Traffic Systems Engineer - Optimisation

The starting salary for this role is 41,585 per annum, working 36 hours per week.

The Traffic Operations team of Surrey County Council work together to ensure traffic flow is managed - delivering reliable and efficient low-carbon journeys through effective maintenance, innovative design and technology. Using smart data to manage congestion to the benefit of people travelling on the road network, while mitigating the impact of events and incidents that occur on Surrey roads.

Within this, the Network Optimisation Team is a newly formed and forward-thinking team with a clear mission to analyse, validate and optimise how our traffic signals operate across the county. The team delivers an annual programme of signal validation and optimisation and develops strategic traffic signal responses to both planned roadworks and unplanned incidents, helping Surrey's road network perform at its best in all conditions.

Our Offer to You

• 26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service
• Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
• A generous local government salary related pension
• Up to 5 days of carer's leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
• Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
• An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
• Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
• A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents

About The Role

This is an exciting opportunity for a curious, analytical and technically minded engineer who enjoys tackling complex problems and finding smarter ways of doing things. If you are motivated by improving real-world outcomes for all road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, buses and other vehicles, and enjoy thinking beyond standard solutions, this role will suit you well.

We are looking for someone who can think critically about how traffic signals operate and how they could be improved, and who enjoys analysing data and traffic flows to identify inefficiencies and opportunities. You will be confident working hands-on with traffic signal infrastructure, including designing timing and configuration amendments, and will take pride in developing practical, innovative solutions across a range of scenarios, while embracing the Surrey Way behaviours of being collaborative, inclusive, dynamic and ambitious.

You will be part of a small, highly focused team of three engineers, while also contributing to a wider project team of contractors and consultants and working closely with colleagues across the Traffic Operation Team and wider Place Directorate. The role involves reviewing the current operation of traffic signals, designing and implementing innovations, exploring new technologies and systems, and developing proactive and strategic traffic signal control for both planned roadworks and unplanned incidents across the network.

The work is varied, challenging and impactful, including reviewing and validating traffic signal operations, adjusting timings and parameters for control methods such as VA, MOVA and SCOOT, and designing optimised strategies to improve efficiency and resilience. You will also undertake technical design and analysis, including signal timings, configurations and CAD drawings, carry out site observations and commissioning activities, and manage elements of project delivery from strategy development through to implementation, stakeholder engagement and document management. This role is ideal for someone who thrives on solving complex problems and values the freedom to apply their technical expertise creatively to improve how a live road network operates.

Shortlisting Criteria

In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our behaviours:

• Experience in designing or delivering Traffic Signal schemes, including writing Controller Specification, and understanding of signal control methods such as MOVA & UTC SCOOT.
• A strong technical understanding on how Traffic Signal Controllers operate.
• Knowledge of how to validate and optimise Traffic Signals, with an understanding of how signal performance can be assessed and improved.
• Knowledge of current intelligent transport systems (ITS) including strategic control methodology, relevant standards, specifications, regulations and hardware & software applications.

• Experience of delivering projects to a high standard, including meeting deadlines and budget requirements, with minimal supervision.
• Experience of working with contractors and/or consultants, with clear communication skills to support effective service delivery and stakeholder engagement.

• Evidence of an innovative and analytical approach, with the ability to identify problems, propose practical solutions and continually seek improvement.
• An open-minded approach to work, with a willingness to challenge existing practices constructively and embrace new ideas, technology and ways of working.

• Relevant Level 4 qualification (e.g. HNC/CertHE) or relevant equivalent experience.

• A full, valid driving licence is required for traveling to our various Traffic Signals across the County.

Your Application

To apply, we request that you submit a CV and a personal statement as to why you should be considered for this role.

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 28/06/2026, with interviews to follow.

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)

Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities.

Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents!

Our Commitment

We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee you an interview. Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we're committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.