Traffic Engineer

Hampton, Lenzini and Renwick, Inc.; Elgin (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) plan with 6% company match

Paid time off (PTO)

Flexible hours

Continuing education reimbursement

Job summary

A leading civil engineering firm in Elgin, IL is seeking a full-time Traffic Engineer. This role, requiring a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering and 5-10 years of relevant experience, focuses on traffic analysis and project management. Candidates should possess strong technical skills and effective communication abilities, as well as a valid P.E. license in Illinois. The position offers a competitive salary and numerous employee benefits, including health insurance and a 401(k) plan. Apply now to join a firm dedicated to employee growth and community enhancement.

Qualifications

• 5-10 years of post-licensure experience focused on traffic engineering and transportation design.
• Demonstrated experience with IDOT and ISTHA projects.
• Valid Professional Engineer (P.E.) license in Illinois or the ability to obtain within 6 months.

Responsibilities

• Manage traffic engineering tasks and projects for various firm clients.
• Develop traffic studies, models, and designs.
• Coordinate with internal departments to ensure project integration.

Skills

Traffic analysis

Project management

Technical writing

Verbal communication

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering

Tools

MicroStation

Synchro

Trafficware Synchro

Job description

Hampton, Lenzini and Renwick, Inc. (HLR) of Elgin, IL is looking to hire a full-time Traffic Engineer. Are you a civil engineering professional who is ready to take your career to the next level in a rewarding environment with an established and respected firm that cares about the happiness and wellbeing of their employees? Do you want to work for a firm that works hard, has fun, and gives back? If so, please read on!

The Traffic Engineer serves as 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, this position is responsible for the independent execution and management of traffic engineering tasks and projects. This role will apply advanced engineering principles to develop traffic studies, models and designs for key firm clients, including the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority (ISTHA) and various county and municipal agencies. This position requires deep technical expertise and the ability to manage project scope, schedule and budget effectively with minimal direct personnel management responsibilities.

About Hampton, Lenzini and Renwick, Inc. (HLR)

Founded in 1965, Hampton, Lenzini and Renwick, Inc. (HLR) is a 100% employee‑owned civil engineering firm headquartered in Elgin, IL with additional offices spanning across the state of Illinois. HLR is a leading provider of professional consulting engineering, environmental and surveying services, serving public agencies and private‑sector clients throughout the Midwest.

We believe that our team and award‑winning Work Hard | Have Fun | Give Back® culture are what draw employees and clients to our firm and are proud to be named the number one 2025 A/E/C Employer of Choice® by PSMJ Resources, Inc., based on our workforce retention, productivity and superior level of employee engagement. Additionally, HLR received the 2024 Premier Award for Client Satisfaction by PSMJ Resources, Inc. – the only award recognizing the A/E/C firms that deliver a truly exceptional client experience.

At HLR, our culture and team are paramount to our success. We've built an incredible atmosphere that attracts bright, driven, caring individuals who sincerely want to make a difference in the industry. We are truly a team in every sense – we’re mentors and collaborators who believe in supporting one another as we work together to achieve our goals. We’re passionate about employee development, evidenced by our Pathways to Success program – a specialized roadmap to career advancement – as well as the time and resources we dedicate to employee training and education. We challenge ourselves, celebrate accomplishments big and small, and focus on fostering a positive, synergetic environment where individuals can thrive professionally and personally. By joining our team, you are joining us on our mission to make a measurable impact in the communities which we live and work each and every day. Together, we can redefine excellence.

On any given day you’ll:

• Dive into specialized software like 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 (TIS) or safety study, analyzing crash data and clearly communicating your 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 the 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 any discrepancies to ensure quality control.
• Collaborate with HLR’s internal departments (Design, Municipal, Construction) to ensure your traffic engineering components are seamlessly integrated into the final project deliverables.

Key Responsibilities

• Traffic Analysis and Modeling:
  • Perform comprehensive traffic impact studies (TIS), safety studies and intersection design studies (IDS).
  • Conduct traffic operations and capacity analysis using specialized software, including HCS, Synchro, etc.
  • Develop traffic simulations and models to evaluate existing conditions and proposed improvements for various transportation facilities.
  • 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 (new, modifications and modernization), fiber‑optic traffic signal interconnect systems, pavement markings and roadway signage.
  • Develop complex Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) and traffic control plans for multi‑stage construction projects.
  • Ensure all designs are in strict accordance with IDOT, ISTHA and local agency standards, as well as MUTCD guidelines.
  • Advise construction staff regarding traffic signal related 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‑offs with contractors and local stakeholders.
  • Complete 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 (e.g., Design, Municipal, Construction) 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 have the ability to obtain licensure within 6 months of hire if an out‑of‑state license is currently held.
• Experience: A minimum of 5‑10 years of progressive, post‑licensure experience focused specifically on traffic engineering and transportation design.
• Agency Expertise: Demonstrated experience in the successful planning and design of projects for the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and/or the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority (ISTHA).
• Technical Knowledge: Working knowledge of the modern principles and practices of Traffic Engineering, including traffic flow, capacity analysis (HCM) and safety analysis (HSM).

Desired Skills and Experience

• Technical Software:
  • High proficiency with traffic analysis and modeling software is required (e.g., 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 is highly desirable.
• Certifications:
  • Professional Traffic Operations Engineer (PTOE) certification is highly desired.
  • IMSA/IPSI Certified Traffic Signal Technician I or above or have the ability to obtain the certification within 6 months of hire.
• Soft Skills:
  • Excellent technical writing and verbal communication skills.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel) for preparing reports, specifications and client communications.
  • Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and project deadlines independently.
  • Meticulous attention to detail and a 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, depending on experience. We also offer health insurance (PPO and HSA), dental insurance, an employer health savings account (HSA) contribution, vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with a 6% company match, paid holidays, paid time off (PTO), short‑term and long‑term disability, life insurance, a Lifestyle account of up to $2,000, a student loan paydown, an employee assistance program (EAP), flexible hours, continuing education, professional license expense reimbursement, professional society/association membership dues and opportunities for career growth. If this sounds like the right opportunity for you, apply today!

READY TO JOIN OUR TEAM? We understand your time is valuable and that is why we have a very quick and easy application process. If you feel that you would be right for this position, please fill out our initial 3‑minute, mobile‑friendly application. We look forward to meeting you!