What are the responsibilities and job description for the Principal Engineer/City Traffic Engineer - At Will position at City of Moreno Valley?
Description
First review of applications is Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
Recruitment may be used to establish an eligibility list for future vacancies.
The Principal Engineer/City Traffic Engineer leads the City’s Transportation Division, overseeing the planning, development, operation, and maintenance of citywide transportation infrastructure including streetlights, traffic signals, and fiber optic networks. This management-level position is responsible for all aspects of transportation planning and traffic engineering, ensuring safe and efficient mobility throughout the City. The role involves high-level coordination with internal departments, external agencies, and the public, and includes reviewing development proposals, managing contracts, and presenting to City Council and other stakeholders. The Traffic Engineer also supervises a team of professional, technical, and clerical staff, and advises senior leadership on transportation-related matters.
Job Description
Find additional information in the Principal Engineer job description.
IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate is a collaborative and forward-thinking leader who is eager to guide and mentor a young, motivated staff. This individual is excited about building and shaping a team, fostering professional growth, and creating a culture of accountability and innovation. They bring the vision and energy needed to equip the team for success while helping the organization evolve alongside a growing City.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in civil engineering, traffic engineering OR a related field; AND
A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional engineering experience with at least two (2) years in a supervisory or program/project management capacity.
Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements:
Current, valid certification as a Professional Civil Engineer issued by the California State Licensing Board for Professional Engineers or professional traffic engineer in the State of California.
A valid California driver’s license and the ability to maintain insurability under the City’s vehicle insurance policy.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This class is responsible for planning and supervising the activities of the engineering function of assigned work units within the Public Works Department. The incumbent is expected to carry out responsibilities independently and with awareness of good engineering principals, judgement, and safety issues and sensitivities. Assignments are broad in scope and allow for a high degree of administrative discretion in their execution.
The Principal Engineer is distinguished from the Senior Engineer in that the incumbent in the former class is responsible for divisional leadership, planning, organizing, directing, and reviewing the work of staff engaged in the preparation of plans, specifications, designs, estimates, schedules, inspections, surveying, and project management activities for a variety of projects and programs. The incumbent is expected to use initiative and independent judgment in negotiating, prioritizing project activities, exercising cost and budget controls, and ensuring the coordination, quantity, and quality of work performed in accordance with project goals.
THE CITY GOVERNMENT
Moreno Valley was incorporated as a General Law City, merging the communities of Moreno, Sunnymead, and Edgemont. The city operates under a Council-Manager form of government. The City Council is comprised of an elected Mayor and four Council Members elected by district. The Mayor serves for a two-year term. Each Council Member serves for four years with staggered terms.
The City has a committed, customer-service-oriented workforce comprised of more than 450 employees, who provide a wide range of municipal services, including Public Works, Economic Development, Community Development, Parks and Community Services, and Library services. The City contracts with Riverside County for Police and Fire services.
THE SELECTION PROCESS
Applicants possessing the MOST DESIRABLE qualifications at each level, based on a screening of required application materials, including the completed Supplemental Questionnaire, will be invited to continue in the selection process. The City of Moreno Valley prioritizes and is committed to continuously providing a workplace where equal employment opportunity is afforded to all people.
Recruitment Process: Human Resources (HR) reviews all application materials to determine whether candidates meet the established minimum and preferred qualifications after the position closes. Those who qualify will be advanced to the next stage of the recruitment process. All applicants will receive email notifications regarding their status.
Application Screening
Applications and supplemental materials will be reviewed to identify candidates whose qualifications best align with the position's essential requirements. Only those applicants who meet the criteria outlined in the job bulletin will advance to the next phase of the selection process.
Video Appraisal Interview
Applicants may complete a self-guided video interview by recording responses to a series of structured questions. These questions are designed to assess each candidate's qualifications and suitability for the position. There is no live interviewer or proctor; candidates will record their answers independently and submit the videos for evaluation.
Technical Interview
Selected applicants will be invited to participate in a structured technical interview designed to evaluate job-related knowledge, problem-solving abilities, and proficiency in key competencies required for the position. Candidates will respond to a series of standardized questions, and their performance will be assessed using predetermined evaluation criteria to ensure a fair and consistent appraisal process.
Based on the Department's needs, the selection procedures listed above may be modified. All candidates will be notified of any changes in the selection procedure.
Eligible List: Once the appraisal is complete, HR will establish an eligible list of candidates. Candidates placed on the eligible list may be referred to a selection interview to be considered for present and future vacancies.
DISCLAIMERS
The City of Moreno Valley is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The City of Moreno Valley prioritizes and is committed to continuously providing a workplace where equal employment opportunity is afforded to all people. As part of this commitment, the City of Moreno Valley will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations.
If reasonable accommodations are needed to participate in the interview process, please contact Human Resources at hr@moval.org or (951) 413-3045.
First review of applications is Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
Recruitment may be used to establish an eligibility list for future vacancies.
- This recruitment may close at any time without any notice***
The Principal Engineer/City Traffic Engineer leads the City’s Transportation Division, overseeing the planning, development, operation, and maintenance of citywide transportation infrastructure including streetlights, traffic signals, and fiber optic networks. This management-level position is responsible for all aspects of transportation planning and traffic engineering, ensuring safe and efficient mobility throughout the City. The role involves high-level coordination with internal departments, external agencies, and the public, and includes reviewing development proposals, managing contracts, and presenting to City Council and other stakeholders. The Traffic Engineer also supervises a team of professional, technical, and clerical staff, and advises senior leadership on transportation-related matters.
Job Description
Find additional information in the Principal Engineer job description.
IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate is a collaborative and forward-thinking leader who is eager to guide and mentor a young, motivated staff. This individual is excited about building and shaping a team, fostering professional growth, and creating a culture of accountability and innovation. They bring the vision and energy needed to equip the team for success while helping the organization evolve alongside a growing City.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in civil engineering, traffic engineering OR a related field; AND
A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional engineering experience with at least two (2) years in a supervisory or program/project management capacity.
Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements:
Current, valid certification as a Professional Civil Engineer issued by the California State Licensing Board for Professional Engineers or professional traffic engineer in the State of California.
A valid California driver’s license and the ability to maintain insurability under the City’s vehicle insurance policy.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This class is responsible for planning and supervising the activities of the engineering function of assigned work units within the Public Works Department. The incumbent is expected to carry out responsibilities independently and with awareness of good engineering principals, judgement, and safety issues and sensitivities. Assignments are broad in scope and allow for a high degree of administrative discretion in their execution.
The Principal Engineer is distinguished from the Senior Engineer in that the incumbent in the former class is responsible for divisional leadership, planning, organizing, directing, and reviewing the work of staff engaged in the preparation of plans, specifications, designs, estimates, schedules, inspections, surveying, and project management activities for a variety of projects and programs. The incumbent is expected to use initiative and independent judgment in negotiating, prioritizing project activities, exercising cost and budget controls, and ensuring the coordination, quantity, and quality of work performed in accordance with project goals.
THE CITY GOVERNMENT
Moreno Valley was incorporated as a General Law City, merging the communities of Moreno, Sunnymead, and Edgemont. The city operates under a Council-Manager form of government. The City Council is comprised of an elected Mayor and four Council Members elected by district. The Mayor serves for a two-year term. Each Council Member serves for four years with staggered terms.
The City has a committed, customer-service-oriented workforce comprised of more than 450 employees, who provide a wide range of municipal services, including Public Works, Economic Development, Community Development, Parks and Community Services, and Library services. The City contracts with Riverside County for Police and Fire services.
THE SELECTION PROCESS
Applicants possessing the MOST DESIRABLE qualifications at each level, based on a screening of required application materials, including the completed Supplemental Questionnaire, will be invited to continue in the selection process. The City of Moreno Valley prioritizes and is committed to continuously providing a workplace where equal employment opportunity is afforded to all people.
Recruitment Process: Human Resources (HR) reviews all application materials to determine whether candidates meet the established minimum and preferred qualifications after the position closes. Those who qualify will be advanced to the next stage of the recruitment process. All applicants will receive email notifications regarding their status.
Application Screening
Applications and supplemental materials will be reviewed to identify candidates whose qualifications best align with the position's essential requirements. Only those applicants who meet the criteria outlined in the job bulletin will advance to the next phase of the selection process.
Video Appraisal Interview
Applicants may complete a self-guided video interview by recording responses to a series of structured questions. These questions are designed to assess each candidate's qualifications and suitability for the position. There is no live interviewer or proctor; candidates will record their answers independently and submit the videos for evaluation.
Technical Interview
Selected applicants will be invited to participate in a structured technical interview designed to evaluate job-related knowledge, problem-solving abilities, and proficiency in key competencies required for the position. Candidates will respond to a series of standardized questions, and their performance will be assessed using predetermined evaluation criteria to ensure a fair and consistent appraisal process.
Based on the Department's needs, the selection procedures listed above may be modified. All candidates will be notified of any changes in the selection procedure.
Eligible List: Once the appraisal is complete, HR will establish an eligible list of candidates. Candidates placed on the eligible list may be referred to a selection interview to be considered for present and future vacancies.
DISCLAIMERS
The City of Moreno Valley is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The City of Moreno Valley prioritizes and is committed to continuously providing a workplace where equal employment opportunity is afforded to all people. As part of this commitment, the City of Moreno Valley will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations.
If reasonable accommodations are needed to participate in the interview process, please contact Human Resources at hr@moval.org or (951) 413-3045.