Traffic Engineer

Hampton, Lenzini and Renwick, Inc. (HLR); Elgin (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with 6% company match

Paid time off (PTO)

Professional license reimbursement

Job summary

Hampton, Lenzini and Renwick, Inc. (HLR) in Elgin, IL seeks a full-time Traffic Engineer to manage traffic-related analyses and design functions. The position involves project management, deep technical expertise, and interaction with clients like IDOT and ISTHA.

Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, a valid Illinois P.E. license, and 5-10 years of relevant experience. The role offers a salary range of $85,000 to $115,000 and benefits including health insurance and professional growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• 5-10 years of post-licensure experience focused on traffic engineering and transportation design.
• Must possess a valid Professional Engineer (P.E.) license in Illinois.
• Experience with IDOT and ISTHA projects.

Responsibilities

• Conduct traffic impact studies and safety analysis.
• Prepare traffic signal coordination and timing studies.
• Manage project scope and communicate with clients.

Skills

Traffic analysis and modeling software

Technical writing and communication

Microsoft Office Suite

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

Tools

MicroStation

Synchro

OpenRoads Designer

Job description

Hampton, Lenzini and Renwick, Inc. (HLR) of Elgin, IL is looking to hire a full‑time Traffic Engineer. The role is a core technical specialist and project manager for all traffic‑related analysis and design functions at HLR. As a key member of the Traffic Engineering Group, the Traffic Engineer will independently execute and manage traffic engineering tasks and projects, applying advanced engineering principles to develop traffic studies, models and designs for key clients such as the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority (ISTHA), and various county and municipal agencies. The position requires deep technical expertise and the ability to manage project scope, schedule and budget, with minimal direct personnel management responsibilities.

About Hampton, Lenzini and Renwick, Inc. (HLR) Founded in 1965, HLR is a 100% employee‑owned civil engineering firm headquartered in Elgin, IL with additional offices across Illinois. HLR provides professional consulting engineering, environmental, and surveying services to public agencies and private‑sector clients throughout the Midwest. The firm’s Work Hard | Have Fun | Give Back culture and recent awards demonstrate its commitment to client service and employee development.

On Any Given Day You’ll

• Dive into specialized software such as Trafficware Synchro or Highway Capacity Software (HCS) to run capacity analyses, model traffic simulations, or develop optimized signal coordination and timing plans for a corridor.
• Coordinate with electrical contractors and traffic signal maintainers regarding traffic operations and maintenance responsibilities.
• Program and troubleshoot traffic signal controllers and operations both remotely via centralized traffic signal management systems and in the field.
• Use MicroStation to prepare detailed traffic design plans, including traffic signals, pavement markings and signage, ensuring strict adherence to IDOT, ISTHA and MUTCD standards.
• Author a comprehensive technical report for a traffic impact study or safety study, analyzing crash data and communicating findings and recommendations.
• Develop a complex, multi‑stage Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) plan for a major construction project, coordinating with internal design and construction teams.
• Serve as the primary technical expert on a project, managing scope and budget for your tasks and communicating directly with clients, agencies and subconsultants.
• Review project data, apply standard engineering practices to correlate results and identify discrepancies to ensure quality control.
• Collaborate with HLR’s internal departments (Design, Municipal, Construction) to ensure your traffic engineering components are seamlessly integrated into final project deliverables.

Key Responsibilities

• Traffic Analysis and Modeling:
  • Conduct comprehensive traffic impact studies, safety studies and intersection design studies.
  • Use specialized software (HCS, Synchro, etc.) for traffic operations and capacity analysis.
  • Develop traffic simulations and models to evaluate existing conditions and proposed improvements.
  • Prepare and perform traffic signal coordination and timing studies.
  • Analyze crash data to identify trends and recommend appropriate safety countermeasures in accordance with the FHWA Safe System approach.
• Traffic Design:
  • Prepare Plans, Specifications and Estimates (PS&E) for traffic engineering projects.
  • Design traffic signals, fiber‑optic traffic signal interconnect systems, pavement markings and roadway signage.
  • Develop complex Maintenance of Traffic and traffic control plans for multi‑stage construction projects.
  • Ensure all designs comply with IDOT, ISTHA, local agency standards and MUTCD guidelines.
  • Advise construction staff on traffic signal submittals and compliance with specifications.
• Traffic Optimization and Field Adjustments:
  • Investigate and resolve reported traffic issues in the field.
  • Make signal equipment updates to improve or rectify traffic problems due to residential complaints or observed issues.
  • Complete traffic signal turn‑ons with contractors and local stakeholders.
  • Implement temporary traffic signal timings on active construction projects.
• Project Management & Coordination:
  • Manage the technical execution, schedule and budget for traffic engineering components of larger projects or as the lead on standalone traffic projects.
  • Serve as the primary technical liaison for traffic engineering matters with clients, subconsultants and regulatory agencies.
  • Prepare and review comprehensive technical reports, memoranda and exhibits to support project findings and recommendations.
  • Coordinate with internal HLR departments to ensure traffic requirements are integrated seamlessly.
  • Apply standard engineering practices and techniques, adjust and correlate data, and recognize discrepancies in results.
  • Read, analyze and interpret technical procedures and governmental regulations.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from an ABET‑accredited program.
• Licensure: Must possess a valid Professional Engineer (P.E.) license in the State of Illinois or be able to obtain licensure within 6 months of hire if holding an out‑of‑state license.
• Experience: 5‑10 years of progressive, post‑licensure experience focused on traffic engineering and transportation design.
• Agency Expertise: Demonstrated experience in planning and designing projects for IDOT and/or ISTHA.
• Technical Knowledge: Working knowledge of modern traffic engineering principles, including traffic flow, capacity analysis (HCM) and safety analysis (HSM).

Desired Skills And Experience

• Technical Software:
  • High proficiency with traffic analysis and modeling software (Synchro, SimTraffic, HCS).
  • Proficiency with CADD software, preferably MicroStation and OpenRoads Designer (ORD); experience with AutoCAD or GEOPAK is also beneficial.
  • Experience with VISSIM or Vistro highly desirable.
• Certifications:
  • Professional Traffic Operations Engineer (PTOE) certification desired.
  • IMSA/IPSI Certified Traffic Signal Technician I or above, or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.
• Soft Skills:
  • Excellent technical writing and verbal communication skills.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel) for preparing reports and client communications.
  • Strong organizational and time‑management skills with ability to manage multiple priorities and project deadlines independently.
  • Meticulous attention to detail and commitment to quality control.
  • Advanced critical thinking and problem‑solving abilities.

Physical Abilities

• Ability to sit or stand for prolonged periods while working in a professional office environment; involves constant hand, finger and arm use, constant computer screen exposure, and prolonged reading.
• Ability to occasionally visit active construction or project sites, which may involve walking, standing on uneven surfaces, reaching, crouching or bending.
• Ability to lift and carry a minimum of 30 lbs.
• Must possess a valid State of Illinois driver’s license and maintain a satisfactory driving record.

The Traffic Engineer position earns a competitive salary in the range of $85,000 to $115,000 per year, depending on experience. Benefits include health (PPO and HSA), dental, vision, 401(k) with 6% company match, paid holidays, paid time off (PTO), short‑term and long‑term disability, life insurance, a Lifestyle account up to $2,000, student loan paydown, employee assistance program, flexible hours, continuing education, professional license expense reimbursement, professional society/association membership dues and opportunities for career growth.

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Job Posted by ApplicantPro