TRAFFIC ENGINEER (CIVIL ENGINEER IV)

IMDiversity; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 167,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Alexandria is seeking a Traffic Engineer (Civil Engineer IV) to oversee streetlighting, wayfinding, and traffic control devices. You will ensure MUTCD compliance, manage inventories, and guide field staff and contractors to maintain a safe transportation system.

The ideal candidate has a strong MUTCD background, communication skills, and will pursue a Virginia PE license within six months. Leadership and collaboration are essential in this role.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or related field with eight years of experience, or equivalent.
• Must obtain Virginia Professional Engineer license within six months of employment.
• Professional Traffic Operations Engineer (PTOE) certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Analyze existing traffic control devices for compliance with adopted standards and human factors.
• Review streetlighting plans and provide constructive recommendations.
• Collaborate with private developers to implement traffic signals, street lighting, and related requirements.
• Develop standards and specifications for materials and services.
• Review construction plans and provide comments as needed.
• Evaluate compatibility of devices with future autonomous vehicle developments.

Skills

MUTCD knowledge

Traffic engineering

Field engineering

Communication skills

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in civil engineering

Job description

TRAFFIC ENGINEER (CIVIL ENGINEER IV)

Salary

$94,715.14 - $166,678.72 Annually

Location

Alexandria, VA

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

2026-00474

Department

Transportation & Environmental Services

Division

TRAFFIC OPERATIONS

Bargaining Unit

N/A

Description

TRAFFIC ENGINEER (CIVIL ENGINEER IV)

An Overview

The Department of Transportation and Environmental Services (T&ES) is seeking an experienced traffic operations engineer to oversee the City’s Streetlighting and Wayfinding programs as well as help manage and maintain the City’s installed traffic control devices. The City has over 10,000 streetlights, 40,000 traffic signs, 300 traffic signals, and 200 lane miles of pavement markings. This position manages what has been installed, others determine what new devices get installed. Work involves creating and maintaining inventories of the installed traffic control devices, scheduling preventive maintenance to ensure all devices are in compliance with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control (MUTCD), State, ADA, and good engineering practice. In addition, this position reviews traffic control devices for appropriateness and schedule improvements. This position has a key role in making sure the City’s transportation system is safe for all users.

What You Should Bring

A good working knowledge of the MUTCD and the principles of traffic engineering as well as good interpersonal and verbal communications skills. The ideal candidate can think on their feet and is comfortable with field engineering solutions to problems in real time. The candidate must be able to work collaboratively with field staff and contractors to effectively communicate their ideas and motivate work crews to get work done. Of equal importance is an advanced understanding and knowledge of the MUTCD and principles of traffic engineering.

The City is looking for a candidate who embraces the core values of the City: Respect, Integrity, Teamwork, and Continuous Improvement. The candidate should be open-minded and treat others with dignity, embrace diversity and welcome individual perspectives, backgrounds and opinions, listen well, and always exhibit civility. The ideal candidate is accountable for decisions and actions and follows through on commitments and works well with others.

The Opportunity

Leadership

• Provides direction to align technology with Division mission and strategy, priorities and Smart Mobility program needs.
• Seeks programmatic effectiveness by evaluating existing operations and making suggestions for efficiency improvements.
• Develops standards and specifications for materials, their application and contract work.

Management

• Manages multiple projects, some of which are grant funded.
• Manages contracts and procurement.
• Manages in inventory for installed traffic control devices.

Teamwork

• Coordinates with other T&ES divisions and City Departments to align the goals of the Smart Mobility Program with other City programs.
• Collaborates with and represents the City in inter-jurisdictional and state transportation initiatives.

Task

• Analyzes existing traffic control devises to ensure compliance with adopted standards and good human factors practice.
• Reviews streetlighting plans and makes recommendations.
• Works with private developers to implement traffic signal, street lighting, and other requirements on their projects. Develops standards and specifications.
• Reviews and comments on construction plans.
• Develops solicitations for materials and services in collaboration with the City’s procurement office.
• Investigates how to keep the City’s traffic control devices compatible with future autonomous and self-driving vehicles.
• Conducts technical product evaluations and outlines requirements and develops specifications.
• Goes into the field, oftentimes construction sites or in traffic, to evaluate the appropriateness of traffic control devices or work with contractors on projects

About the Department

T&ES is a community partner in shaping a livable, green, and prospering Alexandria. We plan, build, operate, and maintain transportation systems and infrastructure that improve mobility and provide people and businesses with core public services. The work we do keeps Alexandrians moving, growing sustainability, and thriving. If you are curious for a broader view of our City, click City of Alexandria to learn more.

Minimum & Additional Requirements

To qualify for this position, all candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in civil Engineering or other related field and eight (8) years of experience; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Must possess, or obtain within six months of employment, a license to practice as a Registered Professional Engineer in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Preferred Qualifications

To be considered an ideal candidate must possess or obtain within six months of employment a Professional Traffic Operations Engineer (PTOE) certification.

The City of Alexandria is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workforce. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, military status, or disability.