Traffic Engineer - IDOT

Location: Elgin, Illinois
Compensation: $85,000–$115,000 base salary DOE

Drive traffic analysis, design, and operational performance across complex transportation projects.

An established employee-owned engineering firm is seeking a Traffic Engineer to serve as a technical specialist and project manager across a range of traffic studies, signal design, maintenance of traffic planning, and transportation improvement projects. This role supports work for IDOT, Illinois Tollway, county agencies, and municipalities, with responsibility for managing traffic-related scope, schedule, budget, and technical deliverables.

This is a strong fit for a traffic engineering professional who can move between analysis, design, field coordination, and client communication while maintaining a high standard of technical quality.

What You’ll Be Doing

Traffic Analysis & Modeling

• Perform traffic impact studies, safety studies, and intersection design studies
• Conduct traffic operations and capacity analysis using tools such as Synchro, SimTraffic, HCS, and related software
• Build traffic models and simulations to evaluate current conditions and recommended improvements
• Prepare traffic signal timing and coordination studies for intersections and corridors
• Analyze crash data and develop safety recommendations aligned with modern traffic engineering practices and the FHWA Safe System approach

Traffic Design

• Prepare plans, specifications, and estimates (PS&E) for traffic engineering projects
• Design traffic signals, signal modifications, signal modernization improvements, fiber optic interconnect systems, pavement markings, and roadway signage
• Develop maintenance of traffic (MOT) and traffic control plans for phased construction projects
• Produce detailed design plans using MicroStation and related CADD platforms
• Maintain compliance with IDOT, Illinois Tollway, local agency, and MUTCD standards
• Support construction teams with traffic signal-related submittals and specification compliance

Traffic Operations & Field Support

• Investigate and resolve field-reported traffic concerns and operational issues
• Adjust traffic signal equipment and settings to improve operations or respond to observed traffic problems and public complaints
• Coordinate and complete traffic signal turn-ons with contractors and local stakeholders
• Develop temporary traffic signal timings for active construction projects
• Program and troubleshoot signal controllers both remotely and in the field as needed

Project Management & Coordination

• Manage the technical execution, schedule, and budget for traffic engineering tasks or standalone traffic projects
• Serve as the primary technical point of contact with clients, agencies, subconsultants, and internal teams
• Prepare and review technical reports, memoranda, exhibits, and recommendations
• Coordinate with internal design, municipal, and construction teams to integrate traffic engineering components into overall project delivery
• Review project data, identify discrepancies, and maintain strong quality control across deliverables

What You Bring

Education & Licensure

• Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from an ABET-accredited program
• Illinois Professional Engineer (PE) license required, or ability to obtain Illinois licensure within 6 months if currently licensed in another state

Experience & Technical Background

• 5–10 years of progressive experience in traffic engineering and transportation design
• Strong experience supporting projects for IDOT and/or Illinois Tollway
• Working knowledge of traffic engineering principles related to traffic flow, capacity analysis, signal operations, and safety analysis
• Experience managing technical scope, deliverables, and deadlines with a high degree of independence

Software & Technical Tools

• High proficiency with traffic analysis and modeling tools such as Synchro, SimTraffic, and HCS
• Proficiency with MicroStation and ideally OpenRoads Designer (ORD)
• Experience with AutoCAD or GEOPAK is helpful
• Experience with VISSIM or Vistro is highly preferred
• Strong Microsoft Office skills for technical reports, specifications, and client communication

Certifications

Preferred, or willingness to obtain:

• Professional Traffic Operations Engineer (PTOE)
• IMSA/IPSI Certified Traffic Signal Technician I or higher within 6 months of hire

Skills

• Strong technical writing and verbal communication skills
• Able to manage multiple project priorities and deadlines independently
• High attention to detail and strong quality control habits
• Strong analytical thinking and practical problem-solving ability
• Organized, self-directed, and comfortable serving as a technical lead without heavy people-management responsibility

Physical & Field Requirements

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods in an office setting
• Frequent computer use, screen time, and technical document review
• Ability to visit active project or construction sites as needed
• Ability to walk uneven terrain, stand outdoors, crouch, bend, and reach when conducting field reviews
• Ability to lift and carry at least 30 pounds
• Valid Illinois driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record

Why Join This Engineering Firm

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive base salary based on experience
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• PPO and HSA medical plan options
• Employer HSA contribution
• 401(k) with 6% company match
• Paid holidays and PTO
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage
• Life insurance
• Lifestyle Spending Account of up to $2,000
• Student loan paydown support
• Employee Assistance Program

Work Environment

• Flexible work hours
• Team-oriented, employee-focused culture
• Strong reputation in the transportation and infrastructure market
• Opportunity to work on meaningful public-sector projects across Illinois

Professional Growth

• Continuing education support
• Reimbursement for professional licenses and related expenses
• Reimbursement for professional society and association dues
• Clear opportunity for long-term career growth and advancement