Senior Traffic Engineer

Valley Metro RPTA; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 101,000 - 151,000; Full time

Job summary

Valley Metro RPTA seeks a senior technical resource to lead traffic signal system operation, coordination, and optimization for light rail and roadway networks. The role ensures safe and efficient operations through timing strategies, ITS integration, and collaboration with stakeholders.

The successful candidate will model timing changes, review consultant work, and develop formal recommendations while maintaining compliance with standards. A PE license in AZ is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or related field and five years of traffic signal experience.
• Experience in traffic signal systems, coordination with transit operations, and public sector projects.
• Proficiency with signal-related software (VISSIM, INRIX) and reading phasing/diagrams.
• Strong coordination, QA, and technical review capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead coordination of traffic signal ops across Valley Metro and external agencies.
• Review plans for new signal installations and optimize timing to improve flow.
• Model and validate proposed timing solutions using controller equipment.
• Provide ITS guidance on adaptive systems and transit priority.
• Develop technical reports, specs, and recommendations.

Skills

Traffic signals

TSP coordination

Public sector traffic

VISSIM

INRIX

Phasing diagrams

Signal timing

Intersections management

Education

Bachelor's degree in civil engineering

Tools

VISSIM

INRIX

Job 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, and 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. It’s essential to note that the actual salary offered will be determined based on several factors, including skills, qualifications, experience, education, certifications, training and internal equity considerations.

Minimum Qualifications & Requirements

Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a related field and 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,
• Experienced in reading and developing phasing diagrams, sequence charts, time/space diagrams, signal timing and coordination, signal design, signal and controller programming, and intersection management. The ability to read a signal cabinet wiring diagram is highly desirable
• Consultant coordination, quality assurance management, and technical review
• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job, such as those listed above.
• Additional education cannot be substituted for experience.

Human Resources reserves the right to call only the most qualified candidates to the selection process

Licensing/Certification 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

The following functions are intended to provide a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of this position and are not an exhaustive list of all duties that may be performed.

• 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 (eg. 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 to ensure safe and efficient operation.
• Serve as technical resource for Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) technologies, including adaptive signal control, vehicle detection, and transit signal priority systems. Evaluates emerging technologies and provides recommendations regarding their application to improve traffic management, transit reliability, and overall system performance.
• 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 to ensure safe and efficient operation.
• Develop technical reports, presentations, specifications, and recommendations to support signal system planning, design, and operations while ensuring compliance with applicable standards, regulations, and agency requirements.
• Performs 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, including preparing and delivering presentations.
• 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, and working with others on a team.

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