Traffic Engineer Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Traffic engineers design and optimize transportation systems, making this a specialty occupation for H-1B and other work visas. Most positions require a civil or transportation engineering degree, though related fields like urban planning may qualify with relevant experience. Sponsorship rates are moderate in government agencies and consulting firms. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Assist the District Section Engineer in providing management, leadership and direction for assigned engineering section. Assist in planning, organizing and monitoring project activities. Assist in providing fiscal management and technical guidance on a wide variety of transportation projects. Train and develop team members. Serve as an Assistant District Traffic Engineer by leading assigned programs in a district Traffic Engineering section. Oversee and manage traffic engineering studies, plan reviews, project management, land development support, and data collection. Address roadway safety and operational problems for all modes of travel through a process of conducting traffic engineering studies, analyses, and preparation of recommended solutions. Assess and establish program priorities including developing inventories for traffic assets. Provide PE level review and signatory authority for the design and installation of all traffic control devices on the roadway system. The Assistant District Traffic Engineer may also manage Traffic Control Device Maintenance forces to include inspection, condition assessment, maintenance, repair, and installation of traffic control devices.
How You Will Contribute
Communications: Communicate with staff, public and other VDOT employees on a variety of engineering related issues. Respond to stakeholder inquiries and participate in stakeholder meetings as necessary.
Customer Service: Provide excellent customer service in response to citizen inquiries and concerns.
Engineering Budget Oversight: Develop, manage and monitor budgets for assigned program areas including staff, equipment, projects, etc. Monitor expenditures and status of allocations. Ensure financial metrics are met.
Engineering Reviews: Perform detailed, technical engineering reviews on a variety of documents and projects and do so as responsible charge engineer as required. Formulate and document recommendations and make presentations on findings.
Project Coordination: Represent VDOT when meeting with outside entities to include resolving issues of public concern. Work with district and residency staff to communicate all project issues and work as a team member and leader to resolve problems. Coordinate with stakeholders to meet established project performance measures.
Project Management and Documentation: Organize work unit and assign workload. Monitor workload assignments so tasks are completed in support of VDOT programs. Manage time and adjust priorities of tasks. Responsible for the delivery of projects on time and within budget.
Regional Traffic Engineering Services: Provide Traffic Engineering support for various regional operations functions such as regional on-call contracts and services, systems engineering, ITS design, and arterial operations. Provide resources to develop corridor preservation initiatives, specialized traffic operations analysis, and automated and connected vehicle initiatives.
Responsible Charge Engineer: Fulfill duties as responsible charge engineer in compliance with policies, procedures and the Code of Virginia.
Staff Training and Development: Ensure staff development, performance planning, evaluation and recognition activities are completed to ensure a productive and motivated team.
Traffic Control Device Maintenance: Manage the TCD maintenance program to include maintenance staff, workload, inventory, and contract development and monitoring. Develop performance measures and metrics to assess the effectiveness of the maintenance program. Establish and oversee quality assurance measures for services and tasks performed by the TCD maintenance group.
Traffic Engineering Budget Oversight: Manage the development of and monitor TE budgets for assigned program areas including staff, equipment, projects, etc.
Traffic Engineering Design and Field Support: Function as program lead for traffic engineering design activities for installation, reconstruction or modification. Oversee the design of traffic control devices (signs, signals, lighting, pavement markings, markers, guardrail, ITS devices, etc.), field review, plan preparation, and traffic control device design, quantities, and cost estimates. Review and approve same items prepared by others. Represent TE and provide guidance and instruction to others (Location and Design, Land Development, consultants, etc.) in the development of traffic control plans, specifications, and quantities. Work with traffic data and analysis software to guide projects and operations including work hour recommendations. Monitor schedules and manage resources ensuring traffic engineering milestones are met and products are delivered. Provide oversight and manage resources for field support for operations, maintenance, and construction projects.
Traffic Engineering Safety and Studies Program: Manage resources to provide data, recommendations and contract support for traffic safety programs and projects. Support development and prioritization of safety improvement projects. Work with traffic data and analysis software to guide projects and operations including work hour recommendations. Provide oversight of the studies program including speed limits, pavement markings, traffic signals, safety, operations, crash history, guardrail, data collection, field reviews, etc. Provide guidance and manage resources required to ensure tasks are completed. Make sound engineering recommendations and provide technical engineering alternatives and solutions to difficult and complex transportation issues. Identify and develop effective initiatives that result in safe and efficient movement of people and goods based on traffic engineering principals complying with laws, policies and guidelines.
Work Zone Safety: Management of Work Zone plan review, quality assurance and Work Zone safety teams. Prepare and review complex transportation management plans and temporary traffic control work zone safety plans. Assess and establish priorities and allocate resources to meet program needs. Establish appropriate controls to monitor for the effective delivery of work. Manage workload by accurately tracking receipt, completion, and backlog of tasks.
What Will Make You Successful
Ability to analyze problems and exercise independent judgment in reaching a solution.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with diverse audiences and to make presentations and conduct meetings.
Ability to interpret and use construction plans, MUTCD, Virginia Supplement to MUTCD, Road and Bridge Specifications and Standards and various federal and state policy design manuals.
Ability to provide technical direction, guidance and training to others.
Ability to research and analyze data to provide recommendations and solutions to problems.
Ability to supervise staff, programs and budgets.
Knowledge of Transportation engineering principles and practices.
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources and leadership techniques.
Knowledge of civil and traffic engineering principles and practices for the design of traffic control devices.
Knowledge of engineering principles and practices related to traffic engineering, traffic control equipment and related communication systems.
Knowledge of project development process, policies, guidelines and regulations related to traffic control devices and ITS elements.
Knowledge of signal control system operations and characteristics, signal timing and adaptive signal control, and analysis and simulation software (e.g. Synchro, CORSIM and VISSIM).
Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations related to transportation engineering.
Knowledge of supervisory and human resources practices and principles to include hiring, discipline, performance management and employee development.
Skill in the use of computers and software applications to include traffic engineering design programs (e.g. AGI, Guide Sign, MicroStation).
Skill in the use of computers and web based applications to include engineering software.
* Skilled in project scheduling and project management.
Minimum Qualifications
Ability to plan, supervise, evaluate, and train others.
Degree in Civil Engineering or related field.
Demonstrated ability to design and review traffic control device plans.
Demonstrated ability to interpret and use construction plans, MUTCD, Road and Bridge Specifications and Standards and various federal and state policy design manuals.
Demonstrated ability to plan, coordinate and prioritize multiple assignments with set timeframes.
Experience applying civil and traffic engineering principles and practices for the design of traffic control devices.
Experience applying project development process, policies, guidelines and regulations related to traffic control devices and ITS elements.
Experience managing traffic engineering programs and services.
Skill in the use of computers and software applications to include traffic engineering design programs (e.g. AGI, Guide Sign, MicroStation).
Valid Professional Engineer's license.
* Valid driver's license.
Additional Considerations
Experience in strategic planning, human resource and financial management, and communications with local government, elected officials, citizens, and consultants.
Progressively responsible experience managing traffic engineering operations within an organization.
* Project management level experience in Traffic Engineering and design. Progressive managerial and supervisory experience. Professional Traffic Operations Engineer (PTOE) certification.
Physical Requirements
VDOT employees must abide by VDOT's Code of Ethics and the Commonwealth's Standards of Conduct.
About us
VDOT utilizes a market based pay program, which has been approved by DHRM. Therefore, advertised rates of pay may or may not align with the Commonwealth pay bands. In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their Certificate of Disability (COD) provided by a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor within the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their Certificate of Disability. If you need to get a Certificate of Disability, use this link: Career Pathways for Individuals with Disabilities, or call DARS at 800-552-5019, or DBVI at 800-622-2155. Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force.
Equal Opportunity Employer.
Please be aware all VDOT positions require pre-employment screenings. These screenings may include the following:
Fingerprint based Criminal History Background Check
DMV Record Check
Work History Verification
References
Pre-employment physical
Drug screen
Job Description
Assist the District Section Engineer in providing management, leadership and direction for assigned engineering section. Assist in planning, organizing and monitoring project activities. Assist in providing fiscal management and technical guidance on a wide variety of transportation projects. Train and develop team members. Serve as an Assistant District Traffic Engineer by leading assigned programs in a district Traffic Engineering section. Oversee and manage traffic engineering studies, plan reviews, project management, land development support, and data collection. Address roadway safety and operational problems for all modes of travel through a process of conducting traffic engineering studies, analyses, and preparation of recommended solutions. Assess and establish program priorities including developing inventories for traffic assets. Provide PE level review and signatory authority for the design and installation of all traffic control devices on the roadway system. The Assistant District Traffic Engineer may also manage Traffic Control Device Maintenance forces to include inspection, condition assessment, maintenance, repair, and installation of traffic control devices.
How You Will Contribute
Communications: Communicate with staff, public and other VDOT employees on a variety of engineering related issues. Respond to stakeholder inquiries and participate in stakeholder meetings as necessary.
Customer Service: Provide excellent customer service in response to citizen inquiries and concerns.
Engineering Budget Oversight: Develop, manage and monitor budgets for assigned program areas including staff, equipment, projects, etc. Monitor expenditures and status of allocations. Ensure financial metrics are met.
Engineering Reviews: Perform detailed, technical engineering reviews on a variety of documents and projects and do so as responsible charge engineer as required. Formulate and document recommendations and make presentations on findings.
Project Coordination: Represent VDOT when meeting with outside entities to include resolving issues of public concern. Work with district and residency staff to communicate all project issues and work as a team member and leader to resolve problems. Coordinate with stakeholders to meet established project performance measures.
Project Management and Documentation: Organize work unit and assign workload. Monitor workload assignments so tasks are completed in support of VDOT programs. Manage time and adjust priorities of tasks. Responsible for the delivery of projects on time and within budget.
Regional Traffic Engineering Services: Provide Traffic Engineering support for various regional operations functions such as regional on-call contracts and services, systems engineering, ITS design, and arterial operations. Provide resources to develop corridor preservation initiatives, specialized traffic operations analysis, and automated and connected vehicle initiatives.
Responsible Charge Engineer: Fulfill duties as responsible charge engineer in compliance with policies, procedures and the Code of Virginia.
Staff Training and Development: Ensure staff development, performance planning, evaluation and recognition activities are completed to ensure a productive and motivated team.
Traffic Control Device Maintenance: Manage the TCD maintenance program to include maintenance staff, workload, inventory, and contract development and monitoring. Develop performance measures and metrics to assess the effectiveness of the maintenance program. Establish and oversee quality assurance measures for services and tasks performed by the TCD maintenance group.
Traffic Engineering Budget Oversight: Manage the development of and monitor TE budgets for assigned program areas including staff, equipment, projects, etc.
Traffic Engineering Design and Field Support: Function as program lead for traffic engineering design activities for installation, reconstruction or modification. Oversee the design of traffic control devices (signs, signals, lighting, pavement markings, markers, guardrail, ITS devices, etc.), field review, plan preparation, and traffic control device design, quantities, and cost estimates. Review and approve same items prepared by others. Represent TE and provide guidance and instruction to others (Location and Design, Land Development, consultants, etc.) in the development of traffic control plans, specifications, and quantities. Work with traffic data and analysis software to guide projects and operations including work hour recommendations. Monitor schedules and manage resources ensuring traffic engineering milestones are met and products are delivered. Provide oversight and manage resources for field support for operations, maintenance, and construction projects.
Traffic Engineering Safety and Studies Program: Manage resources to provide data, recommendations and contract support for traffic safety programs and projects. Support development and prioritization of safety improvement projects. Work with traffic data and analysis software to guide projects and operations including work hour recommendations. Provide oversight of the studies program including speed limits, pavement markings, traffic signals, safety, operations, crash history, guardrail, data collection, field reviews, etc. Provide guidance and manage resources required to ensure tasks are completed. Make sound engineering recommendations and provide technical engineering alternatives and solutions to difficult and complex transportation issues. Identify and develop effective initiatives that result in safe and efficient movement of people and goods based on traffic engineering principals complying with laws, policies and guidelines.
Work Zone Safety: Management of Work Zone plan review, quality assurance and Work Zone safety teams. Prepare and review complex transportation management plans and temporary traffic control work zone safety plans. Assess and establish priorities and allocate resources to meet program needs. Establish appropriate controls to monitor for the effective delivery of work. Manage workload by accurately tracking receipt, completion, and backlog of tasks.
What Will Make You Successful
Ability to analyze problems and exercise independent judgment in reaching a solution.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with diverse audiences and to make presentations and conduct meetings.
Ability to interpret and use construction plans, MUTCD, Virginia Supplement to MUTCD, Road and Bridge Specifications and Standards and various federal and state policy design manuals.
Ability to provide technical direction, guidance and training to others.
Ability to research and analyze data to provide recommendations and solutions to problems.
Ability to supervise staff, programs and budgets.
Knowledge of Transportation engineering principles and practices.
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources and leadership techniques.
Knowledge of civil and traffic engineering principles and practices for the design of traffic control devices.
Knowledge of engineering principles and practices related to traffic engineering, traffic control equipment and related communication systems.
Knowledge of project development process, policies, guidelines and regulations related to traffic control devices and ITS elements.
Knowledge of signal control system operations and characteristics, signal timing and adaptive signal control, and analysis and simulation software (e.g. Synchro, CORSIM and VISSIM).
Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations related to transportation engineering.
Knowledge of supervisory and human resources practices and principles to include hiring, discipline, performance management and employee development.
Skill in the use of computers and software applications to include traffic engineering design programs (e.g. AGI, Guide Sign, MicroStation).
Skill in the use of computers and web based applications to include engineering software.
* Skilled in project scheduling and project management.
Minimum Qualifications
Ability to plan, supervise, evaluate, and train others.
Degree in Civil Engineering or related field.
Demonstrated ability to design and review traffic control device plans.
Demonstrated ability to interpret and use construction plans, MUTCD, Road and Bridge Specifications and Standards and various federal and state policy design manuals.
Demonstrated ability to plan, coordinate and prioritize multiple assignments with set timeframes.
Experience applying civil and traffic engineering principles and practices for the design of traffic control devices.
Experience applying project development process, policies, guidelines and regulations related to traffic control devices and ITS elements.
Experience managing traffic engineering programs and services.
Skill in the use of computers and software applications to include traffic engineering design programs (e.g. AGI, Guide Sign, MicroStation).
Valid Professional Engineer's license.
* Valid driver's license.
Additional Considerations
Experience in strategic planning, human resource and financial management, and communications with local government, elected officials, citizens, and consultants.
Progressively responsible experience managing traffic engineering operations within an organization.
* Project management level experience in Traffic Engineering and design. Progressive managerial and supervisory experience. Professional Traffic Operations Engineer (PTOE) certification.
Physical Requirements
VDOT employees must abide by VDOT's Code of Ethics and the Commonwealth's Standards of Conduct.
About us
VDOT utilizes a market based pay program, which has been approved by DHRM. Therefore, advertised rates of pay may or may not align with the Commonwealth pay bands. In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their Certificate of Disability (COD) provided by a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor within the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their Certificate of Disability. If you need to get a Certificate of Disability, use this link: Career Pathways for Individuals with Disabilities, or call DARS at 800-552-5019, or DBVI at 800-622-2155. Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force.
Equal Opportunity Employer.
Please be aware all VDOT positions require pre-employment screenings. These screenings may include the following:
Fingerprint based Criminal History Background Check
DMV Record Check
Work History Verification
References
Pre-employment physical
Drug screen
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as a Traffic Engineer
Target transportation consulting firms
AECOM, WSP, HDR, and Jacobs frequently sponsor traffic engineers. These firms handle large infrastructure projects requiring specialized expertise that justifies visa sponsorship costs.
Highlight traffic simulation software skills
Proficiency in VISSIM, SUMO, Synchro, or HCS demonstrates specialized knowledge. Include specific projects where you used these tools to optimize traffic flow or intersection timing.
Consider state DOT positions
State transportation departments occasionally sponsor international engineers for critical positions. Focus on states with major infrastructure projects like California, Texas, and Florida DOTs.
Emphasize ITS and smart city experience
Intelligent Transportation Systems expertise is increasingly valuable. Highlight work with adaptive signal control, connected vehicles, or traffic management centers to stand out from competitors.
Get Professional Engineer license recognition
If you hold engineering credentials from your home country, research state PE license requirements. Some employers prefer candidates who can obtain U.S. professional licensure.
Network through ITE and transportation conferences
Institute of Transportation Engineers events connect you with hiring managers at consulting firms and agencies. Many positions are filled through professional referrals rather than job boards.
Traffic Engineer jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Do I need a civil engineering degree for H-1B sponsorship as a traffic engineer?
Civil engineering is the most common degree, but transportation engineering, urban planning, or related fields can work. USCIS evaluates whether your degree directly relates to traffic engineering duties. Some employers may also accept mechanical or industrial engineering with relevant transportation coursework and experience.
Which employers sponsor traffic engineers most frequently?
Large consulting firms like AECOM, WSP, HDR, Jacobs, and Stantec sponsor regularly due to specialized project needs. Some state DOTs sponsor for critical positions, particularly in high-growth areas. Private development companies occasionally sponsor for large mixed-use projects requiring traffic impact analysis.
What specialty occupation evidence works best for traffic engineering H-1B cases?
Job postings requiring specific engineering degrees, Professional Engineer licensing preferences, and traffic simulation software requirements strengthen your case. Industry wage surveys showing bachelor's degree requirements and expert letters explaining why the role needs specialized transportation engineering knowledge also help establish specialty occupation status.
Can urban planners transition to traffic engineer visa sponsorship?
Yes, if your planning background includes quantitative traffic analysis, transportation modeling, or intersection design. Emphasize technical coursework in transportation planning, traffic flow theory, or geometric design. Some positions blend planning and engineering, making the transition more feasible than pure planning roles.
Do traffic engineers face any specific H-1B approval challenges?
The main challenge is distinguishing traffic engineering from general civil engineering or urban planning roles. USCIS sometimes questions whether positions require specialized traffic engineering knowledge versus broader civil engineering skills. Strong job descriptions emphasizing technical analysis, simulation software, and transportation-specific design requirements help address this concern.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Traffic Engineer jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.
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