Traffic Project Engineer I

Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson; Candler (NC); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson in Candler, NC invites applications for a Traffic Project Engineer I. The role focuses on traffic engineering design across electrical, civil, and systems disciplines with limited supervision.

Responsibilities include signal timing, CAD design, ITS interconnections, and field work. Candidates should hold an ABET‑accredited degree, 5–10 years of related experience, and notable licenses or certifications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical, civil, or related engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
• 5–10 years of experience in a specialized discipline relevant to traffic engineering.
• Active PE license for civil candidates; EIT acceptable with ability to obtain NC/SC PE within 6 months.

Responsibilities

• Traffic signal and roadway lighting design, including CAD and field work.
• ITS, signal interconnection, and emerging traffic technology design.
• Signal timing at a corridor level with field-based tuning and implementation.
• Support of traffic safety and Smart Mobility projects.
• Coordinate with other disciplines and ensure design aligns with project goals.
• Prepare and review construction plans, specs, and estimates; attend client meetings.

Skills

Discipline-specific design software

Clear written and spoken communication

Valid US driver’s license

Motor Vehicle screening

Education

ABET-accredited engineering degree

Professional Engineer (PE) license

EIT acceptable for non-civil candidates

Tools

CAD software

Job description

Traffic Project Engineer I

Location: Candler, NC

Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson is a dynamic, 100% employee‑owned consulting firm with more than 2,800 professionals, providing a full range of multidisciplinary engineering, architecture, information technology, and related services to public agencies and private clients throughout the United States. JMT is currently ranked #50 on Engineering News‑Record's list of the Top 500 Design Firms.

Position summary

Responsible for traffic engineering design using knowledge of general engineering principles and practices to interpret, organize, execute and coordinate assignments with limited supervision. This position involves a solid mix of electrical, civil, and systems engineering principles.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Traffic signal and roadway lighting design, including CAD and field work
• ITS, signal interconnection, and emerging traffic technology design
• Signal timing at a corridor level, including field‑based fine tuning and implementation
• Support of traffic safety projects and other Smart Mobility projects
• Signal cabinet wiring and signal controller programming
• Analyze survey reports, maps, drawings, blueprints, aerial photography and other topographical or geologic data to plan projects/tasks
• Perform design computations
• Design projects in accordance with client specifications and guidelines, using design software and drawing tools
• Develop or review the construction cost estimate
• Prepare and compile contract plans, specifications and estimates
• Attend meetings with clients and assist taking meeting minutes
• Coordinate with other disciplines and understand how they fit into the project and design
• Quality review of project design in accordance with the Project Management Plan
• Technical oversight and guidance/support of Traffic Design Engineers within department

Nonessential functions and responsibilities

• sUAS (drone) piloting
• Research and studies

Required Skills

• Proficient in discipline specific design software
• An ability to communicate clearly and professionally in written and spoken form with a variety of clients across the Southeast without the assistance of AI
• Current US state driver's license and an ability to drive
• Must successfully complete and pass JMT's Motor Vehicle screening

Required Experience

• Bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, systems, or civil engineering or a related field from an ABET accredited engineering program
• 5-10 years' experience in specialized discipline
• Active professional engineers (PE) license (for civil engineering candidates)
• Active EIT certification is acceptable for non-civil candidates, provided the ability to obtain both a NC and SC PE license within 6 months of hire

Preferred Experience

• IMSA Signal Technician Level II
• A love of challenge and adventure
• Traffic or traffic signal experience
• IT, telecom, or AI experience
• Ability to code and script using current languages and a strong foundation in logic-based systems
• Networking competency, including TCP/IP topology, routing/switching, & related troubleshooting
• Secondary written and spoken language fluency is a plus

Working Conditions

Work is performed within a general office environment 75% of the time but may involve up to 25% field work. Work is generally sedentary in nature but will require regular standing, walking, lifting, and opening field equipment. Some work will also be performed within a technical lab, working with live electrical components and circuitry. Lighting and temperature are adequate and there are no hazardous or unpleasant conditions caused by noise, dust, etc. within the office environment.

Field work is required on occasion where work may be conducted outside and/or roadside in heat/cold, wet/humid, and dry/arid conditions. Field work is required on occasion before and after normal working hours and in low-light conditions. Some lifting (up to 50 lbs) may be required as needed.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.