Transportation Safety and Operations Engineer

Transportation Safety and Operations Engineer Leidos is seeking an experienced Transportation Engineer to lead multi‑disciplinary transportation research programs and projects across federal, state, and local government contracts. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in transportation safety, operations, and data, with proven experience managing complex projects, maintaining client relationships, and delivering high‑quality project deliverables. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of State DOT safety and operations programs as demonstrated by participation in and completion of related projects and publications.

Key Responsibilities

Serve as Program Manager for a Federal safety research contract. Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, subcontractors, and internal teams. Manage and oversee transportation safety, operations, and data research projects for federal, state, and local clients. Develop, implement, and maintain project plans, schedules, budgets, and deliverables.

Assign tasks to team members, monitoring progress and quality of work. Foster strong client relationships and manage project budgets and timelines. Possess leadership skills with a collaborative management style that will facilitate interaction with supervisors, colleagues, customers and corporate partners. Maintain strong client relationships, providing technical insight and strategic guidance.

Technical Leadership Serve as the technical lead for project teams, guiding project vision and desired outcomes. Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of transportation system safety and operations or TSMO strategies and the role of data. Define opportunities for research around safety countermeasures, their implementation, and their utility throughout the transportation project life cycle. Lead and conduct safety reviews of existing infrastructure and designs, propose improvements, and work with a road safety audit team to resolve issues.

Implement, monitor, and manage intelligent transportation systems, such as real‑time traffic monitoring and traffic signal networks. Coordinate maintenance activities and oversee asset management for traffic control devices and other transportation assets. Ensure that transportation plans and operations conform to established safety guidelines and best practices. Proposal Development Lead proposals and bid strategy for new projects in transportation research.

Contribute to writing compelling proposals and lead labor estimates for work. Required Qualifications Master’s degree or higher in Transportation Engineering, Civil Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field. 12+ years of relevant experience including managing Federal, state, and local transportation projects, preferably in safety, operations, or data research. Prior experience with State and local DOTs, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and/or USDOT ITS Joint Program Office. Strong knowledge of transportation research methodologies, data analysis, and program management best practices.

Demonstrated experience with project financial management, invoicing, and contract compliance. Proven ability to manage multiple stakeholders, including government agencies, subcontractors, and internal teams. Proven experience in business development, including identifying new market opportunities, building strategic partnerships, and driving portfolio/revenue growth. Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance (which includes three years of immediate residency in the US).

All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without company sponsorship. Preferred Qualifications Familiarity with IRB, Safety research and development projects, and Vulnerable Road User research. Possess an active Project Manager’s Professional certification. Possess an understanding of the principles, theory, and practice of multi‑modal transportation planning.

Experience

in the following areas in the ground transportation areas that may include Operations, Safety, Connected and Automated Vehicles (CAV), Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO), shared mobility, and active transportation.

Experience

with business development activities through written proposals and client relationship development, including compelling approaches and content, executing communications projects, and developing project budgets. Key Competencies Strong leadership, organizational, and project management skills. Ability to navigate complex projects with competing priorities. Strong technical knowledge of transportation safety, operations, and data.

Collaborative mindset with the ability to mentor and guide junior staff.

Why Join

Us? Opportunity to lead impactful projects that help improve our Nation’s transportation ecosystem. Collaborative and innovative work environment. Competitive salary and benefits package, including professional development opportunities.

Anticipated salary range for this role: $120,000-$155,000 Location: McLean VA office hybrid remote up to 50% We’re not looking for perfectly polished resumes or perfect fits. We’re looking for people who break limits, ask hard questions, and don’t wait to be told what’s next. At Leidos, we’re not following the roadmap — we’re redrawing it. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws. #J-18808-Ljbffr