About
Sathish Rao is a highly accomplished Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO) Engineering Consultant with over a decade of diverse experience spanning the commercial, academic, and public sectors. Currently serving as a Senior Engineer at AECOM, a multinational consulting firm, he is known for his dynamic leadership in the planning, development, and execution of intelligent transportation systems (ITS), safety evaluations, and traffic operations projects across Florida and Michigan. He has been consistently recognized in annual performance reviews and is known for his exceptional communication skills and ability to build and maintain strong relationships with government agencies and stakeholders.
Rao has successfully led numerous high-impact projects, including signal retiming, freeway and arterial traffic management, crash data analysis, pedestrian/bicycle safety studies, adaptive signal feasibility assessments, and green bike lane implementations. His technical acumen is evident in his work on complex safety and operations studies for FDOT Districts 2, 4, and 6, and various municipalities. Notably, he has conducted before-and-after analyses to evaluate roadway improvements and has developed benefit/cost analyses to prioritize infrastructure investments. In his current role, he performs real-time signal timing adjustments, evaluates operational deficiencies, and provides detailed engineering reports to improve traffic flow and safety outcomes.
Sathish holds dual master’s degrees—an MBA from the University of Arizona and an MS in Civil Engineering from Wayne State University—both completed with exceptional academic performance. He is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), an IMSA Level III certified public safety professional, and a trusted advisor. His academic foundation is further strengthened by a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Sathyabama University.
In addition to his core engineering responsibilities, Sathish is a passionate researcher and thought leader. He has contributed to federal research initiatives including studies for the Transportation Research Board (TRB) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) on innovative roadway designs such as Diverging Diamond Interchanges (DDIs) and Restricted Crossing U-Turns (RCUTs).
Sathish has demonstrated excellence not just in technical execution but also in stakeholder engagement, budgeting, mentoring junior engineers, and integrating cutting-edge technologies to elevate project outcomes. His meticulous attention to detail, commitment to safety, and forward-thinking approach make him a valuable asset to any transportation or infrastructure initiative.
Skills & Expertise
Project Management
Signal Retiming
Traffic Analysis
Data Analysis
Real-Time Traffic Monitoring
Cost Estimation
Engineering Design
Public Speaking
Client Relations
Crash Data Evaluation
Technical Writing
Budgeting
Leadership
Performance Measurement
AutoCAD
SAS Programming
Research
Communication
Strategic Planning
Field Reviews
Report Preparation
Resource Management
Presentation
Utility Coordination
Problem Solving
Research Interests
Engineering
Management
Transportation Engineering
Traffic Operations
Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)
Transportation Systems Management & Operations (TSMO)
Signal Optimization
Roadway Safety
Highway Design
Freeway and Arterial Management
Pedestrian/Bicycle Safety
Adaptive Signal Systems
Crash Analysis
Safety Studies
Public Infrastructure
Traffic Signal Systems
Urban Mobility
Real-World Evidence
Public Lighting
Transit Signal Priority (TSP)
Skid Hazard Analysis
Fatal Crash Reviews
Green Infrastructure
Highway Capacity
Connected and Automated Vehicles
Consulting Operations
Connect With Me
Experience
Engineering Consultant
Experienced in various aspects of Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO), Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), signal timing optimization, freeway/arterial operations, and safety studies with working knowledge of controllers and adaptive technology signal systems. I am an integral part of the TSMO program managing day-to-day operations, real-time traffic signal timing adjustments, modeling, timing analysis, and addressing operational deficiencies. Responsibilities include developing and improving the arterial network of traffic signals to identify, evaluate, and troubleshoot operational issues, resolving citizen complaints, and identifying improvements to real-time operations at the county and state road intersections. In addition, conduct monthly performance measurements communicated via meetings/presentations, which include benefit/cost analysis and net present value that help the agency prioritize projects and gain situational awareness.
Project Manager / Engineering Tech
Planned, organized, coordinated, and participated in the development and implementation of the PLA’s capital construction project by GIS mapping and community surveying for the installation, operation, and maintenance of 65,000 LED lights. Assisted in the long-term development and enhancement of the Operation & Maintenance of the PLA’s Street lighting system and perform all other duties as required by the Vice-President. PM: Mike Harrington, mharrington@pladetroit.org, 810-650-8095
Graduate Researcher
RCUT (Restricted Crossing U-Turn) - Developed CMF by the evaluation of treatment sites, connected with AL, NC, OH, TX DOT officials for collecting and analyzing highway data, performed statistical analysis, and created final report.
Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) - Evaluated the safety effectiveness in reducing crashes, connected with NY, TN, KY, MO DOT officials, performed naïve, traffic volume, comparison sites before and after studies for the implementation across the United States. Project Director and Principal Investigator: Dr. Joseph Hummer, jehummer@ncdot.gov, 919-909-4018
Business Analyst
Focused on optimizing pricing strategies for Amazon products by analyzing competitors' prices to determine opportunities for price matching or offering more competitive rates for similar products. Provided business metrics aimed at an accurate timely price for amazon retail and dimensions relevant to purchasing decisions such as availability, promotions, and shipping price. Ensured that pricing at Amazon remains competitive and in-line with the core principles of providing low prices, convenience, selection and impact the revenue of the organization by providing quality data to make better pricing decisions. Delivered key business metrics to both management and R&D, contributing to informed decision-making.
Education
University of Arizona (UA)
Wayne State University (WSU)
Sathyabama University
Projects
CMF for RCUT (Restricted Crossing U-Turn)
Development of Crash Modification Factors
Conferences & Seminars (1)
Traffic Signal Timing and Real-Time Optimization
No descriptions
Certificates & Licenses (1)
Certificate to Reviewer
Successfully enrolled as a valued reviewer for Scholar9
platform. Their contributions will significantly enrich the peer
review process, ensuring the quality and integrity of scholarly
articles.
Awards & Achievements (1)
🏆 Project Management Professional Award
Description
Thesis Guided (1)
CMF for Signalized RCUT Design
Institution: Wayne State University (WSU)
Professional Memberships (1)
PMI (Project Management Institute)
Patents (1)
Traffic lights with augmented reality
description
Invited Position (2)
Editorial Board Member
Editorial Board Member
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