Senior Transportation Planner / Engineer – Travel Demand Modeler

AECOM; Arlington (VA); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

AECOM is seeking a hands-on Senior Travel Demand Modeler to join our Arlington, VA office, supporting transportation planning and modeling across the Mid-Atlantic and nationwide. You will develop, calibrate, and apply travel demand models, lead modeling workstreams, and mentor junior staff in a collaborative team of about 10 specialists.

The role emphasizes C++ development for high-performance modeling, experience with ABM and trip-based models, and strong data analysis skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Transportation Planning, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, or related field.
• 8 years of directly relevant, hands-on experience in travel demand modeling or equivalent.
• Proficiency with modeling platforms Cube, TransCAD, VISUM, TRANSIMS, DTALite, DynusT, or similar.
• Ability to develop custom data analysis routines in Python, R, C++, or similar.
• Experience with large datasets and model workflows/pipelines.
• Advanced skills in Excel and data analysis.
• Experience with GIS platforms (ArcGIS Pro or QGIS).

Responsibilities

• Develop, calibrate, and apply travel demand models (trip-based and activity-based).
• Implement, enhance, and maintain travel-demand models.
• Refine mode choice and discrete choice frameworks.
• Develop dynamic traffic assignment and multimodal modeling approaches.
• Contribute to model components and tools in C++ or other high-performance languages.
• Mentor junior staff and lead client engagements.
• Assist with proposals and technical approach writing.

Skills

C++

Python

Data analysis

Excel

GIS

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Transportation Planning, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, or related field

Tools

Cube

TransCAD

VISUM

TRANSIMS

DTALite

DynusT

ArcGIS Pro

QGIS

Power BI

Tableau

Job description

Company Description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

AECOM is seeking a hands-on Senior Travel Demand Modeler to join our Arlington, VA office, supporting a diverse portfolio of transportation planning and modeling projects across the Mid-Atlantic and nationwide. This role is ideal for a technical expert who actively develops, calibrates, and applies models, not just oversees them. You will work within a collaborative team of approximately 10 modelers, contributing directly to model development while guiding junior staff and supporting client engagement. We are particularly interested in candidates with experience in dynamic traffic modeling or Activity-Based Modeling (ABM), and those with a demonstrated interest and capability in software development, such as C++, for high-performance modeling.or similar applications. This is a hybrid work option with a consideration of being remote.

Responsibilities

• Hands-on development, calibration, validation, and application of travel demand models (trip-based and/or activity-based)
• Implement, enhance, and maintain travel-demand models
• Apply and refine mode choice models and advanced discrete choice frameworks
• Develop and apply dynamic traffic assignment (DTA) and multimodal modeling approaches
• Contribute to or develop model components, tools, or extensions in C++ or other high-performance languages, as appropriate
• Diagnose and resolve model and code issues, ensuring robust, efficient, and reproducible outputs
• Support integration between modeling platforms, scripting environments, and core software components
• Lead technical discussions with clients while remaining actively involved in analytical work
• Provide technical mentorship through code reviews, modeling guidance, and collaborative problem-solving
• Contribute to automation, performance optimization, and workflow improvements
• Support proposal development and technical approach writing

Qualifications

Minimum:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Transportation Planning, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, or related field,
• 8 years of directly relevant, hands-on experience in travel demand modeling or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education.
• Demonstrated experience developing, calibrating, and applying models
• Proficiency and experience with one or more platforms: Cube, TransCAD, VISUM, TRANSIMS, DTALite, DynusT, or similar
• Ability to develop custom data analysis routines in Python, R, C++, or similar
• Proficiency and experience with C++ or demonstrated aptitude and interest in developing modeling-related software components
• Experience working with large datasets and model workflows/pipelines
• Advanced skills and experience in Excel and data analysis
• Experience with GIS platforms (ArcGIS Pro or QGIS)

Preferred:

• Experience with COG/TPB Gen2 Travel Model (trip-based)
• Experience or exposure with
• Activity-Based Models (ABM) or
• COG/TPB Gen3 Travel Model (activity-based)
• Experience implementing or supporting travel models for MPOs or DOTsMaster’s or PhD in a related field
• 10 years of modeling experience with increasing technical responsibility
• Familiarity with federal processes (NEPA, FHWA/FTA guidelines)
• Experience with:
• Tolling and managed lane modeling
• Big data processing (RITIS, StreetLight, Replica, TomTom, etc.)
• Cloud environments (AWS, Azure) for model execution
• Visualization tools (Power BI, Tableau)
• Professional certification (PE, PTP, or AICP)
• Hybrid position slightly preferred over remote position
• Demonstrated ability and interest in software development beyond scripting, particularly (a plus):
• Writing or modifying core modeling code in C++ Improving performance, memory efficiency, or scalability of models

Additional Information

• Relocation is not an option for this position
• We are interested in every qualified candidate eligible to work in the United States. Sponsorship may be available for current visa holders in the United States.

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

Offered rate of compensation will be based on individual education, qualifications, experience, and work location. The range for this position is $110000 to $160000.

About AECOM

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include:

• medical
• dental
• vision
• life
• AD&D
• disability benefits
• paid time off
• leaves of absences
• voluntary benefits
• perks
• flexible work options
• well-being resources
• employee assistance program
• business travel insurance
• service recognition awards
• retirement savings plan
• employee stock purchase plan

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle - from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.

What makes AECOM a great place to work

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.