Associate Engineer - Traffic

City of El Cajon; El Cajon (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Flexible Spending Accounts

Life Insurance

CalPERS retirement

Job summary

The City of El Cajon’s Development Services Department seeks an experienced engineer to join the Traffic Engineering Division, supporting planning, design, operation and implementation of traffic improvements across the City. Responsibilities include traffic signals, lighting, signing, striping, and CIP projects, with collaboration across departments and agencies.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate sound engineering judgement, strong communication and problem-solving skills, and a commitment

Qualifications

• Education: degree in civil engineering from a four-year college or university.
• Experience: 3+ years in civil engineering design, construction surveying, and traffic.
• Special requirements: CA Professional Civil or Traffic Engineer registration desirable.

Responsibilities

• Design traffic projects including roadway lighting, signals, signing/striping plans.
• Traffic signal design, timing, operations and improvements.
• Review traffic control plans for City projects and supervise staff.
• Coordinate with City personnel, agencies, and the public on traffic matters.
• Prepare background and technical reports for management and City Council.
• Oversee division activities and traffic engineering personnel.

Skills

Traffic engineering

Design of traffic projects

Signal operations

Communication

Education

Bachelors in Civil Engineering

Job description

Job Overview

10% pay incentive available for possession of a current California registration as a Professional Civil or Traffic Engineer

The Position

The Development Services Department is seeking an experienced and motivated engineer to join its Traffic Engineering Division. The position provides professional engineering support for the planning, design, operation, and implementation of traffic and transportation improvements throughout the City. Assignments may include traffic signal design and operations, roadway lighting, signing and striping, traffic control plans, traffic studies, and capital improvement projects. The position also coordinates with other City staff, representatives of other public and private agencies, and the public on traffic-related projects and service requests. The ideal candidate is a collaborative professional who demonstrates sound engineering judgement, strong communication and problem-solving skills, and an interest in delivering practical transportation solutions that improve safety and mobility in the community.

Why Join El Cajon?

Engineers in the Traffic Engineering Division have the opportunity to work on a wide range of transportation projects and operational issues that have a direct and visible impact on the community. The position provides hands-on experience with traffic signals, roadway safety, signing and striping, development projects, and capital improvements, while working with a multidisciplinary team and gaining opportunities for professional growth and increased project responsibility.

The Community

The City of El Cajon is a leader among San Diego County and a wonderful location to live, work, and play. Its workplace culture empowers employees to maintain a strong work-life balance and make a positive impact in the community. The City offers exceptional benefits, retirement plans, wellness programs, and professional development opportunities.

To view the City's defined Benefits & Retirement, please visit the ECMMPEG-MOU (Article 6 - Health and Welfare).

The Recruitment Process

The most highly qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the examination process which includes an in-person Qualifications Appraisal Interview. Qualifications Appraisal Interviews are tentatively scheduled for October 7, 2026. Successful candidates will be placed on an eligible list for employment consideration for at least six months.

Typical Duties

Associate Engineer

• Design of traffic projects, including roadway lighting, traffic signals, signing and striping plans, and pavement marking plans;
• Traffic signal design, timing, operations, and improvements;
• Traffic control plan review and traffic engineering support for City projects;
• Orders and reviews work of traffic operations section and signal service contractor, including signing and striping by City forces;
• Reviews planning actions and development proposals for traffic-related comments;
• Coordinates and confers with other City personnel and departments, representatives of other public and private agencies and the public;
• Capital improvement project design and implementation;
• Receives, investigates and deals with public on service requests and related matters;
• Preparation of background and technical reports for management and City Council;
• Supervises and directs division activities and traffic engineering personnel.

Qualification Guidelines

Education: Educational achievement equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university with a degree in civil engineering.

Experience: At least three (3) years civil engineering experience involving design, construction surveying and traffic, including some supervisory experience.

Special Requirements: Possession of California registration as a Professional Civil Engineer or Traffic Engineer is desirable.

The City of El Cajon offers a comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, and CalPERS retirement.

Please review the MMPEG-MOU for detailed information regarding compensation, benefits, retirement, and more: El Cajon Mid-Management and Professional Employees Group (ECMMPEG).