Operations Design Engineer

State of Utah; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Retirement options

Paid time off

Dental & Vision

Job summary

Utah Department of Transportation seeks a Professional Engineer to serve as the Operations Design Engineer in the Traffic and Safety Division, providing statewide technical leadership on roadway design, accessibility, traffic control, standards, specifications, and policy implementation to advance safety and efficiency across Utah.

This role acts as a collaborative technical partner, offering plan review support, training, and mentorship to Region field engineers, inspectors, and project teams,

Qualifications

• Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in the State of Utah.
• Out-of-state licenses require reciprocity with Utah or start at the Engineer II level.

Responsibilities

• Technical guidance and plan review for traffic and safety elements.
• ADA and PROWAG compliance expertise for pedestrian facilities.
• Develop and deliver training to field engineers, inspectors, project teams.
• Update and refine UDOT Standard Drawings, specifications, and design details.
• Coordinate with Region staff, designers, and construction personnel to resolve design challenges.
• Support ADA inspection processes and state administrative rules improvements (R930-6).
• Collaborate with FHWA and industry partners on evolving standards and best practices.

Skills

Technical leadership

Communication

Collaboration

Technical writing

Engineering judgment

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam

Job description

The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) is seeking a motivated and technically skilled Professional Engineer to serve as the Operations Design Engineer within the Traffic and Safety Division. This position provides statewide technical leadership, supporting operational roadway design, accessibility, traffic control, design standards, specifications, and policy implementation to advance transportation safety and efficiency across Utah.

About The Role

This role is structured as a collaborative technical partner and facilitator, rather than a reactive compliance reviewer. You will work alongside Region field engineers, inspectors, designers, and project teams to build technical capability through training, mentorship, plan review support, and the development of defensible engineering standards.

Additionally, you will lead the refinement of Standard Drawings, Specifications, policies, guidance documents, and administrative rules relevant to the Traffic and Safety Division. Your expertise will help resolve recurring design and construction issues, ensuring consistency throughout the Department. Strong communication, collaboration, technical writing, and sound engineering judgment are essential for success in this role.

Position Information

• Salary Range: $38.40-$62.29
• FT/PT Status: Full Time
• Background Check: You must successfully pass a criminal history check.
• Schedule Code: B - Competitive Career Service (12 month probationary period)
• Location: Calvin Rampton Building – 4501 South 2700 West, Taylorsville, Utah
• Application Deadline: Until filled

Key Responsibilities

• Technical Support & Plan Review: Providing design guidance and plan review assistance for project elements related to traffic and safety.
• Accessibility Expertise: Serving as the division's technical expert on pedestrian facility design, including ADA and PROWAG compliance for UDOT projects.
• Training & Mentorship: Developing and delivering training for field engineers, inspectors, project teams, and designers to improve technical consistency across UDOT Regions.
• Standards Maintenance: Updating and refining UDOT Standard Drawings, Standard Specifications, policies, and design details germane to the Traffic and Safety Division.
• Problem Solving: Coordinating with Region staff, designers, construction personnel, and project teams to resolve recurring design and construction challenges.
• Program Improvement: Supporting the continuous improvement of ADA inspection processes, access management policies, and state administrative rules (including R930-6).
• Interagency Coordination: Collaborating with the FHWA, the Access Board, industry partners, and internal stakeholders regarding emerging standards and best practices.

Qualifications

• Licensure: Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in the State of Utah.
• Note: Out-of-state licensees must obtain reciprocity with Utah prior to their official start date or they will fill the position at the lower level until a Utah PE is obtained.

Underfill Option

• Applicants Who Are Not Currently Licensed As a Professional Engineer In Utah May Be Considered For An Engineer II ($41.25 Hourly). The Qualifications For The Engineer II Level Are:
• A bachelor's degree, or higher, in Civil Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• Proof of passing the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam (FE).
• At least two years of post-graduate engineering experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in roadway design, traffic engineering, highway construction, or related transportation fields.
• Specialized experience with ADA accessibility requirements, pedestrian facility design, or operational roadway design.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Engineering Expertise: Strong knowledge of transportation engineering principles, design standards, specifications, and construction practices.
• Proactive Problem Solving: Technical curiosity, initiative, and the ability to master complex, evolving transportation topics.
• Communication & Collaboration: Exceptional technical writing, interpersonal, and mentorship skills.
• Diplomacy: Comfort working across diverse engineering disciplines and facilitating practical, collaborative solutions among varied stakeholders.

Why You Should Join Our Team

A Mission That Matters – At the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT), our mission is to “Enhance quality of life through transportation". We help the traveling public get where they want, when they want, as safely as possible. By joining our team, you contribute to the framework of Good Health, Connected Communities, Better Mobility, and a Strong Economy for all of Utah.

Our Culture and Values – We aren't just a state agency; we are a team built on an internal culture of Trust, Teamwork, and Flexibility. We live by the values of Respect, Integrity, and Caring. If these values resonate with you, you will find a home here!

Benefits At a Glance

• Exceptional Health Coverage: We offer some of the most competitive medical premiums in the industry, including comprehensive family plans with very low out-of-pocket costs and HSA options.
• Retirement Choice: Flexibility between a 10% employer-paid 401(k) (no match required) or a Pension/401(k) Hybrid plan.
• Generous Paid Time Off: 12 paid holidays per year plus 8 hours of combined leave (4 annual and 4 sick) accrued each pay period.
• Dental & Vision: Multiple high-quality plan options to fit your needs.

EEO Statement

The State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, please contact [phone].