Transportation Engineer 4

State of Washington • Chelan County – Wenatchee, WA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is hiring a Transportation Engineer 4 to serve as the Region Signal and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Operations Engineer in the North Central Region. The position is the region’s technical expert in signal and ITS operations, developing, reviewing, and optimizing traffic signal timing plans to support safe and efficient traffic flow. The engineer coordinates with maintenance, traffic management, information technology, engineering teams, local agencies, consultants, and other stakeholders to support system operations, maintenance, and innovative transportation technologies.

The role provides specialized engineering expertise in signal and ITS design, project scoping, and plan reviews, while advancing Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO) strategies. Through independent engineering judgment and technical leadership, the position helps improve roadway safety, traffic efficiency, and the long-term reliability of regional transportation infrastructure. This position is not eligible for remote work. The recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions based on business needs.

Requirements

• Extensive knowledge of traffic engineering principles, traffic signal operations, timing, and coordination.
• Demonstrated practical experience in the engineering design and development, implementation, and/or maintenance of traffic signal and ITS systems.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Internet protocols and networking principles.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate projects and maintenance activities with technical staff and managers.
• Ability to explain technical information clearly and work effectively with staff, leadership, and external partners to build understanding and support shared solutions.
• Experience learning and applying standards, policies, and procedures related to transportation traffic engineering and IT technology projects.
• Ability to set direction, prioritize work, and make sound, timely decisions that align technology efforts with program and agency goals.
• Experience reading and interpreting plans and general specifications.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and improve essential network-based systems to ensure reliability, security, and continuous delivery of mission-critical traffic services.
• Commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-oriented approach and willingness to take action to meet the needs of others.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to operate state-owned vehicles for travel to and between project sites.
• Ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain.

Nice To Haves

• Experience using signal timing programs such as Synchro or similar software for signal timing and analysis.
• Experience using signal operations programs such as Transparity, Kinetic, or similar software.
• Experience troubleshooting ITS communication networks.
• Experience modifying and updating signal controller software, firmware, phasing, inputs, outputs, and timing plans.
• Experience working with traffic signal and ITS controllers and cabinets.
• Knowledge of traffic signal cabinet components, layouts, inputs, outputs, and functions.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Review traffic signal designs prepared by WSDOT design offices, engineering consultants, and local agencies for compliance with WSDOT and regional design and operational standards.
• Coordinate with Traffic, Signal Maintenance, local agencies, consultants, and other stakeholders on signal operations, project implementation, special events, and multi-jurisdictional traffic signal efficiency.
• Monitor, troubleshoot, and maintain ITS equipment, software, firmware, and network compatibility, coordinating maintenance and repairs with appropriate work groups.
• Develop and implement TSMO strategies, collaborating with regional teams to integrate innovative technologies and operational improvements into transportation projects and initiatives.
• Support Traffic Management Center operations by monitoring system performance, identifying equipment deficiencies, assessing traffic impacts from incidents and events, and implementing technical adjustments.
• Provide technical expertise in signal, ITS, and network systems for project planning, design, scoping, construction, and inspections.
• Assist with staff training, system testing, and emergency response to traffic system malfunctions.
• Travel to and between project sites to support field duties and essential job functions.

Benefits

• Work-life balance commitment.
• Up to 25 paid vacation days per year for full-time employees.
• 12 paid holidays.
• Education expense assistance options for permanent employees, including tuition reimbursement programs and government discounts at participating colleges.
• Eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.
• Comprehensive benefits package with a variety of healthcare options.
• Choice of state retirement programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed