Assistant Engineer (Management Specialist)

Do you have great attention to detail? Are you a skilled communicator, collaborator and problem solver? Are you creative, persistent and passionate about safe and sustainable streets? The City of Palo Alto invites talented, forward-thinking engineers with strong skills in transportation engineering to support the Office of Transportation as Assistant Engineer (Limited Term). In this role, you will serve the public and make a measurable impact through projects that improve safety, mobility, and sustainability for all who live, work, and travel in Palo Alto. From signal optimization to grade separations and Safe Routes to School design, your work will keep the community connected and thriving. Why Palo Alto Office of Transportation? The City of Palo Alto is a progressive, cutting‑edge city that innovates in all areas of civic service and technology. Transportation is part of the secret sauce that makes Palo Alto such a vibrant, beautiful and accessible place to live, work and visit. The city is known nationwide as a leader in the areas of bike boulevards and safe routes to school. The Office of Transportation supports cutting‑edge work to create a city where a majority of students safely walk and roll to school, seniors stay active and engaged, visitors linger in vibrant Downtown and neighborhood districts, neighbors enjoy tree‑lined streets, and commuters have multiple options in how to reach their destinations safely and efficiently, including access to a Caltrain baby bullet station. As a full‑service city, we manage our own utilities, parks, libraries, and transportation network—offering a unique opportunity for engineers to see their work directly improve the community. Our Transportation Engineering team designs and implements solutions to reduce collisions and enhance mobility for all users. Efforts includes: Advancing major capital projects including multiple rail grade separations; Designing and supporting the construction of complete streets projects; Maintaining and upgrading city‑wide traffic signal operations and coordination; Implementing neighborhood traffic calming and school access safety improvement; Developing signage, striping and curb management work orders; Reviewing traffic control plans for city projects and private developments; and Responding to community requests and inquiries on transportation infrastructure. About the Position As an Assistant Engineer, you will gain hands‑on experience supporting the city’s signage, striping and curb management programs. This entry‑level position is ideal for those eager to build a foundation in traffic and transportation engineering while contributing directly to projects that make Palo Alto’s streets safer and more accessible. Key Tasks Draft signage and pavement marking plans to improve safety and compliance; Support curb management and parking‑related engineering activities; Respond to community requests (311s) and conduct field reviews; Participate in training and professional development; Studies and evaluates street designs and design proposals, safety and accident record data, traffic and parking information; Conduct traffic counts, speed studies, travel time studies, parking studies, and analyze and interpret data. Schedule Option of a 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off Hybrid work: Ability to work remotely and onsite (current policy allows for 2 days/week remote and 3 days/week on‑site) This is a limited‑term position with an anticipated duration of six (6) months and a maximum term of two (2) years. Employment beyond the initial term is not guaranteed and is subject to business needs and available funding. Experience and Qualifications Demonstrated experience coordinating with the public, contractors, consultants, and internal teams to deliver engineering and infrastructure projects while effectively resolving community and stakeholder concerns. Strong technical competency in engineering design, project planning, specifications review, and construction oversight, with the ability to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, standards, and safety practices. Proven analytical and problem‑solving skills, including the ability to conduct studies, evaluate data, develop cost‑effective solutions, and prepare engineering reports, estimates, and recommendations. Proficiency in project and contract administration, including budgeting, capital improvement planning, progress tracking, change order management, and consultant coordination. Experience utilizing engineering and management information systems, computer‑based design tools, and data analysis methods to support transportation, utility, landfill, or public works operations. Ability to manage multiple assignments in a fast‑paced environment while demonstrating sound judgment, attention to detail, effective communication, and collaboration across diverse functional areas. Preferred Qualifications Engineering degree Strong interest and experience in transportation safety and sustainability. Engineer‑in‑Training (EIT) certification and/or progress toward Professional Engineer (PE) or Traffic Engineer (TE) certification. Knowledge of signal operations and Complete Streets design concepts. Special Requirements Possession of a valid California Driver's License This position is represented by Service Employee International Union (SEIU) Selection Process Applicants will receive recruitment status notifications via email. Governmentjobs.com account also has notification status updates. Applicants will be screened throughout the posting process and highly qualified candidates may be invited to interview at any time after the posting closes. The screening process for this position may include a virtual recorded interview and/or panel interviews preceding final interviews with the hiring manager or designee. Our online application system is provided by NeoGov. If you have problems while applying online, please contact NeoGov's Live Applicant Support at View phone number on click.appcast.io between 6:00 AM and 5:00 PM Pacific Time, Monday − Friday. The City of Palo Alto is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the city will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr City-of-Palo-Alto