About WSDOT

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity

WSDOT is seeking multiple motivated and detail-oriented Transportation Engineer 3 In-Training professionals to join our team in Shoreline, WA. In this role, you will play a key part in delivering transportation improvements that enhance safety, mobility, and reliability for communities across Washington. You will develop plans, specifications, and estimates (PS&E) for signing, traffic signal and illumination systems, power supply systems, Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), and low-cost enhancement (Q-Design) projects that help keep the state’s transportation network operating efficiently.

As a member of a collaborative and innovative team, you will support WSDOT’s mission by ensuring engineering projects are developed in accordance with agency standards, policies, and best practices while maintaining a strong commitment to quality, safety, and stewardship. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to Washington’s long-term transportation resilience while helping foster a professional workplace built on respect, collaboration, accountability, and opportunities for growth and development.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Transportation Engineer 3 will:

• Review and prepare Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for highway illumination, traffic signals, ITS, and signing systems on Design-Build contracts.
• Review traffic design submittals and provide clear, technically sound comments.
• Track the progress of active traffic work orders and coordinate project prioritization with traffic managers, the Signal and Maintenance Superintendent, and Signal Maintenance Supervisors.
• Prioritize proposed electrical and ITS projects.
• Serve as the Traffic Design Section representative on Design-Build task force, coordination, and guidance teams. Provide design oversight and technical guidance.
• Prepare design responses to contractor submittals and develop change orders.
• Apply independent engineering judgment and established design techniques to develop standard and complex traffic systems.

Qualifications

This is a Transportation Engineer 3 position. However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at a lower level in the classification series based on candidate qualifications, providing an opportunity for an individual to gain the required experience on the job as part of a formal “in-training” plan.

To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required:

• Advanced Engineering knowledge and application: Demonstrates advanced knowledge of civil engineering principles and applies high-level engineering practices to transportation projects, designs, and analyses.
• Advanced Technical Interpretation and Analysis: Applies a strong understanding of engineering methods, standards and analytical approaches to support technical decision making and operational effectiveness.
• Technical Interpretation and Analysis: Experience reading, interpreting, and analyzing guidance documents such as the Manual on Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), the AASHTO Green Book, and the WSDOT Design Manual. Ability to apply and translate this guidance into real world solutions including development of projects and recommendations about traffic operations.
• Leadership Skills: Strong communicator with proven ability to lead and coach subordinate staff, including evaluating performance, identifying training needs, and resolving personnel issues.
• Engineering Knowledge and Application: Demonstrates initiative in selecting resources and interpreting design guidance. Applies sound engineering judgment to organize findings and recommend actions based on design guidelines and supporting evidence.
• Data Analysis and Report Writing: Strong analytical skills with a solid understanding of data collection, analysis, and reporting practices. Ability to conduct research and interpret technical literature related to transportation.
• Communication and Interpersonal Proficiency: Strong written and verbal communication skills to communicate technical information clearly to a variety of stakeholders including engineers, contractors, and the public.
• Collaboration and team coordination: Works effectively with diverse teams, supporting engineers, and external stakeholders.
• Engineering Mathematics: Demonstrates sufficient mathematical proficiency to apply engineering equations accurately in traffic design and analysis.
• Technology and software use: Proficient in computer operations and associated engineering design software, including Microsoft Suite products (e.g., SharePoint, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.). Ability to rapidly multitask between multiple software applications in emergency situations.
• Support Focused: Contribute to efficient daily operations by helping WSDOT staff and external partners, helping coordinate field activities, resolve routine operational issues, and ensure information and resources are delivered accurately and on time.
• Field Readiness and Safety Awareness: Able to travel to and work safely along highways and within active work zones, including navigating uneven terrain and confined spaces such as communication vaults.
• Licensing Requirement: Possession of a valid driver’s license.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Traffic Engineering Knowledge: Demonstrated knowledge of traffic engineering principles, practices, and procedures, with the ability to apply those concepts to the planning, design, analysis, construction, or operation of transportation systems and facilities.
• Traffic Signal and Illumination Design & Construction Management: Demonstrated experience designing, reviewing, coordinating, or providing construction management support for traffic signal systems, highway illumination systems, or other transportation infrastructure projects.
• Traffic Control Device Design: Demonstrated knowledge of design principles, standards, and practices related to traffic control devices, including roadway signing, pavement markings, traffic signals, and illumination systems, and the ability to apply those principles to transportation projects.
• Engineering Software and Project Scheduling: Demonstrated experience utilizing computer-aided design (CAD) software, scheduling software, or similar engineering and project management tools to develop plans, monitor project activities, and support project delivery.
• Professional Engineering Development: Demonstrated commitment to professional engineering development through attainment of engineering certifications, licensure, or specialized credentials related to civil engineering, traffic engineering, or transportation engineering.
• Preferred Certifications and Credentials: Possession of a valid Engineer in Training (EIT) Certificate. Possession of a valid Professional Engineer (PE) License. Possession of a valid Professional Traffic Operations Engineer (PTOE) Certification.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the “Contact Us” section of this posting.
• The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County. An additional general wage increase of 2% will be applied for all state employees on July 1, 2026.
• In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code.
• This is a Transportation Engineer 3 position. However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at a lower level in the classification series based on candidate qualifications, providing an opportunity for an individual to gain the required experience on the job as part of a formal “in-training” plan. The base salaries for each level are:
  1. Transportation Engineer 3: $82, 857 – $111,409
  2. Transportation Engineer 2: $75,045 – $100,951
  3. Transportation Engineer 1: $68,014 – $91,400
• WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov

Why WSDOT

• Work-Life Balance – We offer flexible work schedules that allow you time for your life outside of this excellent opportunity.
• Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees may earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
• Tuition Assistance – Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.
• Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.

Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?

How to Apply

Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the “Work Experience” portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible.

In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:

• An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
• An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
• Contact details for a minimum of three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. This information can be entered in the “References” section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment.

Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity.

WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/ or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the recruiter listed.

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at amanda.strebeck@wsdot.wa.gov Please be sure to reference Transportation Engineer 3 #13485 in the subject line.