Civil / Traffic Engineer-in-Training or Transportation Planner

About the Role :
David Evans and Associates Inc (DEA's) is excited to offer an opportunity for a Civil / Traffic Engineer-in-Training or Transportation Planner to join our Smart Mobility team. In this role, you'll be an integral part of a collaborative team that delivers innovative solutions for a wide range of traffic engineering and transportation planning projects. This position is highly flexible in terms of location, with options to work out of our Apple Valley, Ontario, or Tustin, CA offices, and offers occasional opportunities to support projects in other Southern California locations.
As a junior-level civil or traffic engineer or transportation planner , you will work closely with our transportation planning and traffic engineering design teams. This role offers diverse responsibilities and hands-on experience in various aspects of traffic engineering and transportation planning, helping to shape the future of smart mobility.
Key Responsibilities:
• Collaborative Project Involvement : Work with diverse, multidisciplinary teams to support all aspects of transportation projects, including project setup, data collection, detailed data analysis, documentation, quality review, quality assurance, and overall project coordination and organization.
• Comprehensive Data Analysis : Analyze complex transportation data using spreadsheets and specialized software. Evaluate intersection and highway operations through traffic analysis tools, conduct statistical analyses, prepare methodology and assumption memoranda, write detailed summary reports, plan and oversee data collection surveys, and translate raw data into impactful, easy-to-understand informational graphics.
• Conduct Transportation Impact Studies : Lead the development of comprehensive transportation impact studies for both land development and transportation projects. This includes trip generation, traffic distribution, and assignment, multimodal level of service analysis, solution evaluation, Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) metrics, site access and safety analysis, conceptual multimodal street design, intersection improvement plans, cost estimation, and preparing formal reports.
• Develop Technical Proficiency : Build and refine your technical skills across a broad range of key areas, including traffic operations analysis, highway operations, travel demand forecasting, VMT screening and analysis, traffic signal operations, corridor studies, transit facility planning, Local Roadway Safety Programs (LRSP), multimodal planning and safety assessments, walkability and bicycle audits, and speed zone studies.
• Conceptual Design Preparation : Prepare conceptual geometric improvement plans for roadways, intersections, and site access points, ensuring designs prioritize safety, functionality, and multimodal integration.
• Field Data Collection and Site Surveys : Conduct field visits to gather data, perform surveys and inventories, confirm as-built conditions, and observe/document traffic, safety, and operational patterns to inform project designs and solutions.
• Graphics and Technical Documentation : Create or contribute to the development of graphic illustrations, technical mapping, and well-structured reports and presentations that effectively communicate project findings and recommendations.
• Support Project Management : Assist project managers and task leaders with technical production and project administration tasks, including maintaining adherence to scope, budget, and schedule, performing quality control, tracking monthly project financial performance, supporting monthly invoicing, and contributing to bids and proposals for multiple, concurrent projects.
Basic Qualifications :

• Educational Background : Bachelor's degree in Civil or Transportation Engineering, Urban Planning, or a related field with relevant coursework in traffic engineering and transportation planning.
• Certification : Successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) / Engineer-in-Training (EIT) exam, or the ability to obtain certification within one year for engineering degree holders.
• Professional Experience : 0-3 years of hands-on experience in transportation engineering, transportation planning, or a closely related field, demonstrating foundational skills in project work.
• Drafting Competence : Experience with drafting software such as AutoCAD or Civil3D, with the ability to create detailed, accurate project drawings.
• Technical Writing Skills : Strong technical writing abilities, capable of producing clear, concise, and well-organized reports and documentation.
• Software Skills : Proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, etc.), with the ability to handle data analysis, reporting, and project coordination tasks.
• Growth Mindset : Demonstrated willingness to take on increasing levels of responsibility as experience is gained.
• Teamwork and Independence : Ability to work effectively both within teams and independently, demonstrating flexibility and strong interpersonal communication skills.

Desired Qualifications :

• Project or Internship Experience : Previous experience working on transportation-related projects or internships, providing hands-on exposure to real-world engineering or planning scenarios.
• CEQA Knowledge : Familiarity with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), with experience in preparing CEQA-related documents such as Environmental Impact Reports (EIRs) and Mitigated Negative Declarations (MNDs).
• Regulatory Expertise : Knowledge of the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CA MUTCD) and the Caltrans Highway Design Manual, ensuring compliance with state standards in traffic design.
• Advanced AutoCAD or Civil3D Skills : Proficiency in AutoCAD or Civil3D, with a focus on creating high-quality transportation design plans.
• Graphic Design Skills : Experience with graphic design software, such as Adobe Illustrator, to create visually compelling presentations and project illustrations is a plus.
• Transportation Analysis Tools : Familiarity with transportation analysis programs such as HCS, Synchro, VISTRO, VISSIM, SIDRA, or RODEL, to perform complex traffic operations analysis.
• Travel Demand Forecasting : Experience with travel demand forecasting platforms, particularly TransCAD, is an added advantage.
• GIS Proficiency : Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), particularly ESRI products (e.g., ArcInfo/ArcGIS), for mapping and spatial data analysis is beneficial.
• Professional Certification Aspirations : Strong desire to pursue certification as a Professional Transportation Planner (PTP) for candidates with planning and non-engineering degrees is a plus.

Benefits:
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability and Life Insurance
• Health Savings and Lifestyle Spending Account with employer contribution
• Support for continuing education and training opportunities
• Paid Time Off (PTO)/Holiday Pay
• 401k and Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP)
• Flexible 9/80 (every other Friday off) work schedule
• Holistic Wellbeing Program with a focus on physical, emotional, financial, career and community health
• Opportunity for growth with support and mentoring to help with professional goals
• Anticipated salary range for this position is $66,500-95,000 depending on location and experience
Why DEA?
Joining DEA means becoming part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to creating smart, sustainable transportation solutions. You'll have the opportunity to work on impactful projects while advancing your skills and career.
Apply Today :
If you are a motivated and ambitious individual looking to make a difference in the transportation industry, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.