Traffic Signal Engineer

Position Description

The City of Tacoma Public Works Department and its Transportation Division is looking for an engineer to review, analyze, and develop signal timing and phasing to support the City’s 350+ traffic signals as well as other related determinations for similar traffic control features.

This Traffic Signal Engineer will independently, and/or with direction/guidance from a licensed engineer if/when applicable, perform engineering task assignments which support the operation and safety of the City’s transportation system. Tacoma is a sustainable community with many diverse residents, businesses, and visitors who have various transportation priorities. The City is strategic in how it plans its transportation system with an emphasis on safely conveying people and goods that foster Tacoma’s culture, character, and competitiveness. The City’s transportation system offers multimodal travel options from micromobility to high-capacity transit that support safe access for all users and neighborhoods, encourages healthy living, and protects the environment.

The incumbent will need to exhibit strong, progressively responsible experience specific to traffic signals, signal timing principles, technology, and equipment. Additionally, experience with and/or propensity to learn about streetlighting, intelligent transportation systems, and/or other areas of civil engineering and project management, including traffic operations and safety, right-of-way design, and permitting regulations, would also be valued from someone in this position. Ultimately, the position will be collaborating and building strong relationships with internal city staff, agency partners, advocacy organizations, and the community to develop decisions that are effective and supportive of the City’s goal for a safe and equitable transportation system.

The Principles that Guide Us:
Tacoma, the City of Destiny , has a workforce of dedicated, talented employees with unique skills and perspectives. We embrace innovation and strive for excellence and community engagement. The Principles that Guide Us, Integrity, Service, Excellence, and Equity, speak to the values that we embody as City of Tacoma employees, and represent the core of our work in public service.

Qualifications

Minimum Education*
Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, environmental engineering or directly related field

Minimum Experience*
2 years of engineering-related experience; or possession of Washington State EIT

Licensing, Certifications and Other Requirements
As Assigned: Washington State Driver's License

*Equivalency: 1 year of experience = 1 year of education
Physical Requirements & Working Conditions
Positions in this class typically require:

• remaining in a stationary position for 90% of the time with occasional movement to access office files, machinery and similar productivity tools (standing, sitting, walking).
• constant operation of a computer, as well as use of a calculator, printer and similar office tools (fingering, grasping, feeling, repetitive motions).
• communication and the exchange of information with others (hearing, seeing, talking).
• occasionally exerting up to 10 pounds of force to move, transport or position objects (sedentary work).

Work may also occasionally require:

• movement around the workplace to pick up objects (stooping, walking, reaching).
• traversing, ascending or descending stairs, sloped terrain, or similar environments (climbing, balancing, walking).
• exerting up to 20 pounds of force to move, transport or position objects (light work).

The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.

Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.

Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.

Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.

Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.

Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.

Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.

Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.

Other Employment Information

Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.

Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.

Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.

Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

Closing Date/Time: 6/30/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

• 

• City of Tacoma

• 253-591-5400

Show more