Transportation Engineer - Planning and Operations

We are seeking a Transportation Engineer to join our Transportation Planning and Operations team in Walnut Creek, CA. This individual will support a wide variety of transportation projects with an emphasis on traffic operations, transportation planning, Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), traffic signal operations, and corridor performance analysis. While the primary focus will be planning and operations, experience with transportation design and implementation is highly desirable.

The ideal candidate is a proactive problem solver who enjoys both office and field work, is comfortable working directly with clients and agencies, and is interested in applying data-driven solutions to improve mobility, safety, and transportation system performance. This position is in-office/in-person.

• Perform transportation planning and traffic operations analyses for public and private sector clients.
• Prepare traffic studies, operational assessments, corridor studies, safety evaluations, and transportation planning documents.
• Conduct traffic signal timing reviews, intersection analyses, travel time studies, and operational performance evaluations.
• Support Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) planning, design, implementation, and troubleshooting efforts.
• Assist with traffic signal and ITS design projects, including signal modifications, communications systems, and transportation technology deployments.
• Coordinate with local agencies, utility providers, contractors, and project stakeholders.
• Collect and analyze transportation data including traffic counts, travel times, signal timing data, and field observations.
• Conduct field investigations and inspections to evaluate existing transportation infrastructure and operational performance.
• Perform hands-on field work related to traffic signal and ITS systems, which may include working with traffic signal controllers, communications equipment, cabinets, detection systems, and other roadway technology assets.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, exhibits, and recommendations for clients and agencies.
• Collaborate with transportation planners, engineers, designers, and ITS specialists on multidisciplinary projects.
• Support project management activities, including scope development, budgeting, scheduling, and client coordination.

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Transportation Engineering, or a related field.
• 2+ years of experience in transportation planning, traffic engineering, traffic operations, ITS, or a related field.
• Strong understanding of traffic operations principles and transportation planning methodologies.
• Experience with traffic studies, operational analysis, or traffic signal systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and within multidisciplinary teams.

Preferred:

• Professional Engineer (PE) license or ability to obtain licensure.
• Experience with traffic signal timing and optimization.
• Experience with ITS technologies and field deployments.
• Familiarity with Synchro, HCS, VISSIM, TransModeler, or similar traffic analysis software.
• Experience preparing transportation planning studies, traffic impact analyses, or corridor studies.
• Exposure to transportation design, traffic signal design, signing and striping, or roadway improvement projects.
• Knowledge of MUTCD, Caltrans, FHWA, or local agency standards.

Physical & Field Requirements:

• This position includes field work and requires the ability to perform site visits in varying weather and roadway conditions.
• Must be able to travel to project sites and construction locations as needed.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and maintain an acceptable motor vehicle record.
• Must be able to drive and operate a motor vehicle for business purposes.
• May occasionally work near active traffic, within construction zones, and around traffic signal and ITS equipment.
• Ability to lift, carry, and transport field equipment and materials consistent with project needs.

What We're Looking For:

• A transportation professional who enjoys solving operational and mobility challenges.
• Someone with a strong planning and traffic operations mindset who also appreciates how projects move from planning through implementation.
• An individual who is comfortable balancing office-based analysis with field-based ITS and signal operations work.
• A collaborative team member who is eager to learn, take initiative, and contribute to the growth of the transportation practice.

Salary Range:

$105,000 to $125,000

At Kimley-Horn, we do things differently. People, clients, and employees are at the forefront of who we are. Clients know we prioritize achieving their goals and growing their success. Employees know our culture and approach to business are built on a desire to provide an environment for everyone to flourish. Our commitment to quality is only as good as the people behind it— that’s why we welcome and develop passionate, hardworking, and proactive employees. We take pride in how our employee retention, robust benefits package, and company values have led to Kimley-Horn’s placement on the Fortune “100 Best Companies to Work” list for 19 years!

Key Benefits at Kimley-Horn

• Exceptional Retirement Plan: 2-to1- company match on up to 4% of eligible compensation (salary + bonus) and additional profit-sharing contribution.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
• Time Off: Personal leave, flexible scheduling, floating holidays, and half-day Fridays.
• Financial Wellness: Student loan matching in our 401(k), and performance-based bonuses.
• Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement and extensive internal training programs.
• Family-Friendly Benefits: New Parent Leave, family building benefits, and childcare resources.