Traffic Operations Branch Manager

maricopa; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 102,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition reimbursement

Extensive wellness program

Paid vacation, sick time & parental le

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Maricopa County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) invites applications for a senior role overseeing arterial operations and traffic signal maintenance. You will guide ITS programs, manage the Traffic Management Center, and drive data-driven improvements for arterial performance.

The position focuses on ASCT, ATSPM, ICM, and DSS, with leadership over the ITS Operations Branch and related initiatives. A PE/PTOE background is valued.

Qualifications

• Five years of engineering experience, including three years with ITS and related technologies, plus one year in a lead role.
• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related discipline; postgraduate degrees may substitute experience.
• Registration as PE or PTOE is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage ITS Operations Branch, including the Traffic Management Center (TMC) and the Traffic Signal Maintenance groups. Hires, trains, and evaluates staff performance.
• Oversee large-scale ITS projects from inception to completion, including regionally significant projects, to ensure seamless arterial operations and efficient mobility.
• Coordinate budget preparation and manage capital and operating costs, and oversee contracts, purchase orders, and payment approvals.
• Lead and implement advanced ITS operations strategies, including Integrated Corridor Management.

Skills

Engineering leadership

ITS project experience

ASCT knowledge

TMC/TOC oversight

PE certification

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

Postgraduate degrees may substitute for education

Tools

PTOE certification

PE licensure (Civil)

Job description

Posting Date 09/25/26

Application Deadline 10/02/26

Pay Range $101,500 - $150,000 annually

Salary offers are based on the candidate's equivalent experience and internal equity with other employees within the same job classification. The position is not eligible for overtime compensation.

Job Type Unclassified

Department Transportation

About the Position

This position is responsible for driving innovation in real-time arterial operations and traffic signal systems by advancing the strategies, tools, and technologies for operating and maintaining MCDOT's transportation system. It plays a key role in shaping the future of traffic management and operations through the operation of the MCDOT Traffic Management Center (TMC), optimization and maintenance of traffic signals, and design and deployment of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), and development of tools and resources for supporting traffic operations and mobility on the arterial roadway network.

Key responsibilities include strategic planning, managing, and directing the Arterial Operations and Traffic Signal Maintenance Programs and the overall Traffic Operations Branch. This involves developing and implementing advanced operational technologies and strategies, including Adaptive Signal Control Technology (ASCT), Automated Traffic Signal Performance Measures (ATSPM), Integrated Corridor Management (ICM), and Decision Support Systems (DSS). The position also spearheads the operational focuses of the AZTech partnership and regional ITS initiatives, particularly those funded by USDOT, FHWA, or MAG.

This role is ideal for individuals passionate about the intersection of traffic operations and traffic signal maintenance, with a focus on using data-driven strategies to improve arterial roadway performance, reliability, and mobility.

About Us

We value your time. The time with your family. The time you spend on the road. And the time you spend making a difference. At the Maricopa County Department of Transportation (MCDOT), we provide connections that improve people's lives. By combining innovative technologies with the vast talent of our employees, we plan for future needs and operate a transportation system with the community in mind. Are you interested in contributing to the community in which you work, live, and play? Then, join our team and help us build connections.

Proud to Offer

• Work with a greater purpose
• Tuition reimbursement
• Exceptional work-life balance
• Opportunities for growth and development within Maricopa County
• Low-cost, high-value healthcare for you and your qualifying dependents
• Child care benefits, including access to the Maricopa County Kids Club , dedicated to serving Maricopa County families
• Paid vacation, sick time, and parental leave
• Extensive wellness program, including an incentive
• Enrollment in the Arizona State Retirement System, a defined retirement benefit requiring an 11.98% per paycheck contribution rate that includes a 100% employer match on Day 1

Want to learn more about the County's Qualifying and Compensation Philosophy? Follow this link to learn more! Work With Us | Maricopa County, AZ

We Require

• Five years of engineering experience, including three years of experience with Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) and related transportation technologies, and one year of engineering experience in a lead or supervisory capacity
• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Science, or related engineering discipline, such as, but not limited to, Chemical, Environmental, or Mechanical Engineering
• Postgraduate degrees or professional-level-related experience may substitute for the education or experience on a year-for-year basis

We Also Value

• Experience with telecommunications, computer networking, database management, or systems integration within an Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) or traffic operations environment
• Experience in overseeing a Traffic Management Center (TMC), Traffic Operations Center (TOC), or traffic signal maintenance program
• Experience with designing, operating, maintaining, or managing the construction of traffic signals
• Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in Civil Engineering or a closely related discipline
• Professional Traffic Operations Engineer (PTOE) certification
• Federally funded Project Management experience
• Ability to strategically lead a technical team

Job Contributions

• Manage the activities of the ITS Operations Branch, including the Traffic Management Center (TMC) and the Traffic Signal Maintenance groups. Hires, trains, and evaluates staff performance
• Oversee large-scale ITS projects from inception to completion, including regionally significant projects, to ensure seamless arterial operations and efficient mobility
• Coordinate budget preparation and manage capital and operational costs, and oversee contracts, purchase orders, and payment approvals
• Lead and implement advanced ITS operations strategies, including Integrated Corridor Management