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Transportation Planning Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mentor and develop a high-performing team of engineers and planners, fostering a culture of ... Lead complex transportation planning projects, including multi-modal urban transportation projects ...

Mentor and develop a high-performing team of engineers and planners, fostering a culture of ... Lead complex transportation planning projects, including multi-modal urban transportation projects ...

The selected candidate will work with VHB's passionate team of engineers, planners, and designers ... Lead multimodal transportation projects including corridor studies, safety audits, and operations ...

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Transportation Planning Engineer information

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$40K

$80.8K

$105.5K

How much do transportation planning engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for transportation planning engineer in the United States is $80,821.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,000.00 and $96,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Transportation Planning Engineers?

Transportation Planning Engineers are professionals who design, evaluate, and improve transportation systems such as roads, transit networks, and bike paths. They assess current and future transportation needs, analyze traffic patterns, and develop solutions to improve safety, efficiency, and sustainability. Their work involves collaborating with urban planners, government agencies, and the public to create plans that support community growth and mobility. Transportation Planning Engineers use data, modeling software, and engineering principles to inform their recommendations and help shape the infrastructure of cities and regions.

How does a Transportation Planning Engineer typically collaborate with other departments on large infrastructure projects?

Transportation Planning Engineers frequently work in multidisciplinary teams alongside urban planners, civil engineers, environmental specialists, and public officials. Collaboration involves attending coordination meetings, sharing technical analyses, and integrating feedback from various stakeholders to ensure that transportation solutions align with broader community and environmental goals. Effective communication and project management skills are essential for balancing technical requirements with practical considerations from other departments. This collaborative approach ensures that projects are both efficient and sustainable.

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

To thrive as a Transportation Planning Engineer, you need a strong background in civil engineering, transportation systems, and urban planning, often supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in civil or transportation engineering. Proficiency with modeling software such as SYNCHRO, VISSIM, and GIS tools, as well as familiarity with relevant regulations and certifications like a PE (Professional Engineer) license, is essential. Excellent analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with stakeholders and present complex data clearly. These skills and qualifications are crucial for designing efficient, safe, and sustainable transportation systems that meet community and regulatory needs.

What is the difference between Transportation Planning Engineer vs Traffic Engineer?

AspectTransportation Planning EngineerTraffic Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Civil Engineering, Transportation Planning, or related field; often requires PE licenseBachelor's in Civil Engineering or Traffic Engineering; may also require PE license
Work EnvironmentUrban planning agencies, transportation departments, consulting firmsTraffic management centers, transportation agencies, consulting firms
Primary FocusDeveloping transportation plans, analyzing traffic data, forecasting future needsDesigning traffic control devices, managing traffic flow, analyzing congestion
Common UsageUsed in planning and policy development for transportation systemsUsed in traffic operations and safety improvements

Transportation Planning Engineers focus on creating comprehensive transportation strategies and analyzing future needs, while Traffic Engineers concentrate on managing current traffic flow and safety. Both roles often require similar credentials and work in related environments, but their core responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

More about Transportation Planning Engineer jobs
Who are the top companies hiring for Transportation Planning Engineer jobs? The top employers for Transportation Planning Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Transportation Planning Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Transportation Planning Engineer jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Transportation Planning Engineer jobs? For Transportation Planning Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Transportation Planning Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 95% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,821 per year, or $38.9 per hour.
Transportation Planning Manager

Transportation Planning Manager

VHB

Charlotte, NC โ€ข Hybrid

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

ABOUT THE POSITION

Transportation Planning Manager | Charlotte, NC

VHBโ€™s Charlotte office is seeking a strategic, experienced, and dynamic Transportation Planning Manager to lead and grow our Transportation Planning Group.

This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of mobility in Charlotte and beyond, within a collaborative and entrepreneurial team environment committed to improving communities through smart, sustainable, and people-centered transportation solutions.

Learn more about Life at VHB Charlotte!

 

Responsibilities

  • Serve as the strategic leader for the Transportation Planning group in Charlotte, with responsibility for business development, client management, and project execution.
  • Play a key role in the growth of the VHB transportation planning practice in the Charlotte area and develop new business development initiatives.
  • Mentor and develop a high-performing team of engineers and planners, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and professional growth.
  • Cultivate and grow relationships with regional/local governments (e.g., Charlotte Department of Transportation (CDOT), Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization (CRTPO), Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS)/Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority (MPTA), NCDOT, SCDOT, and private developers, aligning service offerings with client needs.
  • Lead complex transportation planning projects, including multi-modal urban transportation projects, transit feasibility studies, neighborhood transportation studies involving transit, vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, as well as stakeholder and public participation strategy development and implementation.
  • Guide technical teams in delivering high-quality work on-time and within budget, providing expert-level QA/QC across a broad portfolio of traffic engineering work.
  • Manage project finances and contract requirements.
  • Take an active role in business development, including the identification of pursuits, pre-positioning, lead proposal development, pricing strategies, and other pursuit activities to secure new work and maintain a robust pipeline of opportunities.
  • Represent VHB at conferences, seminars, and industry organizations and events.

Skills & Knowledge

  • Deep knowledge of Charlotte region processes and policies, including CDOT, CRTPO, CATS/MPTA, NCDOT, SCDOT, and other municipal processes.
  • Advanced proficiency in multimodal transportation planning, safety, traffic impact studies, and transit planning.
  • Proven leadership in developing and executing business development strategies within the transportation engineering and planning markets.
  • Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage clients, stakeholders, and the public.
  • Ability to oversee multidisciplinary teams and manage complex project portfolios.
  • Up-to-date understanding of federal, state, and local regulations.
  • Strong client relationship management expertise.
  • Active in regional industry organizations.
  • Public outreach and community presentations experience.

Qualifications

  • Bachelorโ€™s degree in Urban Planning, Transportation Planning, Civil Engineering or related field; Masterโ€™s degree preferred.
  • 11-15+ years of progressive experience in transportation planning, transportation/traffic engineering or related field.
  • AICP or Professional Engineer (PE) license in North Carolina (or ability to obtain within 6 months).
  • Demonstrated success in business development, including winning work with municipalities, DOTs, and private-sector clients.
  • Valid driver's license and willingness to travel regionally as needed.
  • Strong portfolio of projects in transportation planning, corridor studies, safety, transit planning, etc.

  

Building whatโ€™s next, together.

Our people make the difference. We foster a technology-empowered, peopledriven, futureready culture where agility, innovation, and collaboration shape how we work every day.

 

When you join VHB, youโ€™ll find:

  • Meaningful work on complex projects with real community impact
  • A collaborative, inclusive culture that values curiosity and shared success
  • Support to grow your skills and lead through change
  • Learning and development supported by evolving tools and technologies, including AI
  • Best-in-class benefits and a flexible, hybrid work environment

Weโ€™re growing across the East Coast and are consistently recognized as a great place to work. Ready to shape whatโ€™s next? Learn more about what sets our employee experience apart and connect with us.  

 

VHB is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer. Since our founding, we have intentionally fostered a culture of inclusion and belonging, supported by deep-rooted core values, one of which is diversity. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

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