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Transportation Engineering Phd Jobs (NOW HIRING)

HNTB

Design Build Transportation Engineer III

Arlington, VA · On-site

$81.34K - $159.03K/yr

HNTB is looking for a passionate Transportation Project Manager I to lead our innovative project ... PhD in Engineering and 2 years of relevant experience What You'll Bring: * Working closely with ...

Vertex Sigma Software

Data Engineer

Foster City, CA · On-site

$133.50K - $160.30K/yr

... Transportation Engineering, Systems Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or ... Bonus Qualifications PhD in Engineering or a related technical field. Prior experience with AV ...

Vertex Sigma Software

Data Engineer

Foster City, CA · On-site

$133.50K - $160.30K/yr

... Transportation Engineering, Systems Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or ... Bonus Qualifications PhD in Engineering or a related technical field. Prior experience with AV ...

Vertex Sigma Software

Data Engineer

Foster City, CA

$133.50K - $160.30K/yr

... Transportation Engineering, Systems Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or ... Bonus Qualifications PhD in Engineering or a related technical field. Prior experience with AV ...

Vertex Sigma Software

Data Engineer

Foster City, CA

$133.50K - $160.30K/yr

... Transportation Engineering, Systems Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or ... Bonus Qualifications PhD in Engineering or a related technical field. Prior experience with AV ...

Artech

Data Engineer

San Mateo, CA

$130.40K - $156.60K/yr

... Transportation Engineering, or a closely related industry. * Strong programming skills in Python ... PhD in Engineering or a related technical field. * Prior experience with AV safety or system ...

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Transportation Engineering Phd information

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$53.5K

$91.1K

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How much do transportation engineering phd jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 1, 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 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 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 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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $91,097 per year, or $43.8 per hour.
Design Build Transportation Engineer III

Design Build Transportation Engineer III

HNTB

Los Angeles, CA

$81.34K - $159.03K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

HNTB rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

What We're Looking For

Are you ready to make a significant impact on fast-paced infrastructure projects? HNTB is looking for a passionate Transportation Project Manager I to lead our innovative project teams. In this pivotal role, you'll manage budgets, schedules, technical requirements, and contractual obligations, ensuring top-notch performance and client satisfaction. Be part of a team that delivers HNTB's 4 for 4 performance: quality work, on time, on budget, and to the client's satisfaction. Your expertise will make a real difference in the world of transportation engineering as you solve complex design challenges.

What You'll Do:

  • Completes assigned work within the schedule and number of hours provided.
  • Assist in the development of project specifications.
  • Responsible for development of discipline specific engineering project elements/deliverables such as reports, designs, and plans.
  • Aids in the coordination and productivity of project team members.
  • Provides technical guidance to less experienced engineering project team members.
  • Works closely with other disciplines and on multi-discipline projects.
  • Performs quality control reviews of discipline - specific engineering project elements/deliverables.
  • Assists with coordination and planning of schedules, hours, and distribution of work within discipline.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

What You'll Need:

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering and 4 years of relevant experience, or
  • Master's degree in Engineering and 3 year of relevant experience, or
  • PhD in Engineering and 2 years of relevant experience

What You'll Bring:

  • Working closely with other disciplines on multi-disciplinary pursuits and projects

  • Managing and leading design teams in delivering complex design-build infrastructure projects with construction values of $100M to $2.5B.

  • Supervising, coaching, and mentoring of junior engineering staff.

  • This role involves strategic involvement throughout a project's design "life-cycle", including the pre-award (bid phase), post-award, or post-design (construction) phase.

  • The position requires travel to project offices.

  • Project management activities include staff management, proposal development, budget and cost control on projects, and quality control for assigned projects.

What We Prefer:

  • Project management experience delivering Design-Build projects

  • Master's degree in Engineering

  • 10 years of relevant experience

  • Professional Engineer (PE) certification (CA PE preferred)

  • Experience working in a multi-disciplinary, collaborative engineering environment

Additional Information

Click here for benefits information: HNTB Total Rewards

Click here to learn more about Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.#RN

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Locations:

Arlington, VA (Alexandria), Charlotte, NC, East Lansing, MI (Lansing), Kansas City, MO, Los Angeles, CA (Figueroa Street), New York, NY, Salt Lake City, UT

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The approximate pay range for New York is $81,339.98 - $159,030.08. Please note that the pay range provided is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Actual compensation will be dependent on factors, including but not limited to, the individual's qualifications, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as physical work location within the state.

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The approximate pay range for Los Angeles Metro Area and Orange County, CA is $93,540.99 - $146,307.68. Please note that the pay range provided is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Actual compensation will be dependent on factors, including but not limited to, the individual's qualifications, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as physical work location within the state.

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NOTICE TO THIRD-PARTY AGENCIES:

HNTB does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or agencies. Any staffing/employment agency, person or entity that submits an unsolicited resume to this site does so with the understanding that the applicant's resume will become the property of HNTB. HNTB will have the right to hire that applicant at its discretion and without any fee owed to the submitting staffing/employment agency, person or entity. Staffing/employment agencies who have fee agreements with HNTB must submit applicants to the designated HNTB recruiter to be eligible for placement fees.

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About HNTB

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At HNTB, you can create a career that is meaningful to you while building communities that matter to all of us. For more than a century, we have been delivering solutions for some of the largest, most complex infrastructure projects across the country. With our historic growth, it is an exciting time to join our team of employee-owners.

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Kansas City, MO, US

Year founded

1914

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