TRAFFIC DESIGN ENGINEERING SPECIALIST 3* - 06162026- 78458

Tennessee Department of Transportation; Knoxville (TN); Hybrid; USD 67,764 - 87,912; Full time

Job summary

The Tennessee Department of Transportation seeks an Engineering Specialist to assist with traffic design and provide guidance for Region 1. Collaboration with project teams to identify design challenges is essential.

The position requires a degree in engineering and offers a salary range of $67,764 to $87,912 annually, with hybrid work options post-training. Strong communication and technical writing skills are essential for successful applicants.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Engineering or related field required.
• 1-3 years of experience in transportation engineering or project management required.
• Strong technical writing and communication skills necessary.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a resource for Project Teams by applying traffic-design plan reviews.
• Ensure compliance with TDOT specifications and federal requirements.
• Assist with complex traffic-design challenges.
• Integrate quality management into all deliverables.

Skills

Knowledge of engineering principles applicable to transportation projects

Skilled in basic technical writing

Ability to communicate effectively while interacting with internal and external stakeholders

Ability to use critical thinking to problem-solve

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Engineering, Construction Project Management, or Concrete Industry Management

Tools

Computer software for engineering and design

Job description

Location: Knoxville, TN – Department of Transportation, Knox County – Region 1, Preconstruction – Traffic Design Section. Salary: $67,764 – $87,912 annually (approximately $5,647 – $7,326 monthly). 2 days work‑from‑home per week after initial training; 3 days in office.

Qualifications

• Transportation Engineering Specialist 1: Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Engineering, Construction Project Management, or Concrete Industry Management.
• Transportation Engineering Specialist 2: Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Engineering, Construction Project Management, or Concrete Industry Management and 1 year of demonstrated competency in planning, developing, and/or constructing projects.
• Transportation Engineering Specialist 3: Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Construction Project Management, or Concrete Industry Management and 2 years of demonstrated competency in planning, developing, and/or constructing projects, or Master’s Degree in the same fields and 1 year of demonstrated competency.
• Transportation Engineering Specialist 4: Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Construction Project Management, or Concrete Industry Management and 3 years of demonstrated competency in planning, developing, and/or constructing projects, or Master’s Degree in the same fields and 2 years of demonstrated competency.

Overview

The Traffic Design Engineering Specialist 3 and 4 assists in providing guidance and support services for the Region Traffic Design teams. The position collaborates with Project Teams by identifying potential design challenges and implementing statewide acquired knowledge that focuses on ensuring quality deliverables, minimizing variability, and increasing the safety and performance of the Department’s transportation system. The specialist works with multiple TDOT divisions, project team members, consultants, contractors, and other external stakeholders. The role follows TDOT’s Traffic Design policies, specifications, software, and websites to support the traffic design project delivery process and to ensure contractual requirements are met. The specialist ensures Department policies, technical guidance, and procedures are incorporated into traffic‑design deliverables and assists in implementing the Quality Assurance Program as part of the Region’s preconstruction activities. Continuous evaluation of performance indicators is performed to apply acquired knowledge into policies that mitigate risk and enhance performance, supporting TDOT’s strategic vision. The role supports core traffic services (signals, signs, markings, roadway lighting) as well as advanced transportation technologies, traffic modeling, safety projects, and work zones. Clear communication of data and technical concepts through training, mentoring, and collaboration within a matrix organization is essential.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a resource for Project Teams within a matrix organization by applying the Project Delivery Network (PDN) through traffic‑design plan reviews to ensure compliance with TDOT specifications, policies, procedures, standards, federal requirements, circular letters, and MUTCD applications.
• Ensure accurate accounting of all pay items and associated costs in the project estimate, mitigating risk by identifying potential conflicts during development and preconstruction phases, and meeting project schedule timelines.
• Assist and support Region Preconstruction teams with intermediate or complex traffic‑design challenges, enabling staff to perform effectively and efficiently.
• Assist with modifications to all applicable policies, procedures, design standards, specifications, and guidelines.
• Integrate quality management into all deliverables, including policies, procedures, and manuals, by analyzing data and monitoring trends that require updates to procedures to reduce errors, construction delays, and contractor claims.
• Develop a consultant acquisition plan, oversee consultants, and serve on selection committees for professional engineering services as part of the Brooks Act, including RFP development, marketing meetings, scoring criteria, project information sessions, contract negotiation, de‑briefs, and contract compliance monitoring.
• Provide input at all project milestones (Kick‑Off, Risk Workshops, Scoping, Plan‑in‑Hand Field Review, Plans/Specs/Estimates) as part of the PDN.
• Ensure traffic‑design deliverables are consistent, predictable, and repeatable, maintaining high performance and establishing a track record of success by implementing statewide policy, data collection, processing standards, specifications, and direction.
• Provide exceptional customer service to project stakeholders by facilitating knowledge sharing and exercising effective listening and communication skills.

Competencies (KSA’s)

• Knowledge of engineering principles applicable to transportation projects.
• Knowledgeable in the use of computers and applicable programs, applications, and systems.
• Skilled in basic technical writing.
• Ability to communicate effectively while interacting with internal and external stakeholders in a professional and courteous manner.
• Ability to manage time to ensure assignments are completed.
• Ability to use critical thinking to problem‑solve and make informed decisions.
• Ability to learn technical concepts and apply those concepts to work.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to conduct work with a high degree of accuracy.

Additional KSACs for Engineering Specialist II and III

• Skilled in strong technical writing.
• Ability to work within a project team.
• Ability to manage time and prioritize work items to ensure project assignments are completed.

Additional KSACs for Engineering Specialist IV

• Ability to resolve conflicts, coach, and mentor others, and support a culture of accountability, collaboration, and accomplishment.
• Ability to coordinate with the Project Manager and Project Team to proactively identify and resolve complex, multidisciplinary issues that may impact project scope, schedule, and/or budget.