Transportation Safety and Operations Engineer

Transportation Safety and Operations Engineer

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Description 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.

• The Leidos Surface Transportation group:
• The Saxton Transportation Operations Laboratory (STOL): (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./STOL

• Program and Project Management:
  Serve as Program Manager for a Federal safety research contract; 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, monitor progress and quality; foster strong client relationships; manage project budgets and timelines.
• Technical Leadership: serve as technical lead, guide project vision; demonstrate in-depth knowledge of transportation system safety and operations/TMO strategies; define opportunities for research; conduct safety reviews; implement ITS; coordinate maintenance activities; ensure plans conform to safety guidelines.
• Proposal Development: lead proposals and bid strategy for new projects in transportation research; contribute to writing compelling proposals and lead labor estimates.

• Master’s degree or higher in Transportation Engineering, Civil Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field.
• 12+ years of relevant experience 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.
• Experience with project financial management, invoicing, and contract compliance.
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders, including government agencies, subcontractors, and internal teams.
• 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.
• All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without company sponsorship.

• Familiarity with IRB, safety research and development projects, and vulnerable road user research.
• Active Project Manager’s Professional certification.
• Understanding of principles, theory, and practice of multi‑modal transportation planning.
• Experience in operations, safety, CAV, ITS, TSMO, shared mobility, and active transportation.
• Experience with business development activities through written proposals and client relationships.

• 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 ability to mentor and guide junior staff.

• Opportunity to lead impactful projects that 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…