V
Virginia Department of Transportation
Plans, builds, maintains Virginia transportation infrastructure
Engineer Specialist Signal Opt
$64.9k - $105.4k
Mid
Colonial Heights, VA, USA
In Person
Architecture & Civil EngineeringTransportation Engineering
About the job
Requirements
- Ability to effectively communicate technical information orally and in writing.
- Ability to perform mathematical calculations.
- Ability to solve problems and make decisions regarding traffic signal operational improvements.
- Experience in traffic signal design and operations.
- Knowledge of federal and state rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and standards relative to traffic control devices.
- Knowledge of traffic signal operations, system and maintenance operations, local intersection and master controller unit operational functions, and traffic signal system coordination timing design.
- Skill in the use of traffic system design and signal control software.
Responsibilities
- Develop or review traffic signal system timings for corridors; research computer-based information and field timing operations to determine signal timing performance.
- Make changes to signal timing patterns or provide justification to request a signal timing change.
- Install communication devices and troubleshoot communication issues as needed.
- Provide technical support to the assigned engineering program.
- Ensure compliance with Construction Directives, environmental safety, EO, Materials, acceptance testing, and quality directives; ensure assigned projects comply with VDOT, District, and regional environmental and safety goals; correct environmental discrepancies and safety violations; and monitor compliance with VOSHCP, OSHA, DPOR, and VDOT safety policies and regulations.
- Coordinate traffic signal timings with local jurisdictions throughout the region by identifying corridors that would benefit from coordination, developing plans for coordinated signal timings, and overseeing the design, implementation, and maintenance of interjurisdictional timing plans.
- Investigate complaints and prepare responses for management review to sensitive and high-profile customer inquiries regarding traffic signal system operations, signal timing, and other signal operational issues.
- Develop closed-loop traffic-responsive signal systems; determine appropriate signal timing and functionality for traffic signal system design projects; design or adjust signal timings to maintain or improve operational efficiency; make final decisions on operational master and local controller unit function values; collect and analyze data; and maintain records.
- Provide engineering technology solutions for complex or unusual cases and projects.
- Determine and demonstrate proper work-site protection techniques; identify workplace hazards and suggest improvements; wear proper personal protective equipment; maintain current knowledge of safety rules, regulations, laws, and procedures; use equipment safely; apply the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for detours, lane closures, and work zones; maintain a clean, orderly, and safe work environment; and follow VDOT safety regulations and practices.
- Research information and update records or databases for activities in the assigned program area; collect and verify project data, maintain files, and recommend updates when discrepancies are found.
- Maintain signal systems and isolated signalized intersection timing databases using specialized signal software; update signal system databases as timings are finalized and notify others about new signals; develop timings for non-system intersections; and maintain computerized timing files.
- Perform special studies and assignments to support initiatives and decision-making for the assigned engineering program area, and prepare project-related correspondence.
- Serve as a technical resource and consultant to inspectors, contractors, and agency management; instruct and guide field staff to ensure work conforms to agency, OSHA, VOSH, and contract safety policies, plans, specifications, and contract documents.
- Provide technical data for traffic signal system design on road construction and maintenance projects; determine the location and number of system loops; examine existing interconnect communications and recommend new or additional communication needs; and prepare written reports on systems and isolated intersection data.
- Ensure work assignments are performed on schedule; manage multiple projects and adjust priorities as needed.
- Coordinate with Traffic Engineering on projects affecting signal operations; review and analyze traffic impact data using traffic simulation models; recommend signal timing adjustments; adjust signal timings in conjunction with resurfacing projects to minimize traffic impacts when detection is destroyed; make final timing design decisions for newly installed and modified signals; and coordinate phone communication repairs with signal maintenance.
- Monitor traffic signal systems using system computers and field observations; monitor system functions using time-based reports and critical alarms; determine timeframes and configure system computers for time-based reports; evaluate alarms and take needed action; and correct malfunctions and adjust operational function parameters.
- Recommend and develop new signal systems to improve arterial traffic flow; recommend modifications to existing configurations; design closed-loop coordination timing plans; develop and analyze timings to coordinate traffic on primary highways during arterial closures; develop and implement quantitative system performance measures; coordinate timing activities with signal maintenance; and review new signal technologies and functionality.
- Assist in developing and delivering employee training for assigned program areas, mentor field staff, and work with team members to monitor training programs.
- Represent VDOT in outside contacts, including handling and resolving concerns from contractors and the public.
Desired Qualifications
- A combination of training, experience, or education in highway construction, workforce safety, business, or a related field.
- Experience in traffic signal system design, overall traffic signal operations, and traffic signal control and timing software.
About the company
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) manages Virginia’s transportation network. It plans, builds, maintains, and operates roads, bridges, and tunnels to keep travel safe and efficient. Its work includes long-range planning (looking 20–25 years ahead), transportation modeling for regional partners, and public outreach to keep citizens informed and involved, such as campaigns promoting safer roundabouts. Unlike private companies, VDOT is a state government agency funded to serve the public interest rather than earn profits. Its goal is to provide a reliable, safe, and accessible highway system for all Virginians and to address future transportation needs through coordinated planning and infrastructure projects.
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Get referred to Virginia Department of Transportation
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- June 17, 2026 CTB approved $28.5 billion for roads, bridges, transit, and trails.
- FY2027 budget rose 6.7% to $9.0 billion, lifting construction spending.
- Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel targets substantial completion in 2026/2027, preserving marquee delivery wins.
What critics are saying
- Fairfax Circuit Court's Awuah ruling exposed VDOT to vegetation-maintenance liability on March 24, 2026.
- Delayed bridge and tunnel maintenance invites more quadriplegia litigation and insurance costs.
- Megaproject slippage on I-66 and Hampton Roads could miss 2026/2027 deadlines, eroding trust.
What makes Virginia Department of Transportation unique
- VDOT controls Virginia's $9.0 billion FY2027 transportation budget, unmatched statewide scale.
- The agency manages 4,300 projects through a $28.5 billion FY2027-2032 SYIP.
- VDOT runs megaprojects like Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel and Transform 66.
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Benefits
- Health Insurance
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
- Paid Vacation