Transportation Engineer 4

State of Washington; Wenatchee (WA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

12 paid holidays

Up to 25 paid vacation days per year

Tuition assistance

Comprehensive benefits package

State retirement programs

Job summary

WSDOT is seeking a Transportation Engineer 4 to serve as the Region Signal and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Operations Engineer in the North Central Region. This role acts as the region's technical expert in signal and ITS operations, developing and optimizing traffic signal timing plans to support safe and efficient traffic flow.

The successful candidate will coordinate with maintenance, traffic management, information technology, and engineering teams to support system operations,

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of traffic engineering principles, traffic signal operations, timing, and coordination.
• Practical experience in engineering design, development, and maintenance of Traffic Signal and ITS.
• Proficiency in Internet protocols and networking principles.
• Ability to coordinate projects and maintenance activities with technical staff and managers.
• Strong communication skills to explain technical information to diverse stakeholders.
• Experience applying standards, policies, and procedures in transportation IT projects.
• Ability to plan, prioritize work, and align technology efforts with agency goals.
• Experience reading and interpreting plans and general specifications.
• Experience managing network-based systems for reliability and security.
• Growth mindset and commitment to learning.
• Service-oriented with a focus on meeting others' needs.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, review, and implement traffic signal timing plans to optimize traffic flow.
• Evaluate and approve signal timing plans and resolve complex issues.
• Review signal designs from WSDOT design offices, consultants, and local agencies for compliance.
• Coordinate with Traffic, Signal Maintenance, local agencies, and consultants to support operations.
• Monitor, troubleshoot, and maintain ITS equipment and networks.
• Develop and implement TSMO strategies with regional teams.
• Support TMC operations by monitoring performance and addressing incidents.
• Provide specialized technical expertise in signal, ITS, and network systems for planning and inspections.

Skills

Traffic Engineering Knowledge

Traffic Signal and ITS Experience

Network and Internet Protocols

Project Coordination

Communication and Collaboration

Standards and Regulatory Compliance

Strategic Planning and Decision-Making

Plan and Specification Interpretation

Network Systems Management

Growth Mindset

Service-Oriented

Tools

Synchro

Transparity

Kinetic

Job description

About WSDOT

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity

WSDOT is currently seeking a Transportation Engineer 4 to serve as the Region Signal and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Operations Engineer in the North Central Region. This position serves as the region’s technical expert in signal and ITS operations, responsible for developing, reviewing, and optimizing traffic signal timing plans to support safe and efficient traffic flow. The successful candidate will coordinate with maintenance, traffic management, information technology, and engineering teams to support system operations, maintenance, and the implementation of innovative transportation technologies. This role also provides specialized engineering expertise in signal and ITS design, project scoping, and plan reviews while advancing Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO) strategies and practical solutions. Through independent engineering judgment and technical leadership, this position plays a critical role in improving roadway safety, traffic efficiency, and the long-term reliability of the region’s transportation infrastructure.

What to Expect

• Design, develop, review, and implement traffic signal timing plans, coordination strategies, adaptive signal operations, and special event plans to optimize traffic flow throughout the North Central Region.
• Evaluate and approve traffic signal timing plans, establish operational and technical strategies, and resolve complex traffic signal engineering issues to ensure safe and efficient operations.
• Review traffic signal designs prepared by WSDOT design offices, engineering consultants, and local agencies to ensure compliance with WSDOT and regional design and operational standards.
• Coordinate with Traffic, Signal Maintenance, local agencies, consultants, and other stakeholders to support signal operations, project implementation, special events, and multi-jurisdictional traffic signal efficiency.
• Monitor, troubleshoot, and maintain Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), including equipment, software, firmware, and network compatibility, while coordinating timely maintenance and repairs with appropriate work groups.
• Develop and implement Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO) strategies, collaborating with regional teams to integrate innovative technologies and operational improvements into transportation projects and initiatives.
• Support Traffic Management Center (TMC) operations by monitoring system performance, identifying equipment deficiencies, assessing traffic impacts from incidents and events, and implementing technical adjustments to restore safe and efficient traffic flow.
• Provide specialized technical expertise in signal, ITS, and network systems to support project planning, design, scoping, construction and inspections, while assisting with staff training, system testing, and emergency response to traffic system malfunctions.

Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:

• Traffic Engineering Knowledge: Must have extensive knowledge of traffic engineering principles, traffic signal operations, timing, and coordination.
• Traffic Signal and ITS Experience: Must have demonstrated practical experience in the engineering design and development, implementation, and/or maintenance of Traffic Signal and Intelligent Transportation Systems.
• Network and Internet Protocols: Must have demonstrated proficiency in Internet protocols and networking principles.
• Project Coordination: Must have demonstrated ability to coordinate projects and maintenance activities with technical staff and managers.
• Communication and Collaboration: Must have the ability to explain technical information clearly and work effectively with staff, leadership, and external partners to build understanding and support shared solutions.
• Standards and Regulatory Compliance: Experience learning and applying standards, policies, and procedures related to transportation traffic engineering and IT technology projects.
• Strategic Planning and Decision-Making: Ability to set direction, prioritize work, and make sound, timely decisions to ensure technology efforts align with program and agency goals.
• Plan and Specification Interpretation: Experience reading and interpreting plans and general specifications.
• Network Systems Management: Demonstrated ability to manage and improve essential network-based systems to ensure reliability, security, and continuous delivery of mission-critical traffic services.

• Growth Mindset:Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented:Takes action to meet the needs of others.

In addition to the above, the following are also required:

• A valid driver's license and ability to operate state-owned vehicles for travel to and between project sites in support of field duties and essential job functions.
• Ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Signal Timing Software: Experience using signal timing programs, such as Synchro or similar software, for signal timing and analysis.
• Signal Operations Software: Experience using signal operations programs, such as Transparity, Kinetic, or similar software, for traffic signal operations.
• ITS Network Troubleshooting: Experience troubleshooting Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) communication networks.
• Signal Controller Programming: Experience modifying and updating signal controller software, firmware, phasing, inputs, outputs, and timing plans.
• Signal and ITS Equipment:Experience working with traffic signal and ITS controllers and cabinets.
• Signal Cabinet Systems Knowledge: Knowledge of traffic signal cabinet components, layouts, inputs, outputs, and functions.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position is not eligible for remote work.
• In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements.
• Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code.
• WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

Why WSDOT

• Work-Life Balance - We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals lifestyle.
• Paid Leave - In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees may earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
• Tuition Assistance - Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.
• Plan For Your Future - WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.

Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?

WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/ or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.

WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at [e-mail]. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-NCR-24767 in the subject line.