[Hiring] Senior Traffic Engineer @Valley Metro

Role Description

Serves as a senior technical resource for the operation, coordination, and optimization of traffic signal systems supporting light rail and roadway networks. Ensures safe and efficient transportation operations through:

• Signal timing strategies
• System integration
• ITS technologies
• Technical review
• Collaboration with internal stakeholders and external agencies

The full salary range for the position is ($100,736.95 - $151,105.42) with an anticipated starting salary between entry ($100,736.95) and midpoint ($125,921.18) of the range. The actual salary offered will be determined based on several factors, including skills, qualifications, experience, education, certifications, training, and internal equity considerations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a related field
• Five (5) years of experience in:
  • Traffic signal systems, transit signal priority (TSP), and coordination between transit and roadway operations
  • Traffic engineering or signal-related work in the public sector
  • Proficiency with VISSIM, INRIX, and other signal- and traffic-related programs
  • Reading and developing phasing diagrams, sequence charts, time/space diagrams, signal timing and coordination, signal design, signal and controller programming, and intersection management
  • Consultant coordination, quality assurance management, and technical review
• Ability to read a signal cabinet wiring diagram is highly desirable
• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job
• Additional education cannot be substituted for experience

Requirements

• Valid Arizona Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record upon hire
• Professional Engineering (PE) License valid in AZ, or ability to obtain one within six (6) months of hire date, is preferred
• PTOE license is highly desirable

Examples of Duties / Knowledge & Skills

• Lead the coordination of traffic signal operations across Valley Metro departments and with external agencies
• Provide technical guidance on signal system design and operations
• Review consultant deliverables and technical recommendations
• Collaborate with internal teams, city traffic departments, and other stakeholders to evaluate and mitigate operational impacts
• Conduct technical analysis and review of plans for new traffic signal installations, including integration with transit (e.g., light rail, streetcar, bus-rapid transit (BRT) systems)
• Review and optimize signal timing plans to improve traffic flow and LRT travel times
• Ensure coordination among light rail signals, roadway traffic signals, and pedestrian signals to prevent conflicts and maintain safety
• Model, validate, and evaluate proposed signal timing and coordination improvements using signal controller equipment and signal testing tools
• Verify system functionality and operational readiness prior to field implementation
• Serve as technical resource for Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) technologies, including adaptive signal control, vehicle detection, and transit signal priority systems
• Evaluate emerging technologies and provide recommendations regarding their application to improve traffic management, transit reliability, and overall system performance
• Develop technical reports, presentations, specifications, and recommendations to support signal system planning, design, and operations
• Ensure compliance with applicable standards, regulations, and agency requirements
• Perform other duties of a similar nature and level as assigned

Required Knowledge & Skills

• Knowledge of:
  • ITS technologies, components, and vehicle detection methods
  • Traffic signal operations, logic, timing, and coordination and programming principles
  • Agency operations and transit operations priorities
  • National, state, and local laws, codes, regulations, and legal requirements related to public transportation, light rail, streetcar, BRT, and signal operations
  • Technical documentation, specifications development, and plan review processes
  • Advanced awareness of consultant management and quality assurance procedures
  • Stakeholder engagement, liaison, and escalation resolution techniques
• Skill in:
  • Preparing technical reports, specifications, and recommendations related to traffic signal timing and coordination
  • Communicating effectively with internal and external stakeholders
  • Preparing, reviewing, and overseeing the technical documentation approval process
  • Coordinating consultant deliverables and supporting quality assurance activities
  • Developing written communications, including Board reports, technical reports, scopes of work, project management plans, inter-agency agreements, and meeting summaries
  • Representing Valley Metro with civic groups, regulatory agencies, partner organizations, and the public
  • Managing multiple priorities through effective time management, organization, and project coordination

Physical Demands / Work Environment

Work is performed in a typical office setting with routine use of standard office equipment. This role is sedentary, requiring the physical exertion of up to 10 lbs. occasionally or negligible weights frequently; sitting most of the time. This role typically requires:

• Sitting
• Handling
• Fine dexterity
• Visual acuity
• Hearing
• Speaking
• Walking
• Standing
• Lifting
• Carrying
• Pushing/pulling
• Reaching
• Twisting
• Foot controls
• Time pressure
• Tedious or exacting work
• Changing of tasks
• Multi-tasking
• Irregular work schedule/overtime
• Working with others on a team

Valley Metro is a Drug-Free Workplace and an Equal Opportunity Employer.