Principal Transportation Engineer/Planner

Job Description:

Principal Transportation Engineer/Planner

Description

Description

PRINCIPAL TRANSPORTATION ENGINEER/PLANNER

Regular Full-Time Employment Opportunity

The City of Sunnyvale is seeking an effective and skilled communicator, and highly motivated problem solver for the position of Principal Transportation Engineer/Planner. This management position reports directly to the Transportation and Traffic Manager in the Public Works Department and will be responsible for: assisting with planning, organizing and coordinating the activities of the Division of Transportation and Traffic; and perform professional traffic engineering, transportation planning, designing, and project management.

This position will supervise a small team within the Division to accomplish specific tasks and high-level, community-oriented projects. Current projects include: East Channel Trail study; Mary Avenue Overcrossing over highways 101 and 237; Bernardo Avenue railroad undercrossing; Sunnyvale Avenue and Mary Avenue railroad grade separations, liaison with the County for the Lawrence Grade Separation project; and coordinating with VTA as part of the delivering Measure B transportation projects. The position will manage multiple consultant contracts and will be expected to coordinate and work closely with other staff within the Division and with staff within other departments such as Public Works, Community Development, Environmental Services, and Public Safety, and represent the City with outside agencies such as the Valley Transportation Authority, Caltrain, High Speed Rail, Caltrans, MTC, County of Santa Clara, and adjacent cities.

The position will focus on advancing the projects mentioned above, assist with oversight of the design and traffic signal operations, implementation of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS); assist with the coordination of Division of Transportation and Traffic activities with other divisions and departments; oversee and assist with oversight of the grant application preparation, reporting, and management for transportation projects; assist with planning and coordinating division workload and budgets; creating and sustaining cooperative and collaborative working relationships across the City, with the development community, and residents; attend and present at public meetings/City Commissions; and provide assistance with highly complex traffic engineering work. We therefore, are looking for a candidate with strong analytical, technical and problem solving skills, who can prioritize and deliver results in a constantly changing environment, effectively communicate to various types of interested parties, and has the proven ability to establish effective working relationships with customers, co-workers, and vendors.
Under general direction, assists with planning, organizing, and coordinating the activities of the Transportation and Traffic Division within the Public Works Department; executes departmental and City-wide goals and objectives; designs, develops, and implements traffic and transportation improvement projects; coordinates assigned activities with other City departments and outside agencies; oversees assigned administrative processes, procedures, and programs; prepares policies, budgets, and reports and ensures work quality and adherence to established policies and procedures; and performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general direction from assigned management personnel. Exercises direct supervision over professional, technical, and administrative support staff.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the principal-level class in the Transportation and Traffic series that serves as a full supervisor, exercises independent judgment, and serves as a technical expert on diverse and specialized transportation and traffic analysis with accountability and ongoing decision-making responsibilities associated with the work. Incumbents are responsible for planning, organizing, supervising, reviewing, and evaluating the work of assigned staff and for overseeing complex engineering, technical, and analytical duties and ensuring the planning, design and development of strategic, efficient, and effective systems. Performance of the work requires the use of considerable independence, initiative, and discretion within broad guidelines.

Essential Job Functions

(May include, but are not limited to, the following):?

• Plans, schedules, assigns, reviews, supervises, and participates in the work of Transportation and Traffic staff in an assigned d ivision ; trains staff in work procedures and safe work practices; evaluates employee performance, counsels employees, and effectively recommends initial disciplinary action; assists in selection and promotion.
• Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, work plans, policies, and priorities for the division; recommends within division policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; recommends and administers policies and procedures.
• Directs and participates in annual budget preparation ; identifies and recommends future resource needs; prepares detailed cost estimates with appropriate justifications ; facilitates long term planning processes to ensure funding for large and critical operational, staffing, and equipment expenses; monitors and approves expenditures.
• Monitors activities of the work unit; identifies opportunities for improving service delivery and procedures; provides recommendations concerning process changes; reviews with appropriate management staff and implements improvements.
• Initiates solicitations as assigned, including requests for proposal and sole source requests to provide materials and services; facilitates pre-proposal meetings; coordinates and participates in the evaluation of submittals; drafts and reviews terms and conditions of agreements; negotiates and executes contracts; prepares and submits Council agenda items for contract approval; administers and manages contracts ensuring compliance with all requirements.
• Develops, produces, and reviews complex traffic studies for a broad range of transportation policy, infrastructure, and operational issues and makes recommendations to executive management, the City Council, and various Commissions and committees.
• Serves as advocate and contact for regional transportation coordination including transportation funding, congestion management, alternative modes, and interagency negotiation.
• Manages and/or performs various analytical support duties such as conducting studies on various operational, budgetary, legal, legislative, regulatory, policy, and/or administrative issues, evaluating existing and proposed policies and procedures, and participating in the development and measurement of industry benchmarks; consults with and advises City staff and management; makes recommendations and reviews and evaluates implemented changes.
• Reviews development and redevelopment proposals and interfaces with Planning, Engineering, Building, and other City staff as well as applicants and consultants to ensure land development complies with transportation plans and standards.
• Manages and oversees preparation of scopes of work and requests for proposals for assigned Capital Improvement Projects and transportation/traffic engineering studies to meet directed project and program goals.
• Manages consultant contracts of assigned Capital Improvement Projects and transportation/traffic engineering studies to ensure completion within scope, cost, schedule, budgeted resources, standards and practices, City policies and procedures; assists in resolving disputes with consultant teams.
• Administers Capital Improvement Projects ; supervises inspection of assigned projects; directs field changes within the limits of design and cost restrictions; resolves disputes concerning plans, specifications, and other work.
• Manages construction contracts of assigned Capital Improvement Projects to ensure completion within scope, cost, schedule, budgeted resources, standards, and practices; assists in resolving disputes with contractors and negotiating claims.
• Manages assigned projects, programs, and activities in collaboration with other City or department projects, programs, units, boards, committees, and task forces as well as external organizations and agencies and the public; represents the City and/or department on committees and task forces to develop, schedule, implement, and monitor programs and projects that impact the assigned department; responds to and resolves inquiries and complaints.
• Oversees, develops, organizes, and directs the maintenance of assigned records management systems and databases specific to the Transportation and Traffic division ; ensures data integrity; establishes and modifies procedures related to systems and database maintenance; assists with compliance with records retention schedules, policies, and procedures.
• Oversees and coordinates grant funding applications and administration; tracks grant opportunities, reviews eligibility requirements, identifies potential projects for grant programs, and supports the grant application process; manages grant funds upon award and oversees the reporting and administration process.
• Serves as liaison for assigned functions with other City departments, divisions, and outside agencies; provides staff support to commissions, committees, and task forces.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of contemporary trends and innovations in the field of public administration.
• Answers questions and provides information to the public; investigates and responds to complaints and inquiries from residents, other departments, and agencies ; and oversees staff that assist with these efforts .
• Ensures staff observe and comply with all City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical Demands:
This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds.
Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodation.

Environmental Conditions:
Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or the public in interpreting and enforcing divisional policies and procedures.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:
The minimum qualifications for education and experience can be met in the following way:

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in engineering, planning, public administration, or related field; AND

Four (4) years of responsible transportation planning, transportation engineering, or planning management experience, including two (2) years of experience in a supervisory capacity .

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment review and evaluation, discipline, and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Principles and practices of leadership.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
• Principles and practices of budget administration and monitoring.
• Principles and practices of public agency procurement and purchasing programs including competitive bidding procedures.
• General principles and practices of time management, multitasking, and managing assigned projects and programs.
• Principles, practices, and techniques of administering procurement contracts and enforcing contract provisions.
• General principles of risk management related to the functions of the assigned area.
• Principles and practices of traffic engineering and/or transportation planning as applied to a public agency.
• Alternative transportation modes and the interrelationships of land use and travel demand.
• Computer applications in transportation planning, traffic engineering, civil design, traffic control, and report preparation.
• Transportation funding sources.
• Principles and practices of project management, construction management, and contract administration.
• Organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis, evaluation, development, and implementation of programs, policies, and procedures.
• Research, quantitative and qualitative analyses, and reporting methods, techniques, and procedures.
• Recent and on-going developments related to the operations of the assigned area of responsibility.
• Arithmetic and statistical techniques.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping, technical report writing, and preparation of correspondence.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations as well as industry standards and best practices pertinent to the assigned area of responsibility.
• City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service, by effectively working with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner.
• Assist in developing and implementing goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.
• Administer budgets; monitor revenue and expenses and ensures compliance with budgeted funding , as required .
• Independently identify, plan, and conduct management, budgetary, administrative, and operational studies.
• Analyze, interpret, summarize, and present administrative and technical information and data in an effective and understandable manner.
• Develop improvements in operations, procedures, policies, or methods.
• Make sound transportation and traffic recommendations.
• Review land development proposals and develop mitigation measures.
• Generate and implement creative solutions to transportation and traffic issues.
• Manage and monitor complex projects, on time , within scope , and within budget.
• Read and interpret maps, plans, sketches, schematics, diagrams, and blueprints.
• Prepare, negotiate, and manage contracts; monitor the work of contractors and consultants.
• Serve as an effective advocate and contact for regional transportation and transit programs and issues.
• Formulate innovative long-term planning.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Perform quantitative and qualitative analyses to evaluate assigned projects, programs, and activities.
• Perform and review mathematical calculations quickly and accurately.
• Maintain accurate records and files of work performed ; and adhere to pertinent records retention requirements .
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Effectively represent the division and the City in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, various business, professional, and regulatory organizations, and in meetings with individuals.
• Effectively communicate and present technical information to the public, commissions, Council and other agencies.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, documentation, and other written materials.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments both of self and of reporting staff .
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.

Willingness to:

• Attend and present to weekend and evening meetings.

Licenses/Certificates:
Possession and continued maintenance of a valid class C California driver's license or the ability to provide alternative transportation as approved by the appointing authority and a safe driving record.

Principal Transportation Engineer
Possession of a valid registration as a Professional Civil or Traffic Engineer issued by the State of California in good standing.

Principal Transportation Planner
Possession of a valid AICP Certification issued by the American Planning Association OR Professional Transportation Planner certification issued by the Institute of Transportation Engineers, to be maintained throughout employment.

Application and Selection Process

APPLICATION PROCESS
The application period closes on Monday , December 15, 2025, at 5:00pm (postmarks or faxes are not accepted). Candidates are asked to fully describe any training, education, experience, or skills relevant to this position. Electronic applications may be submitted online through the City's employment page at https://sunnyvale.ca.gov and click on 'City Jobs'. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

EXAM PROCESS
Applications will be competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications of this position. Based upon a review of the application materials, the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the oral examination process scheduled for Thursday , January 8, 2026 . (Note: The examination process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Director of Human Resources.)

SELECTION PROCESS
Those candidates that receive a passing score on the examination will be placed on an eligibility list for up to one year, in accordance with the City's Civil Service Rules and Administrative Policies. Top candidates on the eligibility list will be invited to participate in a selection interview with the department tentatively scheduled for the week of January 19, 2026 .

Any candidate that is selected by the hiring department will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment process, which may consist of a background history check, as well as a medical exam(s) administered by a City selected physician(s) before hire. Prior to starting work, all newly-hired employees will be fingerprinted to check conviction history. A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment; however, failure to disclose conviction history will result in refusal of employment or termination. Positions which are covered by the Department of Transportation regulations are required to submit to a pre-employment drug test and to random drug and alcohol testing.

INFORMATION ABOUT PROOF OF EDUCATION
Any successful candidate selected by the hiring department will be required to submit proof of education (i.e., copy of the diploma or college/university transcripts). An applicant with a college degree obtained outside the United States must have education records evaluated by a credential evaluation service at the candidate’s expense. Candidates may utilize any third-party agency for the evaluation. If you search ‘education equivalency verification’ or similar online, you will obtain results for agencies that provide this evaluation service. A conditional job offer cannot be made until the education has been evaluated and submitted to the Department of Human Resources.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Positions in this job classification are represented by the Sunnyvale Managers Association (SMA).

For assistance on how to fill out your job application, watch the following video:

• How to Apply for a City of Sunnyvale Job- YouTube (5:13)

The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

The City of Sunnyvale is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the City of Sunnyvale not to discriminate against all qualified applicants or employees on the basis of actual or perceived race, religion (including religious dress or grooming practice), color, sex (includes gender, pregnancy, childbirth, medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, breastfeeding or medical conditions related to breastfeeding), gender identity and/or gender expression, sexual orientation (including heterosexuality, homosexuality and bisexuality), ethnic or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, uniformed service member status, marital status, family relationship, age, cancer or HIV/AIDS related medical condition, genetic characteristics and/or genetic information, and physical or mental disability. Applicants needing special accommodations for testing should submit a request to the Department of Human Resources at time of application.

Summary of Management SMA Benefits

Notice of CFRA (California Family Rights Act) Rights and Obligations

Closing Date/Time: 12/15/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

Salary:

$166,614.00 - $208,268.00 Annually