Transportation Engineer

Transportation Engineers develop plans for surface transportation projects, according to established engineering standards and state or federal construction policy. Prepare designs, specifications, or estimates for transportation facilities. They  plan modifications of existing streets, highways, or freeways to improve traffic flow.

Some of the job titles of this field are engineer, Project Engineer, Rail Engineer, Roadway Designer, Roadway Engineer, State Roadway Design Engineer, Traffic Engineer, Traffic Operations Engineer, transportation Engineer.

Occupation specific Information

Tasks:

·         Design or prepare plans for new transportation systems or parts of systems, such as airports, commuter trains, highways, streets, bridges, drainage structures, or roadway lighting.

·         Check construction plans, design calculations, or cost estimations to ensure completeness, accuracy, or conformity to engineering standards or practices.

·         Prepare administrative, technical, or statistical reports on traffic-operation matters, such as accidents, safety measures, or pedestrian volume or practices.

·         Plan alteration or modification of existing transportation structures to improve safety or function.

·         Confer with contractors, utility companies, or government agencies to discuss plans, specifications, or work schedules.

Occupational Requirement

Work Activities

·         Design civil structures or systems.

·         Evaluate designs or specifications to ensure quality.

·         Prepare technical or operational reports.

·         Prepare detailed work plans.

·         Confer with technical personnel to prepare designs or operational plans.

Education & Experience Requirement

Education

M.Tech in Transportation Engineering

Related Experience

A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.

Job Training

Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

Skills Required

Critical Thinking — using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

Speaking — talking to others to convey information effectively.

Writing — communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Complex Problem Solving — identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Knowledge Required

Engineering and Technology — Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

Design — Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principels involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

Transportation — Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.

Building and Construction — Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.

Mathematics — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Worker Characteristic

• Realistic — Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labour, athletics, or protective services.

• Investigative — Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behaviour. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.

• Conventional — Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

Related Occupation

·         Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians

·         Civil Engineers

·         Highway Maintenance Workers

·         Traffic Technician