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Transportation Engineering Phd Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NOACA

Manager of Transportation Engineering

Cleveland, OH · On-site

$113K - $137K/yr

PhD for an additional year Ohio Professional Engineer (PE) licensure preferred Experience with ... transportation work, we want to meet you. Join us. Lead with service. Engineer the future.

Apply Early

Stantec

Transportation Analyst (Modeling)

Denver, CO · On-site

$85K - $119K/yr

S.) in Civil Engineering, Transportation Engineering, Transportation Planning, City and Regional Planning, Operations Research, or a related field. Advanced degrees (master's or PhD) are considered a ...

Stantec

Transportation Analyst (Modeling)

Portland, OR · On-site

S.) in Civil Engineering, Transportation Engineering, Transportation Planning, City and Regional Planning, Operations Research, or a related field. Advanced degrees (master's or PhD) are considered a ...

Stantec

Transportation Analyst (Modeling)

Portland, OR · On-site

S.) in Civil Engineering, Transportation Engineering, Transportation Planning, City and Regional Planning, Operations Research, or a related field. Advanced degrees (master's or PhD) are considered a ...

Stantec

Transportation Analyst (Modeling)

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$85K - $119K/yr

S.) in Civil Engineering, Transportation Engineering, Transportation Planning, City and Regional Planning, Operations Research, or a related field. Advanced degrees (master's or PhD) are considered a ...

HNTB

Vertical Transportation Engineer

New York, NY

$84K - $112K/yr

As a Vertical Transportation Engineer, you will contribute to the planning, design, and ... PhD in Engineering and 2 years of relevant experience What You'll Bring: * Optimizing work ...

LSU AgCenter

Postdoctoral Researcher

Patrick, SC

PhD in Transportation Engineering * Specific Experience : Experience in transportation safety and operations research, crash data analysis, advanced statistical modeling, GIS applications, research ...

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Transportation Engineering Phd information

See salary details

$53.5K

$91.1K

$127K

How much do transportation engineering phd jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for transportation engineering phd in the United States is $91,097.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,500.00 and $102,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Transportation Engineering PhD, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Transportation Engineering PhD, you need advanced knowledge in transportation systems, quantitative analysis, and research methodologies, typically supported by a doctorate in civil or transportation engineering. Proficiency in specialized software such as MATLAB, ArcGIS, and traffic simulation tools, along with experience in data analysis and modeling, is crucial. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills set candidates apart in both academic and industry roles. These skills are essential for developing innovative transportation solutions, publishing impactful research, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.

What is a Transportation Engineering PhD?

A Transportation Engineering PhD is a doctoral degree focused on advanced research and study in the planning, design, operation, and management of transportation systems. Students in this program typically explore topics like traffic flow theory, transportation infrastructure, public transit systems, and sustainable mobility solutions. The degree prepares graduates for academic, research, or high-level industry positions, where they contribute to solving complex transportation challenges. Earning a PhD in this field usually involves completing coursework, comprehensive exams, and original research culminating in a dissertation.

What types of research projects or industry collaborations can a Transportation Engineering PhD expect to participate in during their career?

Transportation Engineering PhDs often engage in a variety of research projects, such as traffic flow analysis, sustainable transport planning, or intelligent transportation systems development. Many positions also offer opportunities to collaborate with government agencies, private consulting firms, or urban planning departments to address real-world transportation challenges. These collaborations can include data-driven projects, policy impact studies, and the implementation of innovative mobility solutions. This exposure not only broadens professional networks but also enhances problem-solving skills and can lead to leadership roles in academia, government, or industry.

What is the difference between Transportation Engineering Phd vs Civil Engineer?

AspectTransportation Engineering PhdCivil Engineer
Required CredentialsPhD in Transportation Engineering, research experienceBachelor's or Master's in Civil Engineering, licensure often preferred
Work EnvironmentResearch institutions, academia, specialized consultingConstruction sites, design firms, government agencies
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research labs, transportation agenciesConstruction companies, engineering firms, public works departments

Transportation Engineering Phd focuses on advanced research, modeling, and planning within transportation systems, often in academic or research settings. Civil Engineers have a broader scope, working on various infrastructure projects including roads, bridges, and buildings. While both roles require engineering fundamentals, the Phd emphasizes specialized research, whereas Civil Engineers focus on practical design and implementation.

Infographic showing various Transportation Engineering Phd job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 14% Internship, 72% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $91,097 per year, or $43.8 per hour.

Manager of Transportation Engineering

NOACA

Cleveland, OH • On-site

$113K - $137K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Be an early applicant

Job description

Join the Region's Innovation Engine Become NOACA's Next Manager of Transportation Engineering!

The Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA) is where big ideas meet real-world impact. As the Metropolitan Planning Organization and Areawide Water Quality Management Agency for a dynamic five-county region of Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, and Medina Counties, NOACA leads the charge in designing smarter, safer, more sustainable transportation systems for 2.1 million residents.

We are looking for a visionary, technically exceptional, people-centered Manager of Transportation Engineering to help shape the future of mobility in Northeast Ohio.

About the Role:

The Manager of Transportation Engineering is a key leader in driving some of the region's most important and innovative transportation planning and engineering initiatives.

You will:

Provide leadership, development, and supervision to engineering and planning staff

Design, manage, and deliver advanced transportation planning and traffic engineering projects

Lead programs in community-level traffic operations, transportation safety, and signal timing optimization; Intelligent Transportation Systems and planning for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles

Oversee the Transportation Asset Management Program, which focuses on pavement and bridge condition analyses and prioritization reports

Build and manage project work plans, budgets, and new initiatives that expand the Division's capabilities

Conduct advanced research and analysis, producing high-quality reports and recommendations

Collaborate with federal, state, regional, and local partners, including USDOT, ODOT, local governments, consultants, and NOACA staff

This is a full-time, FLSA-exempt leadership position that plays a central role in improving mobility, safety, and quality of life across Northeast Ohio.

Leadership Philosophy Servant Leadership Accountability:

At NOACA, leadership is not about authorityit's about service. The Manager of Transportation Engineering is expected to lead with NOACA's Servant Leadership Accountability approach, which means:

Creating psychological safety and trust

Coaching, developing, and empowering staff

Listening first, acting thoughtfully, and supporting team success

Holding yourself and others accountable with transparency and fairness

Modeling humility, respect, and ethical decision-making

If you are energized by helping others excel while delivering outstanding technical work, you will thrive here.

Minimum Requirements

Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or related field and 10 years of relevant transportation or traffic engineering experience

Master's degree may substitute for one year of experience; PhD for an additional year

Ohio Professional Engineer (PE) licensure preferred

Experience with traffic engineering simulation software preferred

Familiarity with Highway Safety Manual standards (AASHTO) preferred

Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office

Strong research, data analysis, communication, and organizational skills

Proven leadership and people-management abilities

Must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary: $88,894.85 $113,340.94 (commensurate with education, experience, and certification)

Generous paid time off including 12 holidays plus vacation, sick leave, and personal time

Comprehensive health benefits including medical, vision, dental, and prescription coverage

Employer-sponsored life insurance

Participation in Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS)

Support for professional development, certifications, and memberships

Additional voluntary benefits

Work Environment

NOACA offers a hybrid work model, including:

Telecommuting on Mondays

18 additional flexible telecommute days per year

If you are motivated by purpose, thrive in collaboration, and possess both the technical depth and leadership heart to guide transformational transportation work, we want to meet you.

Join us. Lead with service. Engineer the future.