal timing in the Texas area. The candidate will ...

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Traffic Signal Timing Engineer information

See salary details

$27.5K

$60.5K

$99.5K

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

As of Jul 3, 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.
More about Traffic Signal Timing Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Traffic Signal Timing Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Traffic Signal Timing Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Traffic Signal Timing Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Traffic Signal Timing Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Traffic Signal Timing Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,460 per year, or $29.1 per hour.
Traffic Engineer III

$99K - $136K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

Engineer III - Traffic

Alta is looking for an Traffic Engineer III to join our traffic group in our Oakland office. In this role, you will support and lead traffic engineering analysis, safety and planning studies, and design tasks for sustainable transportation projects focused on making a positive impact on communities around the country.
About Alta
Alta is a missiondriven company working to mitigate climate change and advance safety and social justice by shaping sustainable, peoplecentered communities. We bring together expertise across planning, design, engineering, education and encouragement programs, and community engagement to help communities thrive. Our work is grounded in the belief that how places are designed and experienced has a profound impact on equity, health, and opportunity-and that people should always be at the heart of those decisions.
Founded in 1996, Alta was at the forefront of the active transportation movement and has spent nearly 30 years partnering with communities to imagine a more connected, resilient, and inclusive future. Today, with more than 225 staff across the United States and beyond, we are a global leader in creating environments that support everyday life, strengthen human connection, and respond to the challenges of a changing world. Alta offers the opportunity to collaborate across disciplines, contribute to meaningful work at every scale, and be part of a team committed to making lasting, positive change for people and the places they call home.
Day-to-day responsibilities for this role include:
  • Lead and support conceptual design plans and engineering-backed recommendations in partnership with safety, planning, and design teams. 
  • Conduct multimodal traffic engineering analyses, including traffic operations, safety assessments, corridor/intersection studies, signal operations review, and traffic simulation/modeling. 
  • Prepare traffic signal timing and retiming evaluations, including signal timing sheets and implementation support as needed. 
  • Develop cost estimates for safety, planning, and engineering projects. 
  • Develop traffic signal plans, street lighting plans, ITS design, signing/striping layouts, temporary traffic control plans (TCPs), and PS&E packages using AutoCAD and/or MicroStation. 
  • Apply MUTCD, Caltrans, NACTO, FHWA, and local agency standards to analysis findings and design solutions. 
  • Collaborate with engineers and planners to integrate bicycle, pedestrian, transit, accessibility, and safety enhancements into projects. 
  • Support quality control, constructability review, and coordination with clients and partner disciplines. 
  • Mentor junior staff in traffic analysis, design best practices, and project delivery. 
  • Implement best practices and process improvements to enhance project efficiency and consistency. 
  • Support traffic group leadership with business development, scopes, fee estimates, proposals, and client coordination. Lead and support conceptual design plans and engineering-backed recommendations in partnership with safety, planning, and design teams. 
  • Conduct multimodal traffic engineering analyses, including traffic operations, safety assessments, corridor/intersection studies, signal operations review, and traffic simulation/modeling. 
  • Prepare traffic signal timing and retiming evaluations, including signal timing sheets and implementation support as needed. 
  • Develop cost estimates for safety, planning, and engineering projects. 
  • Develop traffic signal plans, street lighting plans, ITS design, signing/striping layouts, temporary traffic control plans (TCPs), and PS&E packages using AutoCAD and/or MicroStation. 
  • Apply MUTCD, Caltrans, NACTO, FHWA, and local agency standards to analysis findings and design solutions. 
  • Collaborate with engineers and planners to integrate bicycle, pedestrian, transit, accessibility, and safety enhancements into projects. 
  • Support quality control, constructability review, and coordination with clients and partner disciplines. 
  • Mentor junior staff in traffic analysis, design best practices, and project delivery. 
  • Implement best practices and process improvements to enhance project efficiency and consistency. 
  • Support traffic group leadership with business development, scopes, fee estimates, proposals, and client coordination. 
Required

This position requires a combination of skills, experience and education including, but not limited to
  • 5+ years of experience as a traffic engineer in a consulting environment or public entity. 
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering. 
  • Proficiency in AutoCAD and/or MicroStation. 
  • Proficiency in Synchro, Vistro, VISSIM, SIDRA, and/or similar traffic analysis tools. 
  • Strong understanding of traffic analysis, traffic operations, multimodal safety, and engineering design principles. 
  • Demonstrated experience preparing Plans, Specifications, and Estimates packages for traffic design-related projects, including traffic signals, signing and striping, TCPs, ITS, and/or street lighting. 
  • Ability to manage competing priorities and multiple simultaneous projects with cross-functional teams. 
  • Strong written and oral communication and presentation skills. 
  • Working knowledge of MS Excel, Word, MS Project, or equivalent tools. 
Preferred
There are a number of additional skills, experience, and education that would be beneficial to this position including, but not limited to:
  • Registration as a Professional Engineer in the state where the position is based, or ability to obtain within twelve months of hire; PTOE or California T.E. certification a plus. 
  • Transportation planning and operations experience, including signal timing, multimodal corridor studies, safety action plans, Vision Zero initiatives, or Safe System projects. 
  • Experience in active and non-motorized transportation planning and design. 
  • Experience supporting traffic operations analysis using Synchro, VISSIM, Vistro, SIDRA, or similar tools. 
  • Proficiency in AGI and/or Visual Lighting. 
  • Experience supporting grant-funded or federally funded safety and mobility projects. 
  • Active participation in industry-relevant professional associations and committees. 
Flexible Schedule
Alta offers a flexible, hybrid work schedule where most employees work from home three days per week. In-office days support our collaborative culture, one of our core values.
Compensation
The pay range for this job in Oakland is $100,000-$130,000 annually. Placement within the range is based upon experience, skill-sets, and qualifications.
Benefits
Alta offers comprehensive benefits to all full-time employees:
  • Medical: PPO or HSA medical plans
  • Dental/Vision: PPO
  • Life Insurance: Alta pays 100% of the premium for life and AD&D, equal to your base compensation
  • 401(k): Alta provides a match up to 3%
  • PTO: 21 days accrued annually to start
  • Holidays: 11 total company paid holidays
  • Paid Parental Leave/Short-Term Disability 
  • Additional Benefits: Wellness reimbursement up to $800 annually, Alta Gets Around benefit of up to $900 annually, 5-year travel award, and professional development opportunities
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