Engineer - Planning and Modeling

Please apply online at: 89047 - Engineer Planning and Modeling - VDOT Careers Site Careers

Job Identification: 11278

Job Category: Architecture and Engineering Services

Location: Mechanicsville, VA

Apply Before: 12/09/2025, 11:59 PM

Job Schedule: Full time

Minimum Salary: $77,276.00

Maximum Salary: $125,574.00

Contact Name: Audrey Phillips

Contact Email: audrey.phillips@vdot.virginia.gov

Job Description

Assist in the development and application of statewide and urban travel demand forecasting models through data preparation, calibration, and analysis. Support accessibility impact evaluations and accessibility model data preparation. Contribute to micro- and macro-level traffic simulation studies across the state. Translate complex transportation and land use data into actionable insights to inform project recommendations and planning decisions. Provide technical advice, guidance and training regarding assigned engineering program areas. Prepare analyses, reports, and recommendations based on engineering determinations. Provide engineering support and consultation related to engineering program area. Effectively manage assigned projects to ensure timely and accurate completion. Communicate with internal VDOT staff, local government staff, consultants, citizens and FHWA regarding transportation projects and programs.
 

How you will contribute:

• Analysis and Technical Reporting: Analyze and interpret engineering data and information. Prepare complete, clear and concise reports and recommendations.
• Communication: Establish an effective line of communication between VDOT, contractors, government agencies and the public. Investigate issues and resolve complaints.
• Data Management Analysis: Collect, compile, and analyze large transportation and land use datasets to support travel demand and accessibility model development. Perform data preparation, calibration, and validation to ensure model accuracy. Utilize programming and statistical tools (e.g., Python, R, SAS, SQL) for effective data processing and model development.
• 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.
• Manage Assigned Activities: Plan, schedule and coordinate engineering program activities such that deliverables are met within the established scope and timeline.
• Model Development and Support: Assist in the development and application of travel demand forecasting models, and accessibility model. Support micro- and macro-level traffic simulation studies statewide. Maintain and update model components and post-process model outputs for planning and project evaluation.
• Model Development and Support: Assist in the development and application of travel demand forecasting models, and accessibility model. Support micro- and macro-level traffic simulation studies statewide. Maintain and update model components and post-process model outputs for planning and project evaluation.
• Project Engineering: Assist in the management of projects and tasks including development of and managing the scope, schedule, budget, deliverables, change management, quality, and status reports. Complete multiple concurrent tasks and assignments, and report updates on their status.
• Project Management and Coordination: Plan, prioritize, and coordinate multiple assignments to meet deadlines and budget requirements. Assist in managing project deliverables, timelines, and resources. Collaborate with stakeholders, attend meetings, and support internal and external training sessions as needed.
• Special Assignments: Manage special program initiatives and projects as assigned. Serve and represent VDOT or assigned program area on various committees and work groups.
• 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.
• Transportation Planning Support: Assist in statewide and metropolitan planning efforts including the development of deliverables for MPO long range transportation plans and corridor studies. Evaluate congestion and accessibility impacts of transportation projects to inform prioritization and decision-making processes.
• Visualization and Reporting: Create data visualizations and technical reports to communicate findings. Use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for spatial analysis and effective data management. Translate complex technical information into concise presentations for both technical and non-technical audiences.

What will make you successful:

• Ability to apply engineering principles and practices.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with diverse groups.
• Ability to draw rational conclusions and develop solutions from analysis; make independent decisions; and manage multiple assignments.
• Ability to enforce and demonstrate safety behaviors, as well as advocate and practice safety in everyday work activities.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to interpret technical data and prepare and maintain detailed reports.
• Ability to make independent decisions and develop practical, effective solutions.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities with competing deadlines and limited resources.
• Ability to negotiate outcomes and work with diverse customer groups.
• Ability to provide detailed reports on review findings.
• Ability to read and understand highway construction plans.
• Knowledge engineering specifications and standards.
• Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for spatial analysis and data management.
• Knowledge of VDOT, state, and federal policies and procedures relating to transportation engineering.
• Knowledge of civil engineering principles to include roadway design, survey, roadway safety and construction methods and materials, ensuring compliance.
• Knowledge of programming or statistical languages such as Python, R, SQL, Java, SAS, or SPSS.
• Knowledge of project management procedures and principles.
• Skill in data collection, analysis, and visualization to support model development and transportation planning initiatives.
• Skill in providing and promoting good customer service to internal and external customers.
• Skill in the use of computers and software applications to include MS Office, project management and engineering software programs.
• Skill in travel demand model development and application using CUBE software and TransCAD.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with diverse audiences and to make presentations and conduct meetings.
• Ability to evaluate, develop and maintain innovative solutions for transportation planning and mobility initiatives.
• Ability to plan, prioritize, coordinate and complete multiple assignments within scheduled timeframes.
• Knowledge of programming languages such as Python, R, Java, SAS, SPSS, or SQL.
• Skill and proficiency in programming, mathematics, and statistics.
• Skill in data collection, analysis, and visualization

Additional Considerations:

• A combination of training, experience, or education in Civil Engineering, Planning or related field desired.
• Experience in managing large, integrated datasets across multiple platforms and familiarity with AWS cloud application.
• Experience in travel demand model development and application using CUBE and TransCAD software.
• Experience using planning and traffic engineering software, e.g. Highway Capacity Software.
• Knowledge of Highway Capacity Software and microsimulation tool such as CORSIM, VISSIM is desired.
• Knowledge of principles of roadway capacity analysis and safety analysis impacting roadway designs.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license or certification as a Planner through the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) is desired.