Career Opportunities in Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)

Grahn, Rick; Silverstein, Claire; Fraser, Janet L.; Morales, Meredith; Campbell, Margaret; Ayabae, Jada-Mercy; Paull, Sarah · 2025 · ROSA P / United States. Department of Transportation. Intelligent Transportation Systems Joint Program Office

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Summary

This report, produced by Noblis for the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Joint Program Office, addresses the evolving workforce needs within the ITS sector. The research is motivated by the urgent need to improve roadway safety and efficiency amidst rising societal costs, including nearly 41,000 fatalities and $1.85 trillion in economic and quality-of-life costs from motor vehicle crashes in 2023, alongside significant congestion expenses. As transportation systems integrate advanced technologies like automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and shared mobility, the report aims to provide a high-level overview of career opportunities for students, job seekers, and professionals, highlighting both established roles and emerging positions across various employment sectors. The document utilizes a descriptive, informational approach rather than empirical experimentation. It synthesizes information from existing resources, including workforce guides, white papers, and industry interviews, to categorize career paths by topic areas and employer sectors. The analysis covers seven primary topic areas: Policy & Planning, Operations, Data Science, Marketing & Communications, Software & Cybersecurity, Engineering, and Research. It further examines opportunities across public agencies, private sector firms, non-government organizations, and academic institutions. The report also identifies emerging trends shaping future workforce demands, specifically focusing on AI and machine learning, automation, connectivity, and shared-use mobility. Key findings detail the specific skills, educational backgrounds, and responsibilities associated with various ITS roles. For instance, Policy & Planning roles require strategic thinking and stakeholder engagement to develop regulations for connected and automated vehicles, while Operations roles range from high-school-level TMC operators to degree-holding fleet optimization specialists. Data Science positions increasingly demand proficiency in programming languages like Python and R to manage large datasets from sensors and cameras. The report highlights that while traditional roles relied on hardware and telecommunications expertise, modern ITS roles are shifting toward data analytics, software development, and cybersecurity. Emerging roles in AI/ML and automation are creating new opportunities for professionals with specialized technical skills, while marketing and communications roles are critical for building public trust in complex technologies. The significance of this report lies in its guidance for navigating the rapidly growing ITS field. It concludes that a skilled workforce is essential for delivering the benefits of ITS, such as reduced fatalities and improved mobility. By mapping out career paths and required competencies, the document helps individuals align their educational and professional development with industry needs. It underscores the transition from hardware-centric roles to those focused on data, software, and integration, reflecting the broader transformation of the transportation landscape. This resource serves as a strategic tool for workforce development, ensuring that the industry has the necessary talent to implement and maintain advanced transportation systems effectively.

Key finding

The ITS workforce is expanding beyond traditional engineering and planning roles to include significant demand for professionals skilled in data science, software engineering, cybersecurity, and policy related to emerging technologies like automation and AI.

Methodology

review

Provenance

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• v2x connected vehicle