Traffic Signal Design Lead
Michael Baker International · Chicago, IL, United States ·
- Work mode
- Hybrid
- Seniority
- Lead
- Employment
- Contract
- Category
- Design
- Experience
- 8+ years
- Company size
- 501-1000
- Salary
- USD 115,000 – 155,000 / year
Leads traffic signal design, signing, and pavement marking plans for public-sector clients, ensuring compliance with FHWA/MUTCD standards and IDOT guidelines. Oversees project delivery, mentors junior staff, and coordinates with internal/external teams to improve transportation safety and efficiency.
Transportation Practice
Consistently ranked by Engineering News-Record as a Top 20 transportation firm, Michael Baker International offers clients an integrated team of professionals versed in all aspects of transportation planning, design, permitting, and construction management and inspection. In addition, Michael Baker International is a recognized leader in the practical aspects of operating and maintaining a safe and efficient transportation infrastructure.
What We’re Looking For:
Michael Baker International is seeking a Traffic Signal Design Lead to support our growing Transportation Practice. This position offers the opportunity to provide technical leadership, quality oversight, and strategic guidance for traffic engineering and transportation projects serving state, county, municipal, and private-sector clients.
The successful candidate will lead and oversee traffic signal design, signing and pavement marking plans, maintenance of traffic planning, and transportation planning initiatives. This role will serve as a key technical resource within the organization, support transportation growth initiatives, and mentor engineering staff while helping deliver projects that improve mobility, safety, and operational efficiency throughout our service area.
What You’ll Do:
Technical Leadership and Design
- Provide technical leadership and oversight for traffic engineering and transportation projects.
- Direct the preparation and review of traffic signal designs, signing and pavement marking plans, maintenance of traffic plans, and related transportation documents.
- Stay current with FHWA guidance, MUTCD requirements, and industry best practices to support technical excellence.
- Prepare and oversee plans, specifications, estimates, and technical reports in accordance with IDOT, Illinois Tollway, and local agency standards.
- Provide technical guidance, mentorship, and quality reviews for junior engineering staff.
Project Delivery and Coordination
- Coordinate with internal disciplines and subconsultants on technical aspects of projects.
- Assist with project planning, staffing, scheduling, and workload management.
- Support proposal development, scope development, and client presentations as needed.
- Assist with strategic growth initiatives and expansion of traffic engineering services.
Quality Assurance & Client Service
- Ensure compliance with applicable agency standards, design manuals, and quality management procedures.
- Participate in client meetings and serve as a trusted technical resource.
- Foster strong relationships with clients and project partners.
What You Need to Succeed:
- Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering
- Professional Engineer (PE) license in Illinois, or ability to obtain within four months of hire
- 8+ years of roadway and transportation engineering experience with an emphasis on traffic signal design.
- Demonstrated experience delivering projects for IDOT, county, municipal, or other public-sector clients.
- Proficiency with OpenRoads Designer (ORD) and MicroStation.
- Strong understanding of IDOT design policies, standards, and contract plan development.
- Excellent communication, project coordination, and leadership skills.
- Ability to lead and review traffic impact studies, transportation analyses, traffic signal warrant studies, safety evaluations, and corridor studies is a plus.
Compensation
The approximate compensation range for this position is $115,000 to $155,000. This compensation range is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Actual compensation is dependent upon factors such as education, qualifications, experience, skillset, and physical work location.
Why Choose Us:
- Medical, dental, vision insurance
- 401k Retirement Plan
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Life, AD&D, short-term, and long-term disability
- Professional and personal development
- Generous paid time off
- Commuter and wellness benefits
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