Entry Level Transportation Safety Analyst

VHB • Raleigh, NC

7d • $85,000 - $95,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

VHB is hiring an entry-level Data Scientist (Transportation Safety) to join its team in the Metro DC or North Carolina offices. The role supports data-driven transportation safety, planning, and research projects for state departments of transportation, federal agencies, and local governments. Work includes analyzing large datasets, conducting statistical analysis, developing visualizations, and supporting research and technical documentation. Projects may involve roadway safety analysis, vulnerable road user analysis, systemic safety screening, behavioral analysis, and data visualization. The successful candidate will work closely with a manager and more experienced data scientists, receiving guidance throughout projects, and will participate in professional development activities. Applicants must be legally authorized to work for VHB in the United States without employer sponsorship.

VHB describes its culture as collaborative, inclusive, technology-empowered, and people-driven, with opportunities to contribute to complex projects with community impact and to grow skills. The position offers a flexible, hybrid work environment. The full-time annual base salary range for Washington, DC and North Carolina is $85,000–$95,000, with the offer based on job-related factors. Eligible employees may also receive incentive or spot bonuses and merit-based salary increases, in addition to the company’s benefits package.

Requirements

• 0–2 years of advanced analytics experience in an academic or professional setting.
• Master’s degree in Transportation Engineering, Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or an equivalent discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Fundamental knowledge of statistical modeling, quantitative methods, machine learning, data mining, simulation, and advanced mathematics.
• Experience applying quantitative methods to real-world problems through academic research, internships, or professional work.
• Experience with many of the following: Python (Pandas, NumPy, SciPy), R (tidyverse), SQL, Tableau, Power BI, advanced Microsoft Excel, machine learning, and statistical analysis.
• Ability to identify information needs, conduct research, and evaluate the quality and suitability of data sources.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and mathematical skills.
• Ability to work effectively in ambiguous and technically challenging environments.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Team-oriented, able to manage multiple tasks independently and on time, and able to collaborate positively with coworkers.
• Self-motivated, highly organized, and detail-oriented.
• Legally authorized to work for VHB in the United States without employer sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Mine and analyze structured and unstructured datasets—including crash records, roadway inventories, demographic data, surveys, and geospatial data—to identify patterns, trends, and risk factors.
• Apply statistical and machine-learning methods, including regression, classification, clustering, and forecasting, to transportation safety and planning problems.
• Evaluate model fit and predictive performance, and assess uncertainty, sensitivity, potential bias, and limitations using appropriate validation methods; document methods, assumptions, and results to support review and reproducibility.
• Identify new applications for existing data sources and opportunities to collect or integrate additional data.
• Extract, clean, link, transform, and quality-check data from databases, APIs, spreadsheets, text files, and other systems.
• Use Python, R, SQL, and related tools to automate data preparation, analysis, model execution, validation, and reporting; develop reusable code and maintain clear technical documentation.
• Apply transportation safety methods, including crash prediction, Safety Performance Function development, before-and-after evaluation, systemic safety screening, risk scoring, and prioritization.
• Prepare and distribute analytical findings, communicating methods, results, and practical implications to project teams, clients, management, and technical and nontechnical audiences through visualizations, reports, and presentations.
• Work with the manager and experienced data scientists, receiving direction on analytical methods, missing data, model selection, and interpretation of results.
• Participate in professional development activities aligned with career goals and project needs.
• Perform job functions in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations and VHB policies and procedures.

Benefits

• Eligible participation in the VHB 401(k) plan.
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
• Wellness programs.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Recognition programs.
• Potential annual incentive compensation bonuses, spot bonuses, and merit-based salary increases for eligible employees.
• Flexible, hybrid work environment.
• Learning and development support, including evolving tools and technologies such as AI.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level