Traffic Engineer
A Traffic Engineer designs and manages plans to optimize traffic flow, improve road safety, and reduce congestion. They work on traffic signal systems, perform traffic studies, and design transportation infrastructure.
Top Articles for Traffic Engineer
Sample Job Descriptions for Traffic Engineer
Below are the some sample job descriptions for the different experience levels, where you can find the summary of the role, required skills, qualifications, and responsibilities.
Junior (0-2 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
As a Junior Traffic Engineer, you will assist in the planning, design, and operation of traffic systems to ensure safe and efficient movement of people and goods. Your work will contribute to the development of transportation infrastructure that meets community needs and complies with regulatory standards.
Required Skills
- Data analysis
- Traffic modeling
- Proficient use of traffic engineering software (e.g., VISSIM, Synchro)
- CAD software skills
- Effective oral and written communication
- Critical thinking
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Time management
- Attention to detail
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a related field
- Understanding of traffic engineering principles and practices
- Familiarity with transportation planning and traffic management
- Knowledge of relevant local, state, and federal regulations
- Proficiency in traffic analysis and simulation software
- Ability to interpret civil engineering drawings and traffic control plans
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent communication and teamwork abilities
- Eagerness to learn and adapt to new challenges
Responsibilities
- Assist in analyzing traffic flow, patterns, and volume
- Contribute to the design of traffic control devices and systems
- Perform data collection and analysis for traffic studies
- Help in the preparation of traffic impact assessments
- Support the implementation of traffic management plans
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to solve traffic-related issues
- Prepare reports and presentations for stakeholders
- Conduct field surveys to gather traffic data
- Assist in the review of transportation-related construction plans
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of transportation engineering best practices
Intermediate (2-5 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
As a Traffic Engineer, you will be responsible for analyzing and designing transportation systems to ensure safe and efficient movement of people and goods. Your expertise will contribute to the development of traffic strategies, assessment of road capacities, and implementation of traffic control measures.
Required Skills
- Proficient in traffic modeling and simulation software.
- Strong communication and presentation skills.
- Detailed-oriented with a strong focus on accuracy.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
- Familiar with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and data analysis tools.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Transportation Engineering, or related field.
- Professional Engineer (PE) license or ability to obtain within a reasonable timeframe.
- 2-5 years of experience in traffic engineering or transportation planning.
- Experience with traffic modeling software such as Synchro, VISSIM, or HCS.
- Knowledge of Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and other relevant standards.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Responsibilities
- Conduct traffic studies and collect data to assess road usage and congestion patterns.
- Design and implement traffic management schemes to improve flow and safety.
- Utilize simulation models to forecast traffic conditions and evaluate the impact of proposed developments or infrastructure changes.
- Collaborate with urban planners, civil engineers, and public works departments to integrate traffic systems with urban development.
- Prepare technical reports, presentations, and proposals for traffic improvement projects.
- Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations related to traffic engineering and transportation planning.
- Respond to public inquiries and complaints regarding traffic issues.
- Monitor and analyze traffic accident data to identify troublesome areas and propose solutions.
Senior (5+ years of experience)
Summary of the Role
As a Senior Traffic Engineer, you will be responsible for developing traffic control plans, conducting traffic studies, designing roadways and intersections to improve safety and efficiency, and managing traffic flow projects. You will use your expertise in transportation engineering, traffic simulation, and traffic management systems to optimize urban traffic and transportation infrastructures. Your role will include collaboration with city planners, civil engineers, and government agencies to ensure seamless traffic operations and safety for all road users.
Required Skills
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
- Strong project management abilities
- Proficient in using traffic engineering software and tools
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team
- Attention to detail and accuracy in technical reporting
- Leadership and mentorship skills
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a related field; Master's preferred
- Professional Engineer (PE) license required
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in traffic engineering or a related field
- Proven track record of managing traffic engineering projects
- Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local traffic regulations
- Experience with traffic simulation and modeling software (e.g., VISSIM, Synchro)
- Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and traffic data collection methods
Responsibilities
- Design and implement traffic management systems to optimize traffic flow and safety
- Conduct comprehensive traffic impact studies and analyses
- Develop traffic control plans for construction projects and special events
- Collaborate with civil engineers and city planners on roadway design to ensure traffic efficiency
- Evaluate and design traffic signal timings and coordination for arterial systems
- Prepare and review traffic engineering reports and proposals
- Supervise junior traffic engineers and technical staff
- Manage project budgets and timelines
- Engage with stakeholders and the public to communicate traffic-related plans and gather feedback
- Stay abreast of developments in traffic engineering practices and technologies
See other roles in Science and Technology and Engineering