Senior Transport Modeller

Mott MacDonald is a global engineering, management, and development consultancy committed to delivering impactful work that shapes the future.

We are a team of over 20,000 experts working across the world in more than 50 countries.
We are proud to be part of an ever-changing global industry, delivering transformative work that’s defining our future. It’s our people who power that performance. As an employee-owned business, we invest in creating a space for everyone to feel safe and valued and empowered with the right tools and support. 

Whether you want to pursue excellence in your specialism or broaden your experience with flexible roles across our business, you’ll be connected to a community of global experts championing you to be your best. Join us and shape your story with Mott MacDonald, where everyone has the opportunity to be brilliant.

Job Description:

We are seeking an experienced Principal Transport Modeller to lead the development, analysis, and delivery of strategic transport modelling projects. The role requires technical expertise in PTV VISUM and SATURN, strong analytical capability, and proven leadership in guiding teams through complex modelling and forecasting assignments. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping transport strategies, supporting infrastructure design, and delivering high quality modelling outputs to clients across the public and private sectors.

As a member of our modelling team, you will be supported by experienced colleagues to deliver against applicable industry guidelines and standards. You will be integrated into our global business, offering fantastic opportunities for your career to develop. In turn you will be expected to help support and develop junior colleagues.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will have:

•    Thorough knowledge of transport modelling concepts including Highway modelling, Public Transport Systems, Variable Demand Modelling and various traffic assignment techniques and be skilled in the development of robust models to support decision-making.

•  10-14 years of experience of modelling software such as SATURN, EMME or CUBE, DIADEM and associated modelling tools with a minimum of 3 years of hands-on experience in modelling with PTV VISUM.
•    In-depth experience of developing and managing highway and public transport models from first principles including understanding of elements such as model procedure sequence, network coding, demand matrix development, and scenario forecasting. 
•    Proven track record in developing, calibrating, validating, and updating National Highways and National Transport Authority (NTA) Regional Models—with the ability to lead complex model development workflows, zoning system updates, and network enhancements.
•    Understanding of wider transport appraisal processes, including economic assessment (e.g. TUBA), accident analysis (COBALT), and environmental assessment inputs.
•    Experience in survey data analysis strong analytical, problem solving, and quality assurance capabilities. 
•    Be committed to providing high-quality, affordable and innovative solutions and advice to clients and have good report writing, project management, supervisory, communication and technical ability.
•    Demonstrate excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
•    Understanding of Standards and guidelines in UK and Ireland. e.g. DfT, UK TAG, TAF (Ire), TII PAG (Ire)
•    Strategic insight and a proactive approach to improving modelling processes and outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

•    Lead the development of strategic multimodal modelling projects (highway and public transport models).

•    Manage modelling projects including survey programmes, model development, calibration, validation, demand matrix development, forecasting and economic appraisal.
•    Manage and deliver Variable Demand Modelling (VDM) processes and ensure model robustness, consistency, and compliance with relevant modelling guidance.
•    Analyse large and complex datasets to identify trends, develop inputs, and support modelling decisions using Python, Power BI, VB, and other analytical tools.
•    Check outputs for compliance with quality requirements and industry best practice and motivate others to do so as well.
•    Integrate modelling outputs with GIS platforms such as ArcGIS, MapInfo, and QGIS, supporting spatial analysis, mapping, and visual communication of results.
•    Provide modelling support for Traffic Impact Assessments and the design and appraisal of transport infrastructure schemes.
•    Produce high quality technical documentation such as Base Year Validation Report, Forecasting Report, Data Processing Report, Demand Matrix Development Report.
•    Lead project planning activities, including task scheduling, scoping, initiation, and execution planning.
•    Contribute to business development activities including proposal preparation.
•    Collaborate effectively with multi-disciplinary teams to ensure seamless project delivery.
•    Communicate clearly and confidently with client teams and remote counterparts, ensuring alignment across project workstreams.
•    Mentor, train, and support junior modellers, ensuring they develop strong modelling, reporting, and analytical skills.
•    Provide guidance and training to other modelling resources to ensure project delivery and staff / team development
•    Promote best practice in modelling methodology, data governance, and project delivery.
•    Contribute to internal knowledge sharing, technical reviews, and continuous improvement within the modelling team.

Desirable Skills and Additional Competencies

•    Expertise in GIS packages such as ArcMap, QGIS or MAPINFO.

•    Knowledge of Python, SQL and other programming languages.
•    Knowledge of microsimulation software such as VISSIM, PARAMICS and AIMSUN.
•    Ability to identify and resolve complex technical or design challenges with innovative, evidence based solutions.
•    Awareness of emerging trends, modelling technologies, and best practices in transport planning, ensuring modern and future proof approaches to modelling.
•    Collaborate on conference papers and get involved in internal knowledge share webinars.
•    Ability to work across disciplines to integrate transport modelling with land use planning, urban design, and policy development.

 Qualifications:

•    Master’s degree in Transport Planning, Civil Engineering, Urban Planning, or a related discipline..

•    Achieved or actively working towards post-graduate qualification (TPP, CEng etc.) 

Flexible working
At Mott MacDonald, we support our staff to create work-life balance which works for them and welcome candidates looking for career flexibility. We are open to discussing flexible working at interview stage.

Our benefits package is designed to enhance your experience:

• Agile working
• Critical illness and compassionate leave
• Paternity Leave
• Group term life insurance, and Group medical insurance coverage
• Career mobility options
• Short and Long-term global employment opportunities
• Global collaboration and knowledge sharing