Traffic Operations Branch Manager

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

Job summary

Maricopa County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) seeks a senior transportation engineer to drive real-time arterial operations and deploy ITS technologies across the regional network, including TMC management and adaptive signal strategies. The role focuses on data-driven improvements to reliability and mobility.

The position requires five years of engineering experience with ITS and leadership responsibilities; a PE license is valued and a strong collaboration mindset is essential.

Qualifications

• Five years of engineering experience, including three years with ITS and one year in a lead or supervisory role.
• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Science, or related engineering discipline.
• Postgraduate degrees or related experience may substitute on a year-for-year basis.

Responsibilities

• Manage the ITS Operations Branch, including TMC and Traffic Signal Maintenance groups; hire, train, and evaluate staff.
• Oversee large-scale ITS projects from inception to completion to ensure arterial operations and mobility.
• Coordinate budget preparation and manage contracts, POs, and approvals.
• Lead ITS operations strategies such as ICM, advanced signal timing, and other TSMO strategies.
• Develop inter-jurisdictional collaboration to improve signal system integration and mobility.
• Propose ITS and signal infrastructure expansion plans and pursue Federal funding opportunities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Engineering experience

ITS experience

Leadership

Project management

Education

Bachelors in Civil Engineering

Tools

ASCT

ATSPM

ICM

DSS

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 (ICM), advanced signal timing systems, and other TSMO strategies, as defined by the AZTech Regional Partnership
• Develop inter-jurisdictional collaboration and partnerships to improve traffic signal system integration and traffic management on regional corridors by having an active role in the technical programming of the AZTech Regional Partnership
• Propose ITS and traffic signal infrastructure expansion and operational concept plans to support traffic mobility. Prioritize and assign supporting tasks to the Branch team members. Seek Federal funding opportunities to support innovation and expansion
• Other job duties as assigned

Working Conditions

• Exerting 20 - 25 pounds occasionally, 10 - 25 pounds frequently, or up to 10 pounds constantly
• Position is typically office or administrative work and is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions. Will require occasional travel to/from job locations

Machines, Tools, Equipment, Software, and Hardware

Computer, Bluebeam, Microsoft 365, Adobe Pro, and a cellular phone.

Protective Equipment Required

All PPE will be provided by MCDOT.

Selection Procedure

• Consideration will only be given to candidates who submit online applications
• Candidates will be contacted primarily through email and their Workday online application profile
• Must pass a pre-employment background and/or fingerprint investigation as required by statute or policy, including drug and alcohol testing requirements for positions designated as safety-sensitive

Maricopa County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process or to perform the essential functions of the position under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please contact [e-mail] to initiate the interactive process.