Title: Signals Engineer

State Role Title: Architect/Engineer I

Hiring Range: $88,867-$144,409

Pay Band: NV 5

Agency: VA Dept of Transportation

Location: NOVA Traffic Field Ops/IS

Agency Website: https://www.vdot.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

VDOT Northern Virginia District is seeking a self-motivated Signals Engineer to work with our Operations team to tackle various signal operations tasks. The position provides a rewarding opportunity, as it requires working with several new technology initiatives launched recently to support Operations, like the Central Signal System called KITS and Automated Traffic Signal Performance Measures (ATSPMs).
The Department’s main customer base is the public at large but also includes various county municipalities and the business community (e.g., developers, contractors, and consultants).
The candidate must have a proven track record of successfully working with various stakeholders and possess strong written and oral communication skills along with technical knowledge of traffic operations.

The general duties include supporting the existing optimization program by operating and maintaining Northern Virginia District’s traffic signals using various applications and traffic control software; preparing reports and recommendations based on engineering guidelines; responding to signal malfunction alerts and citizen complaints; verifying that timing plans are set up correctly and modifying traffic signal timings; setting up detector diagnostics; setting up signals in the ATSPM application; and analyzing traffic patterns for special events, construction and maintenance activities and incidents and adjusting signal timings to mitigate traffic congestion. The candidate must effectively manage assigned tasks to ensure timely and accurate completion.

Specific Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

•Operations Decision Support - Support the development of policies and procedures that demonstrate proactive management of the arterial transportation network. Analyze and interpret engineering data and information. Prepare complete, clear, and concise reports and recommendations.

•Traffic Signal Systems – Support and maintain traffic signal performance using the
central signal system (KITS) including identifying issues related to signal timing and detector performance and reporting them, monitoring and modifying signal timings in real-time, and analyzing signal data logs.

•Automated Traffic Signal Performance Measures (ATSPM) – Set up and troubleshoot signals in the ATSPM application. The task requires sound understanding of signal communication and coordinating with other VDOT sections and consultants for final delivery.

•Manage Assigned Activities – Plan, schedule, and coordinate engineering program activities such that deliverables are met within the established scope and timeline.

•Site Visits – Analyze traffic and observe signal performance on site. This may require driving to various locations and coordinating with the VDOT Maintenance and Communications sections.

•Special Assignments – Manage special program initiatives and projects as assigned. Serve and represent VDOT or assigned program area on various committees and working groups.

•Engineering Process Management - Use established VDOT policies and procedures in the development and delivery of engineering projects. Engineering projects are completed in compliance with state and federal laws and regulations.

•Technology Evaluation and Project Review - Support the implementation of new technology for signal system and advanced signal control strategies. Manage and oversee signal related projects and adaptive traffic control systems. Assist with development of signal specifications and reviews for compliance with standards and policies.

•Communication - Establish an effective line of communication between VDOT, contractors, government agencies and the public. Investigate issues and resolve complaints.

•Teamwork and Customer Service - Demonstrates customer service and work habits that reflect the VDOT Values and coordinates the flow of information both orally and in writing.

In addition to a rewarding work experience, VDOT offers excellent health and life insurance benefits, pre-tax spending accounts, state funded Short and Long Term Disability, paid holidays, vacation, tuition assistance, free wellness programs, and a state retirement plan with options for tax-deferred retirement savings including employer matching.

We are a “Virginia Values Veterans” (V3) official certified company and state agency that provides hiring preference to Veterans and Members of the Virginia National Guard in support of Executive Order 29, (2010). If you are a Veteran or Virginia National Guard Member, we urge you to respond accordingly on your state application.

We have Shared Values and a Code of Ethics: Your success in our organization depends upon modeling these values, therefore please access the following link: http://www.virginiadot.org/about/missionandvalues.asp to review them and, if in agreement, we welcome you to apply.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of VDOT, state, and federal policies and procedures relating to transportation engineering.

Ability to negotiate outcomes and work with diverse customer groups.

Knowledge of engineering specifications and standards.


Knowledge of project management procedures and principles.

Skill in providing and promoting good customer service to internal and external customers.

Ability to draw rational conclusions and develop solutions from analysis; make independent decisions; and manage multiple assignments.

Experience applying engineering principles and practices; transportation management related computer programming, microprocessor applicable to signalization.

Ability to effectively communicate technical information.

Experience applying federal and state policies and regulations relative to traffic control devices.

Experience with traffic signal system operations and timing optimization.

Experience with developing and reviewing construction maintenance of traffic (MOT) and transportation management plans (TMP).

Valid Driver’s License

Additional Considerations

Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification

Knowledge of signal control software applications, next generations signal controllers, and signal controller cabinets

A combination of training, experience or education in engineering or related field desired

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Valid Driver’s License. Fingerprint based background check, references, work history, and DMV records check will be conducted.

All employees are required to work in emergency situations, to include weekends, holidays, and after normal business hours; assignments may vary based on business needs.

Contact Information

Name: Danielle Rayner

Phone: 7003-259-2378

Email: [email protected]

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 AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.