Transportation Researcher & Modeler I/II/Associate

Transportation Researcher and Modeler I/II/Associate

Annual Salary Ranges:

This position will be filled at the I, II, or Associate level depending on qualifications and experience of the selected candidate.

• Researcher and Modeler I: $74,422 to $115,357
• Researcher and Modeler II: $82,077 to $127,234
• Associate Researcher and Modeler: $95,035 to $147,306

Shape the Future of Transportation in Our Region

The Transportation Analysis and Modeling group plays a central role in how our region plans, invests in, and delivers transportation solutions. Our work informs billion-dollar decisions, advances climate goals, improves cross-border mobility, and prepares our communities for emerging technologies.

Join the team responsible for designing and advancing one of the most sophisticated transportation modeling suites in the country. You will help maintain and enhance a portfolio of models, including the Activity-Based Model (ABM), Commercial Vehicle Model (CVM), Cross Border Model (CBM), and other analytical tools.

In this role, you will:

• Advance cutting-edge modeling capabilities related to emerging technologies, transformative transportation modes, shared mobility, and evolving travel behavior
• Improve model efficiency, performance, and reliability to support high-stakes planning decisions
• Implement innovative features that respond to changing policy priorities and real-world conditions
• Provide technical expertise to support regional production modeling and applied analysis efforts

This position is ideal for someone who enjoys building systems, solving complex problems, and pushing the boundaries of transportation modeling. Your work will directly shape how our region plans for growth, sustainability, and economic vitality.

More information about SANDAG transportation modeling can be found at SANDAG – Transportation Modeling.

Overview of the Modeling Program

As a premier multimodal planning and project implementation agency, SANDAG depends on the strength, innovation, and credibility of its Transportation, Demographic, Economic, and Land Use Modeling programs. These tools are the analytical backbone of the region’s most consequential plans and investments.

Our team of highly skilled professionals supports a wide range of impactful initiatives, including:

• Long-range, coordinated transportation, economic, and land use plans
• Corridor and infrastructure development studies
• Major transit investment analyses
• Air quality and climate planning efforts

SANDAG’s nationally recognized and highly sophisticated Activity-Based Model (ABM) is among the most advanced in the country. As the transportation system continues to transform, we are advancing and updating our full modeling suite to reflect:

• Emerging transportation technologies
• Transformative travel modes
• Shared mobility services
• Changing traveler preferences and behaviors

Experience and Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in transportation modeling, computer science, mathematics, statistics, engineering, data science, management information systems, regional planning, geography, demographics, or a related field.
• One to two years (Level I and II) or three years (Associate level) of professional experience in transportation modeling, data analysis, and software development.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of travel demand modeling and forecasting; experience in development and/or the application of activity-based models is desirable.
• Experience programming in languages such as Java, Python, R, and SQL; experience developing and maintaining custom software applications to support modeling functions.
• Experience using modeling software such as EMME to support large, complex model development and applications projects.
• Experience using geographic information system software such as ESRI ArcGIS or QGIS.

Benefits

We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including:

• Hybrid work options
• 9/80 flexible work schedule
• Pay-for-performance merit increases
• Retirement – Defined Benefit Plan with the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS)
• Retirement – 457 Defined Contribution Plan with Voya
• Excellent health insurance options for employees and their eligible dependents
• Free dental and vision insurance for employees and their eligible dependents
• Education Assistance of up to $5,250 a year for regular employees
• Free transit pass for use throughout the San Diego region, bus, Rapid Express, Trolley, and COASTER
• Paid time off including 12 paid holidays, 2 floating holiday days, generous paid time off (PTO) per year, depending on length of service

Call (619) 699-1900 or visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sandag? for information. Open until it’s filled. EOE