How to Be Highway Traffic Signal Design Engineer - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jan 7, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Highway traffic signal design engineers play an important role in ensuring the safety of drivers and pedestrians on the road. They are responsible for designing and maintaining the traffic signals that regulate the flow of traffic on highways. By designing the right set of signals and making sure they are correctly installed and programmed, traffic signal design engineers help reduce the chances of accidents and traffic congestion.

Furthermore, they also help improve the efficiency of traffic flow by allowing drivers to move more quickly and safely through intersections. As a result, traffic signal design engineers play a critical role in providing a safe and efficient transportation system.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. The first step to becoming a Highway Traffic Signal Design Engineer is to earn a bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a related field. A degree from an accredited university or college is preferred.
Obtain Relevant Work Experience. Once you have obtained your degree, you will need to gain relevant work experience in highway traffic signal design. This can be done through internships or volunteer positions with state or local governments, engineering firms, or transportation companies.
Become Licensed. In order to become a Highway Traffic Signal Design Engineer, you will need to be licensed as a Professional Engineer (PE). To achieve this, you must pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and then the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam.
Obtain a Job. After becoming a licensed PE, you will need to search for a job as a Highway Traffic Signal Design Engineer. Job openings are usually posted on job boards or through professional associations.
Remain Up-to-Date. As technology and regulations change, it is important to stay up-to-date on the latest developments and trends in the industry. Consider enrolling in continuing education courses or attending conferences to remain up-to-date.

The design of highway traffic signals is a complex process that requires a deep understanding of the physics of traffic flow and the effects of certain designs on traffic behavior. It is essential for traffic engineers to consider the number of lanes and the volume of traffic when designing signals, as well as account for the availability of space and pedestrian safety. Factors such as queuing, merging, and clearance intervals must also be taken into account in order to create an ideal and qualified traffic signal system. If these factors are not properly addressed, this can lead to inefficient traffic flow, increased congestion, and even accidents.

You may want to check Traffic Signal Design Engineer, Parking and Traffic Control Manager, and Traffic Signals Inspector for alternative.

Job Description

Design traffic signal control systems, including hardware and software, to meet the requirements of local and state traffic engineering standards.
Create detailed drawings and diagrams to illustrate the design of traffic signal systems.
Develop plans, specs and cost estimates for proposed highway traffic signal projects.
Coordinate with other engineering disciplines to ensure proper integration of highway traffic signal systems into existing infrastructure.
Analyze existing traffic signal systems for optimization and develop maintenance plans.
Monitor and analyze traffic in order to optimize signal timing and operation.
Conduct site visits to evaluate and document existing conditions.
Prepare technical reports and documents related to existing and proposed traffic signal systems.
Participate in public meetings to discuss proposed projects and address questions from stakeholders.
Develop and implement innovative solutions to improve traffic flow, safety, and efficiency.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of traffic control systems and devices
Understanding of signal timing and traffic flow principles
Proficiency in signal timing software
Familiarity with Federal and State standards for traffic signals
Ability to use AutoCAD or other drafting software
Ability to create signal plans and drawings for signal installation
Knowledge of timing parameters and equipment for traffic signals
Experience in conducting field studies and data collection
Knowledge of signal controller programming
Understanding of electrical engineering principles
Knowledge of traffic control plans and signal sequencing
Ability to coordinate with other agencies and stakeholders on signal design projects
Experience in troubleshooting, maintaining, and repairing traffic signals and controllers
Knowledge of safety standards and practices related to signal design
Ability to analyze and interpret traffic data in the design process

Highway traffic signal design engineers must possess a wide range of skills to be successful. A keen eye for detail and a strong understanding of the principles of traffic engineering are essential. The engineer must have the ability to read and interpret blueprints, create plans, analyze data and traffic flow, and develop strategies for improving safety and efficiency.

In addition, the engineer must have strong communication skills to effectively coordinate with other officials, stakeholders, and contractors. All of these skills combined allow the engineer to create a design that meets the needs of the community while maximizing both safety and efficiency on the roads. Without these skills, a traffic signal design could be ineffective and be a danger to the public, leading to an increase in traffic accidents and fatalities.

Traffic Signal Design Supervisor, Traffic Signal Maintainer, and Traffic Signal Design Manager are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have with Highway Traffic Signal Design Engineering?
Describe a recent highway traffic signal design project you worked on.
How do you use the latest traffic engineering software to design highway traffic signals?
How do you ensure that all safety standards are met when designing highway traffic signals?
What challenges have you faced in designing highway traffic signals, and how did you overcome them?
How do you stay up-to-date with the latest traffic engineering standards and guidelines?
Describe your experience with coordinating with other professionals such as electrical engineers and city planners to design highway traffic signals.
What strategies do you use to effectively manage multiple projects simultaneously?
How would you go about troubleshooting a traffic signal design issue?
Describe a time you were able to successfully meet a tight deadline for a highway traffic signal design project.

Common Tools in Industry

TRAF-NETSIM. A simulation software used to model traffic signal operations and analyze intersection performance. (e. g. Synchro)
SCATS. A traffic signal control system used to coordinate traffic signals for efficient traffic flow. (e. g. Melbourne Australia)
VISSIM. A traffic simulation software used to simulate and analyze intersection and network level operations. (e. g. Swedish National Road and Transport Research Institute)
CORSIM. A traffic simulation software used to simulate and analyze traffic operations at the network level. (e. g. University of Maryland)
Autoscope. A video detection system used to detect and count vehicles for traffic monitoring and signal timing optimization. (e. g. Los Angeles)
HCS. A software used to evaluate traffic signal timing plans, evaluate alternate signal timings, and optimize signal timings. (e. g. Federal Highway Administration)

Professional Organizations to Know

Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE)
National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA)
Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITSA)
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
American Public Works Association (APWA)
Transportation Research Board (TRB)
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)
International Municipal Signal Association (IMSA)
Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)

We also have Highway Traffic Signal Design Supervisor, Pedestrian and Bicycle Traffic Engineer, and Airport Terminal Services Supervisor jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Signal Timing. The process of determining the amount of time allocated to each traffic movement at an intersection.
Intersection Geometry. The physical characteristics of an intersection, including the number of lanes, the presence of turn lanes, and the distances between traffic signals.
Vehicle Detection. The use of sensors (such as loops or cameras) to detect the presence of vehicles at an intersection.
Signal Phasing. The pattern of green lights at an intersection.
Preemption. The ability of emergency vehicles to trigger a traffic signal to turn green.
Conflict Points. Areas where two or more traffic movements cross each other or converge into a single lane.
Capacity Analysis. The process of evaluating the maximum number of vehicles that can be handled by an intersection.
Clearance Interval. The period of time allowed for a traffic movement after the green light has turned off, before the next green light appears.
Coordinated Signal Systems. A system of traffic signals that are synchronized to provide better traffic flow and reduce delays.
Pedestrian Signals. Signals that provide specific instructions to pedestrians at intersections, such as when it is safe to cross the street.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is a Highway Traffic Signal Design Engineer? A1: A Highway Traffic Signal Design Engineer is a professional who designs, installs and maintains traffic signals, signs and other related equipment in order to ensure efficient and safe traffic flow on highways. Q2: What qualifications are required to become a Highway Traffic Signal Design Engineer? A2: To become a Highway Traffic Signal Design Engineer, one must typically possess an engineering degree in civil engineering, electrical engineering or related field with experience in the traffic engineering field. Knowledge of state and federal regulations and standards related to traffic control and signal design is also required. Q3: What are the main responsibilities of a Highway Traffic Signal Design Engineer? A3: The main responsibilities of a Highway Traffic Signal Design Engineer include designing, installing and maintaining traffic signals, signs and other related equipment in accordance with state and federal guidelines, managing construction projects related to traffic control and signal design, and performing inspections to ensure traffic control systems are functioning properly. Q4: What is the average salary for a Highway Traffic Signal Design Engineer? A4: According to PayScale, the average salary for a Highway Traffic Signal Design Engineer is $70,939 per year. Q5: What is the job outlook for a Highway Traffic Signal Design Engineer? A5: The job outlook for Highway Traffic Signal Design Engineers is expected to be good, as there is an increased need for traffic control systems in order to keep up with population growth. In addition, the growing demand for autonomous driving technologies is expected to create new opportunities in this field.

Web Resources

TE-02 Traffic Signal Design: Engineering Concepts | TechTransfer registration.techtransfer.berkeley.edu
Traffic Signal Design: Engineering Concepts - 2210TE020817 registration.techtransfer.berkeley.edu
Traffic Engineering Notes - Hofstra University www.hofstra.edu