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Transportation Engineer Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Roadway Engineer II

Raleigh, NC ยท On-site

$75K - $99K/yr

As a Roadway Engineer II, you will coordinate and deliver transportation engineering projects within scope, budget, and time schedules from initial start-up through project closeout. These projects ...

Roadway Engineer II

Raleigh, NC ยท On-site

$75K - $99K/yr

As a Roadway Engineer II, you will coordinate and deliver transportation engineering projects within scope, budget, and time schedules from initial start-up through project closeout. These projects ...

Showing results 21-40

Transportation Engineer information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$52K

$88.6K

$123.5K

How much do transportation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for transportation engineer in Raleigh, NC is $88,553.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,300.00 and $99,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a transportation engineer do?

Transportation engineers plan, design, and implement transportation systems. Transportation engineers consider traffic, population, and other factors to determine the need for a new form of transportation, such as train lines, buses, subways, or new roads, in a specific area or region. They identify methods for incorporating the new form of transportation to reduce local traffic, meet the needs of the community, and fit into the designated budget. Transportation engineers are vital parts of the team that designs public transportation paths and creates highways, bridges, and other structures that enable transportation. Similar job titles include construction engineer, transportation planner, port engineer, and traffic engineer.

What are some common challenges transportation engineers encounter when working on large infrastructure projects?

Transportation Engineers working on large infrastructure projects often face challenges such as coordinating with multiple stakeholders, managing tight deadlines, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Balancing safety, cost, and environmental impact can also be complex, especially when projects require innovative solutions or community engagement. Effective communication and adaptability are key, as engineers frequently collaborate with urban planners, contractors, and government agencies to deliver successful outcomes.

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

To thrive as a Transportation Engineer, you need a solid background in civil engineering principles, traffic flow analysis, and transportation planning, usually supported by a bachelor's degree in civil or transportation engineering and an EIT or PE license. Familiarity with design software such as AutoCAD, MicroStation, and traffic modeling tools like SYNCHRO or VISSIM is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with stakeholders and deliver successful projects. These abilities are essential to designing safe, efficient transportation systems and ensuring regulatory compliance in infrastructure development.

What is the difference between Transportation Engineer vs Civil Engineer?

AspectTransportation EngineerCivil Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Civil Engineering or Transportation Engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferredBachelor's in Civil Engineering; PE license often required
Work EnvironmentDesigning transportation systems, traffic management, roadway planningBroader infrastructure projects including roads, bridges, buildings
Industry UsageFocused on transportation infrastructure and traffic systemsWide range of infrastructure projects including transportation

Transportation Engineers specialize in designing and managing transportation systems, while Civil Engineers have a broader scope covering various infrastructure projects. Both roles often require similar credentials and work in related environments, but Transportation Engineers focus specifically on traffic flow, roadway design, and transit systems.

How much do transportation engineers make in the US?

Transportation engineers in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $87,000, with salaries ranging from approximately $60,000 to over $120,000 depending on experience, location, and level of education. Senior or specialized engineers with professional licensure and advanced skills can earn higher salaries, especially in urban areas or with government agencies.

Is being a transportation engineer worth it?

Transportation engineers design and improve transportation systems, often requiring a bachelor's degree in civil engineering and licensure. The profession offers steady employment, competitive salaries, and opportunities to work on infrastructure projects, but it can involve project deadlines and fieldwork. Overall, it can be a rewarding career for those interested in urban planning and infrastructure development.

What do you do as a transportation engineer?

A transportation engineer designs, develops, and maintains transportation systems such as roads, bridges, and traffic management solutions. They analyze traffic patterns, ensure safety standards, and use tools like CAD software to plan infrastructure projects, often requiring knowledge of engineering principles and relevant certifications. Their work supports efficient and safe movement of people and goods.

What are the most commonly searched types of Transportation Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC?

The most popular types of Transportation Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What job categories do people searching Transportation Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Transportation Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Transportation Engineer jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Transportation Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Transportation Engineer job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 8% Contract, and 4% Nights. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $88,553 per year, or $42.6 per hour.

Civil Engineer - Senior Transportation Practice Lead

Ayres Associates

Raleigh, NC โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Help build the future of transportation in North Carolina from the ground up!
Are you ready to put your name on the map and lead something truly transformative? We're looking for a bold, entrepreneurial transportation engineer to launch and grow a new practice in North Carolina - not just to fill a leadership role, but to create one.
Join Ayres - a USA TODAY Top Workplace recognized in both 2025 and 2026 - where people-first leadership, collaboration, and professional growth create an environment where great teams do their best work.
As our Senior Transportation Practice Lead, you'll:
  • Build something that lasts: Develop a new service line from the ground up, with the freedom to shape its direction and the support to make it thrive.
  • Grow a high-performing team: Recruit, mentor, and lead a team of talented engineers who share your vision and passion.
  • Make an impact: Deliver innovative transportation solutions that improve lives and communities across North Carolina.
  • Lead with vision: Collaborate with colleagues in our offices across the country to drive strategy, win work, and deliver excellence.
  • Leave a legacy: Establish yourself as a key player in North Carolina's infrastructure space - and help define what the future looks like.

On any given day, you'll:
  • Take the lead in successfully marketing and winning transportation projects, including NCDOT, counties, municipalities, and private-sector clients.
  • Prepare and negotiate contract documents.
  • Manage clients.
  • Manage projects, overseeing the production of all project work, ensuring that the work is produced on schedule, profitably, and in conformance with Ayres' quality standards and contract requirements.
  • Build and maintain respectful working relationships with fellow leaders within the company.
  • Support and participate in staff development and mentorship.
  • Be an active participant in monthly division meetings held with the vice president and fellow transportation leads.
  • Develop an annual business plan and budget with emphasis on growth, financial planning, capital purchases, marketing, and training initiatives.
  • Actively engage in local, statewide, and/or national professional organizations.
  • Participate in officewide social events.
  • Be given a great deal of autonomy to grow, direct and lead your team.

Required qualifications:
  • A bachelor's degree in civil engineering.
  • Registered professional engineer (PE) license in North Carolina.
  • A minimum of 10 years of combined experience in the following:
    • Sound transportation project management skills.
    • Proven business development expertise focused on identifying, pursuing, and winning projects.
    • Managing and mentoring staff.
  • Excellent communication, leadership, and technical skills.
  • Willingness to travel to other company locations on occasion.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage transportation projects profitably
  • A valid driver's license with a good driving record.

Desired skills and experiences:
  • Ability to develop and grow transportation engineering (one of Ayres' largest service offerings) in North Carolina.
  • A desire to build the Ayres brand at professional meetings/conferences locally, statewide, and potentially nationally.
  • Proven success in meeting goals and objectives of annual business plans and budgets, including revenue and profitability, staffing, backlog, billing, accounts receivable, ROI on capital purchases, and image development.
  • Ability to think outside the box to generate creative ideas and inspire your team.
  • Eagerness to cultivate a team environment where all staff members feel valued and supported and all ideas flow freely.
  • Enthusiastic focus on business development, including client contact, marketing initiatives, and monitoring client and partner satisfaction.

Please note, benefits vary depending on job status. To learn more about our great benefits, visit our website at https://www.ayresassociates.com/careers/the-ayres-advantage/
Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.