Freight Operations & AV Systems Engineer

nc; North Carolina; On-site; USD 82,000 - 159,000; Full time

Job summary

NC Department of Transportation is seeking a Division State Highway Administrator to lead statewide programs in freight operations, connected and automated vehicle readiness, ATMS compliance, AI applications, and geospatial systems. The role provides high‑level engineering oversight, develops statewide strategies, and aligns with federal transportation expectations.

The position will supervise engineering staff, coordinate with internal units and external partners, and ensure safe, efficient

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering field from an accredited institution.
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience including three (3) years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination.
• May require registration as a professional engineer in NC.

Responsibilities

• Lead statewide programs in freight operations, connected and automated vehicle readiness, ATMS compliance, AI applications, and geospatial systems.
• Provide high-level engineering oversight and develop statewide technical strategies.
• Supervise engineering staff and coordinate across internal units and external partners to maintain statewide operations.

Skills

Traffic engineering principles

Autonomous vehicle systems

Program development

Supervising engineering work

Communication skills

Consensus-building

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Job description

Agency Dept of Transportation Division State Hwy Administrator - Div of Hwys

Position Number 60029103

Grade NC23

About Us

It's the mission of the NC Department of Transportation to connect people, products and places safely and efficiently with customer focus, accountability, and environmental sensitivity to enhance the economy and vitality of North Carolina. We encourage you to consider joining NCDOT where our work not only serves the citizens of North Carolina but has an impact on our world through all modes of transportation.

Description of Work

This position serves as the Division's senior engineering supervisor responsible for leading statewide programs in freight operations, connected and automated vehicle readiness, ATMS compliance, artificial intelligence applications, and geospatial systems. The role provides high‑level engineering oversight, develops statewide technical strategies, and ensures alignment with departmental strategic goals and federal transportation expectations.

The position also establishes engineering standards, supervises complex systems engineering processes, and coordinates extensively with internal units and external partners to maintain safe and efficient statewide operations. As program demands grow, this role will supervise engineering staff to support these functions and expand the Division's operational capacity.

The chosen candidate must be able to legally operate a motor vehicle.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Salary Grade and Salary Range: NC23 $81,620.00-$159,158.00

• Experience in traffic engineering principles and practices including systems engineering, traffic operations, and commercial vehicle operations.
• Experience with autonomous vehicle systems, deployment requirements, and connected‑vehicle technologies.
• Experience with program development and management, policy design, and grant development.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise engineering work, lead technical programs, and coordinate across multiple units and agencies.
• Skill in communicating engineering topics verbally and in writing
• Skill in consensus‑building, and stakeholder coordination

Minimum Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in an applicable field of engineering from an appropriately accredited institution and five (5) years of progressively responsible experience including three (3) years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Necessary Special Requirements

May require registration as a professional engineer by the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors.

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.