Principal Engineer

Maricopa Association of Governments

$99K — $149K *
Transportation
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field
  • 5+ years of experience in freeway and roadway design/planning
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license required
  • Experience leading planning level analysis
  • Ability to present complex information to diverse audiences

Responsibilities

  • Manage scopes, schedules, and budgets for transportation studies
  • Assess and evaluate transportation infrastructure projects
  • Develop alternative approaches to address transportation needs
  • Coordinate design and implementation efforts with stakeholders
  • Facilitate public meetings and working group sessions
  • Present study outcomes to member agencies and policy committees

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work with the Maricopa Association of Governments
  • Engagement with key transportation initiatives in Arizona
  • Professionally enriching environment collaborating with diverse stakeholders
  • Direct impact on local infrastructure development and community planning
  • Chance to lead innovative transportation projects in a large urban setting
Full Job Description
Position Type:
Transportation

Date Posted:
4/14/2026

Location:
Phoenix, Arizona
Position title: Principal Engineer (Regional Freeway Program)

Post-date: April 14, 2026

Closes: This position is open until filled.

Status: Full-Time, Exempt

Salary: $99,867 - $149,800

Location: Maricopa Association of Governments, downtown Phoenix, Arizona

Your Team

The Freeway Engineering Team provides oversight and management for the implementation of the Freeway Life Cycle Program under Propositions 400 and 479. The team plays a key role in the delivery of the program by performing studies, identifying needs, assessing evaluations of transportation infrastructure, and coordinating the delivery of the program with the Arizona Department of Transportation.

The Position

MAG is seeking a skilled transportation engineer to support its efforts in the Transportation Division. As the Principal Engineer, you will focus on activities related to the management and implementation of the Freeway Life Cycle Program.

Duties include but are not limited to:
  • Managing scopes, schedules and budgets of transportation planning studies
  • Assessing and evaluating transportation infrastructure design, functionality, cost, schedule, and project risk analysis
  • Developing alternative approaches to respond to transportation and traffic needs
  • Coordinating with key stakeholders for project design and implementation efforts
  • Public meeting presentations and facilitation of working group sessions
  • Presenting study outcomes to MAG member agencies and MAG policy committees


The Candidate

As a successful Principal Engineer, you bring experience leading planning level analysis, reviewing engineering and design-specific solutions, and have experience with managing consultants or consultant teams, preferably in a large urban area.

You are comfortable presenting complex technical information to diverse stakeholders, including members of the public and policymakers, and experience coordinating with internal and external agency partners. Strong writing skills are a plus.

You are skilled in:
  • Excellent communication and writing skills, time management, note taking, and highly organized
  • Presenting and conveying technical knowledge to a diverse set of stakeholders, the public and policy makers
  • Coordinating with internal and external stakeholders or staff
  • Prioritizing workload and responding quickly and accurately
  • Anticipating needs and being proactive
  • Being self-motivated with a desire to learn and contribute while being detail oriented


You have the ability to:
  • Lead planning level analysis and review engineering and design specific solutions
  • Manage consultants or consultant teams of large urban area studies
  • Adapt to performing a wide range of duties, frequently shifting tasks of varying nature or complexity
  • Work independently
  • Analyze and think critically, draw conclusions, and problem solving
  • Develop productive relationships and work effectively with a diverse group of stakeholders or staff
  • Manage multiple assignments with competing timelines effectively


Technology Skills:
  • You are proficient in Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office products, including Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel, as well as Microsoft Teams, Zoom and webinar tools


Required Education and Experience
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Engineering or related field
  • At least five years of related work experience in engineering, freeway and roadway design and/or planning
  • Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities


Required Licenses or Certifications
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license

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