Application Guide

How to Apply for State Traffic/ITS Leader - REMOTE

at AECOM

🏢 About AECOM

AECOM stands out as a global infrastructure consulting firm committed to building sustainable legacies through innovative solutions, particularly in transportation and environmental projects. Their focus on creating lasting positive impacts on communities and the environment makes them an attractive employer for professionals seeking meaningful work. The company's extensive portfolio of state and local agency projects provides unique opportunities for career growth and technical advancement.

About This Role

This State Traffic/ITS Leader role involves leading mid to large-scale Traffic and Intelligent Transportation Systems projects while driving business development with state and local agencies in Iowa and surrounding regions. The position combines technical leadership in traffic engineering and ITS design with client relationship management and project procurement, directly contributing to AECOM's transportation infrastructure portfolio in the Midwest.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve leading a project team review of ITS design specifications for an Iowa DOT project, followed by client meetings with Des Moines Metro Planning Organization to discuss upcoming RFPs. The afternoon could include business development calls to Midwest transportation agencies and quality control reviews of traffic operations analyses, all while managing project budgets and mentoring junior staff on technical approaches.

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🎯 Who AECOM Is Looking For

  • Has 8+ years of demonstrated success securing and managing large transportation projects specifically with Iowa DOT, Des Moines Metro Planning Organization, or similar Midwest state/local agencies
  • Possesses deep technical expertise in Traffic Operations Analysis, ITS Design (including connected vehicle systems and traffic management centers), and can serve as a technical advisor on complex transportation solutions
  • Maintains an established network of transportation sector clients in Iowa and neighboring states with proven ability to convert relationships into project wins
  • Has experience managing multidisciplinary project teams of 5+ professionals while maintaining budget control and delivering high-quality technical specifications

📝 Tips for Applying to AECOM

1

Quantify your state/local agency project experience with specific examples from Iowa DOT or similar Midwest agencies, including project values and your direct role in procurement

2

Highlight any experience with AECOM's project delivery methodologies or mention specific AECOM transportation projects you admire in the Midwest region

3

Emphasize your technical expertise in both traditional traffic engineering AND modern ITS technologies like adaptive signal control or traffic management systems

4

Include specific examples of business development successes, detailing how you identified opportunities and converted them into awarded projects

5

Demonstrate your understanding of AECOM's sustainability focus by mentioning how you've incorporated sustainable practices into traffic/ITS projects

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific experience with Iowa state agencies and local transportation departments, highlighting successful project procurements', 'Technical leadership examples in both traffic engineering and ITS design, particularly for mid-to-large scale projects', 'Business development achievements including prospecting strategies and proposal development successes in the transportation sector', "How your approach aligns with AECOM's mission of building sustainable legacies through innovative infrastructure solutions"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → AECOM's recent transportation projects in Iowa and the Midwest region, particularly those involving ITS implementations
  • → The company's 'Sustainable Legacies' strategy and how it applies to transportation infrastructure
  • → AECOM's organizational structure for transportation projects and their approach to state agency partnerships
  • → Current ITS initiatives and funding opportunities within Iowa DOT and Des Moines metropolitan planning organizations

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe your most complex Traffic/ITS project with an Iowa agency and how you managed interdisciplinary coordination
2 Walk through your process for identifying and pursuing new business opportunities with state transportation departments
3 How do you ensure quality control on technical specifications for large-scale transportation projects?
4 Discuss your experience managing project budgets exceeding $2M and how you handle scope changes
5 What innovative ITS solutions have you implemented that align with AECOM's sustainability goals?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing only on technical skills without demonstrating business development capabilities or client relationship management
  • Presenting generic transportation experience without specific examples from state/local agency work in the Midwest
  • Failing to show understanding of both traditional traffic engineering AND modern ITS technologies and their integration

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to AECOM!

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