Senior Transportation Engineer - Lead Planning & Design

Robert Peccia & Associates, Inc.; Helena (MT); On-site; USD 95,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Robert Peccia & Associates, Inc. is looking for a Senior Transportation Engineer to lead transportation planning solutions improving safety and mobility in Helena, Montana. This role involves project management, team leadership, and serving as a discipline lead for various projects.

The ideal candidate has at least 8 years of experience, a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, and strong proficiency in transportation analysis tools. The position includes opportunities for professional growth and mentorship within a dynamic team.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in traffic and/or transportation engineering.
• Experience with MDT, FHWA, or local agency projects is highly desirable.
• Ability to obtain professional engineering license in Montana within six months.

Responsibilities

• Lead and collaborate with engineers and planners on transportation projects.
• Manage and oversee small- to medium-sized projects with high-quality deliverables.
• Build strong relationships with clients and public agencies.

Skills

Transportation analysis

Project management

Client engagement

Technical writing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering

Professional Engineering license (PE)

Tools

Synchro

Civil 3D

Vissim

Job description

Senior Transportation Engineer

• Transportation Planning & Operations Group
• Missoula, MT
• $95,000 - $120,000 (base salary)
• Regular Full-Time

Robert Peccia & Associates (RPA) is excited to offer a dynamic opportunity for a Senior Transportation Engineer within our Transportation Planning & Operations Group. In this role, you will lead the development of transportation solutions that improve safety, mobility, and system performance across the Northwest. You will work on a wide range of planning, preliminary engineering, and conceptual design projects for MDT, FHWA, and local municipalities as part of one of the region’s top transportation teams.

We are seeking an innovative, self-motivated, and team-oriented professional with strong technical expertise, leadership experience, and a passion for developing practical, effective transportation solutions. This role offers significant growth opportunities, including leadership and project management pathways within RPA.

As a Senior Transportation Engineer, you will lead and collaborate with a team of engineers and planners on diverse transportation planning and operations projects. Responsibilities include:

• Leadership:Serve as a discipline lead for transportation engineering on projects of varying size and complexity.
• Project Management:Plan, manage, and oversee all aspects of small- to medium-sized projects, ensuring high-quality deliverables on schedule and within budget.
• Alternatives Analysis:Lead the identification and evaluation of transportation improvement alternatives, considering safety, operations, and system performance.
• Conceptual Design:Guide the development of conceptual layouts, preliminary designs, and visualizations to effectively communicate project solutions.
• Technical Oversight:Provide direction on traffic operations, safety, and planning analyses, using modeling and simulation tools as appropriate to support decision-making.
• Collaboration:Lead multidisciplinary teams, coordinating with engineers, planners, clients, and agencies.
• Client Engagement:Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, public agencies, and stakeholders through proactive communication and trusted service.
• Mentorship:Provide guidance, training, and mentorship to junior engineers and staff.
• Documentation:Oversee preparation of technical reports, calculations, and project documentation.
• Business Development:Support marketing efforts, proposal development, and client growth strategies

We are looking for a highly skilled professional who combines strong technical expertise in transportation engineering with leadership ability and a commitment to teamwork.

• Education and Certification:Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering (transportation emphasis preferred) or related field. Professional Engineering (PE) license in Montana, or ability to obtain within six (6) months. PTOE or RSP certification (or ability to obtain within six (6) months) preferred.
• Experience:8+ years of experience in traffic and/or transportation engineering. Experience with MDT, FHWA, or local agency projects is highly desirable.
• Technical Proficiency:Understanding of transportation analysis and simulation tools such as Synchro, SimTraffic, and Vissim. Proficiency with design software including Civil 3D is preferred.
• Leadership Skills:Demonstrated experience leading projects, managing teams, and coordinating with clients and agencies.
• Analytical Skills:Strong ability to apply engineering judgment to evaluate alternatives and develop practical transportation solutions.
• Communication:Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong technical writing abilities.
• Personal Attributes:Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and able to manage multiple priorities. Strong interpersonal skills, sound judgment, and a solutions-oriented mindset are essential.
• Culture Fit:Commitment to being an active participant in our employee-owned culture and alignment with RPA’s Core Values.

About RPA

Robert Peccia & Associates (RPA) is a distinguished, 100% employee-owned civil engineering, planning, and land surveying firm headquartered in Montana. Established in 1978, we are renowned for our personalized service and commitment to designing practical and sustainable solutions for our clients.

We champion an open leadership style based on mutual trust, empowering our team members to influence the future of RPA. Our commitment to a collaborative culture has fostered consistent growth and one of the lowest staff turnover rates in the industry. At RPA, our core values—listening, respect, integrity, empowerment, teamwork, and social responsibility—drive our success and shape our dynamic work environment.

Company Culture and Benefits

At RPA, our employee-owners are the cornerstone of our success. That is why we invest in you, your professional development, your community, and your future, celebrating both your work achievements and personal milestones. Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Generous Retirement Plan: RPA contributes to your retirement future, with no match required, starting on day one.
• 100% Employee Owned:Our Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP) provides you with direct ownership in the company, aligning your success with ours.
• Competitive Salary and Bonuses: Enjoy a rewarding compensation structure including competitive base salary and company-wide bonus program.
• Flexible Work Environment: We support work-life balance with excellent leave policies, flexible schedules, and paid time over 40 hours per week.
• Professional Growth: We support and encourage professional development and involvement in civic/professional organizations and provide ample opportunity for career growth within RPA.

Additional details about our benefits can be found on ourRPA Advantage Page.