Design Technical Manager – Traffic & Technology

Company Description

We are Olsson. We engineer and design solutions that improve the world around us. As a company, we promise to always be responsive, transparent, and focused on results - for our people, our clients, and our company.

We’re a people-centric firm, so it’s no surprise our greatest asset is our people. The impact this creates is an environment that encourages our people to grow and be creative with their talents. This approach builds a culture that is uniquely Olsson. It allows us to grow our people as we grow our business. This, in turn, creates a lasting impact on the world around us.

Job Description

Olsson's Traffic & Technology team provides innovative solutions that improve safety, mobility, and connectivity within the communities we serve. The team partners with clients to plan, design, and implement traffic engineering improvements for transportation systems of all sizes. Their work includes traffic signal design, signing and pavement marking plans, roadway lighting, temporary traffic control, Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), traffic studies, and multimodal transportation improvements. By collaborating across disciplines, Olsson's Traffic team helps deliver transportation projects that create safer and more efficient travel experiences nationwide.

The Design Technical Manager serves as a senior technical leader within Olsson's Traffic & Technology team, providing expertise in traffic signal operations, signal timing, communications, networking, ITS, and transportation technology systems. This role supports the development and growth of signal and ITS services throughout Arizona, builds strong relationships with public agencies, and provides guidance on complex operational and infrastructure challenges. The Design Technical Manager partners with project teams across the company to deliver innovative transportation technology solutions while advancing technical excellence, staff development, and client service.

Primary Responsibilities

• Serve as a senior technical resource for traffic signal operations, signal timing, communications, networking, ITS infrastructure, and field technology.
• Partner with clients to evaluate operational challenges, develop practical solutions, and build trusted relationships.
• Establish and grow Olsson's traffic signal and ITS services practice in Phoenix and throughout Arizona.
• Lead traffic signal, ITS, traffic operations, communications, networking, and technology deployment projects from planning through implementation.
• Provide technical leadership in system architecture, equipment selection, system integration, and field troubleshooting.
• Review technical deliverables to ensure quality, constructability, consistency, and compliance with applicable standards.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop technical staff while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and Olsson's national Traffic & Technology practice.

Qualifications

You are passionate about:

• Working collaboratively with others.
• Having ownership in the work you do.
• Using your talents to positively affect communities.

You bring to the team:

• Associates degree in a related field preferred.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in traffic engineering, traffic signal systems, ITS, transportation technology, or a related field.
• Significant experience with traffic signal systems, including controllers, cabinets, detection, communications, networking, fiber, signal operations, implementation, and field troubleshooting.
• Demonstrated ability to solve complex technical challenges and deliver practical solutions for public-sector clients.
• Experience leading technical work, mentoring staff, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.
• Knowledge of the MUTCD, applicable agency standards, and traffic signal and ITS design practices.
• Strong communication skills and experience supporting client development, proposals, project scoping, and technical interviews.

Additional Information

Olsson specializes in engineering and design, client advisory services, planning, field services, and environmental. Improving the world has been our mindset from the very beginning, back when Olsson first opened for business in 1956. And it will be our mindset for years to come.

As an Olsson employee, you will:

• Receive a competitive 401(k) match
• Be empowered to build your career with tailored development paths
• Have the possibility for flexible work arrangements
• Engage in work that has a positive impact on communities
• Participate in a wellness program promoting balanced lifestyles

In addition, full-time employees will receive our traditional benefits package (health care, vision, dental, paid time off, etc.) and the opportunity to participate in a bonus system that rewards performance.

Olsson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage qualified minority, female, veteran, and disabled candidates to apply and be considered for open positions. We do not discriminate against any applicant for employment or any employee because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender, disability, age, military status, or other protected status.

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