Operations Design Engineer

The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) is seeking a motivated and technically skilled Professional Engineer to serve as the Operations Design Engineer within the Traffic and Safety Division. This position provides statewide technical leadership, supporting operational roadway design, accessibility, traffic control, design standards, specifications, and policy implementation to advance transportation safety and efficiency across Utah.

This role is structured as a collaborative technical partner and facilitator, rather than a reactive compliance reviewer. You will work alongside Region field engineers, inspectors, designers, and project teams to build technical capability through training, mentorship, plan review support, and the development of defensible engineering standards. Additionally, you will lead the refinement of Standard Drawings, Specifications, policies, guidance documents, and administrative rules relevant to the Traffic and Safety Division.

Your expertise will help resolve recurring design and construction issues, ensuring consistency throughout the Department. Strong communication, collaboration, technical writing, and sound engineering judgment are essential for success in this role.

• Salary Range: $45.53 - $72.25
• FT/PT Status:
  Full Time
• Background Check:
  You must successfully pass a criminal history check
• Schedule Code: B - Competitive Career Service (12 month probationary period)
• Location:
  
  Calvin Rampton Building – 4501 South 2700 West, Taylorsville, Utah
• Recruiter – Jill Barela | jbarela
• Final date to receive applications – 7/14/2026

• Technical Support & Plan Review:
  Providing design guidance and plan review assistance for project elements related to traffic and safety.
• Accessibility Expertise:
  Serving as the division's technical expert on pedestrian facility design, including ADA and PROWAG compliance for UDOT projects.
• Training & Mentorship:
  Developing and delivering training for field engineers, inspectors, project teams, and designers to improve technical consistency across UDOT Regions.
• Standards Maintenance:
  Updating and refining UDOT Standard Drawings, Standard Specifications, policies, and design details germane to the Traffic and Safety Division.
• Problem Solving:
  Coordinating with Region staff, designers, construction personnel, and project teams to resolve recurring design and construction challenges.
• Program Improvement:
  Supporting the continuous improvement of ADA inspection processes, access management policies, and state administrative rules (including R930-6).
• Interagency Coordination:
  Collaborating with the FHWA, the Access Board, industry partners, and internal stakeholders regarding emerging standards and best practices.

• Licensure:
  Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in the State of Utah.
  
  Note:
  
  Out-of-state licensees must obtain reciprocity with Utah prior to their official start date.
• Experience:
  
  A minimum of two (2) years of professional engineering experience following initial PE licensure.

Applicants who do not meet the two-year post‑licensure experience requirement may be considered at the Engineer III level. The salary range for an Engineer III is $38.40 - $62.29 per hour.

• Experience in roadway design, traffic engineering, highway construction, or related transportation fields.
• Specialized experience with ADA accessibility requirements, pedestrian facility design, or operational roadway design.

• Engineering Expertise:
  Strong knowledge of transportation engineering principles, design standards, specifications, and construction practices.
• Proactive Problem Solving:
  Technical curiosity, initiative, and the ability to master complex, evolving transportation topics.
• Communication &
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Exceptional technical writing, interpersonal, and mentorship skills.
• Diplomacy:
  Comfort working across diverse engineering disciplines and facilitating practical, collaborative solutions among varied stakeholders.

• Exceptional Health Coverage:
  We offer some of the most competitive medical premiums in the industry, including comprehensive family plans with very low out‑of‑pocket costs and HSA options.
• Retirement Choice:
  Flexibility between a 10% employer‑paid 401(k) (no match required) or a Pension/401(k) Hybrid plan.
• Generous Paid Time Off: 12 paid holidays per year plus 8 hours of combined leave (4 annual and 4 sick) accrued each pay period.
• Dental & Vision:
  Multiple high‑quality plan options to fit your needs.

The State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, please contact (801) 957‑9390.