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 an experienced and motivated Transportation Engineer 3 to join our team in Kelso, WA! In this leadership role, you'll supervise and mentor a team of engineering professionals while guiding the design and construction of transportation improvement projects that enhance the safety, reliability, and resilience of Washington's highway system. You'll provide technical expertise, direction, and oversight to ensure projects are delivered in compliance with WSDOT standards, policies, contract requirements, and engineering best practices. Your leadership will play a vital role in delivering high-quality transportation infrastructure that supports the traveling public and keeps Washington moving safely and efficiently.

What to Expect

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

• Lead a team or teams of designers and provide guidance, as necessary, in delivery of assigned projects.
• Ensure design of highway projects are developed according to the current and appropriate Federal, WSDOT, and local guidelines and procedures.
• Evaluate alternate designs requiring detailed analysis of accident data, capacity studies, hydraulics, etc.
• Lead a team that prepares and/or reviews design documentation, reports, calculations, estimates, etc., following Design Manual guidance for project development.
• Prepare contract plans, specifications, and estimates and other information needed for completion of plans, specs, and estimates (PS&E) applying agency policies, standards, and procedures as well as transportation engineering principles.
• Travel to the project site to perform field site assessments and gather field data.
• Research highway vicinity as-built information and traffic data.
• Prepare professional letters, reports, and other required documentation.
• Develop special displays and project materials in support of public meetings, hearings, presentations, environmental permits, and real-estate acquisitions or access negotiations.
• Apply sound engineering judgement to interpret data, identify problems, and develop solutions. Instruct and review design team in preparation of project documentation, specifications, quantities, estimates, etc. for project development.
• Direct and oversee Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) technicians on the development of plan sheets and provide technical training and mentoring as needed.
• Communicate design options and procedures to the public, other agencies, and to WSDOT management.
• Conduct in-depth region level review of standard contract PS&E, as well as reviews PS&E work completed by consultants.
• Coordinate reviews of PS&E by subject matter experts (SME) throughout the Region and Headquarters.
• Monitor contractor’s work and coordinates with contractor’s supervisory personnel to ensure work is conducted in conformance to plans and specifications.
• Monitor the completion of accurate daily project documentation which may include Inspectors Daily Reports (IDRs), Field Notes, Force Account Sheets, pay notes, Traffic Control Supervisor (TCS) Reports, and Weekly Working Day statements.
• Plan in anticipation of contract work to ensure appropriate resources, certifications, staking, constructability, communications, and documentation will be ready for upcoming tasks.
• Research, analyze, and prepare estimates, correspondence, and appropriate approvals/justifications for change orders.

Qualifications

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

• Technical Engineering Expertise: Proficient in highway and transportation engineering design, including PS&E preparation, geometric layout, cost estimating, and technical documentation. Skilled in using computer-aided engineering and design tools (e.g., AutoCAD, MicroStation, Civil 3D) for plan development and quantity calculations. Knowledge of construction materials, methods, safety protocols, and quality assurance practices in transportation projects.
• Project and Program Delivery: Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects across design and construction phases, ensuring adherence to scope, schedule, and budget. Experience coordinating consultant activities, reviewing deliverables, and integrating feedback from internal and external stakeholders. Skilled in construction inspection, contract compliance, documentation, and project close-out procedures.
• Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: Skilled in evaluating engineering data and applying sound judgment to identify issues and develop practical, data-driven solutions. Proficient interpreting design standards, construction specifications, and regulatory requirements. Ability to anticipate project risks, identify critical path activities, and implement timely corrective actions.
• Leadership and Team Management: Experience leading multidisciplinary teams in the design and/or construction of transportation projects, including task delegation and technical mentoring. Proven ability to evaluate performance, set expectations, and provide coaching to support staff development. Strong organizational skills to manage staffing, prioritize workloads, and meet project deadlines.
• Communication and Stakeholder Engagement: Strong written and verbal communication skills for preparing technical reports, correspondence, and public-facing materials. Experience coordinating with contractors, public agencies, and community members, including participation in public meetings and hearings. Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly and effectively to diverse audiences.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

The following qualifications are also required:

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Technical Engineering Expertise: Professional Engineer (PE) license in Washington or with the ability to obtain local licensure. Advanced knowledge of transportation design tools and modeling software (e.g., OpenRoads, MGSFlood). Experience in complex or multidisciplinary transportation projects involving interchanges, structures, or environmental constraints.
• Project and Program Delivery: Experience managing consultant teams and overseeing consultant contract negotiations, task orders, and performance. Background in delivering federally funded projects, including familiarity with NEPA, right-of-way, and permitting requirements. Proven success leading projects through all stages - from planning and design to construction and contract close-out - on time and within budget.
• Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: Demonstrated ability to lead alternatives analysis and apply value engineering or risk-based decision making. Experience resolving contractor disputes, claims, or unforeseen field conditions with minimal escalation. Ability to assess constructability during design and incorporate lessons learned from past projects into future work.
• Leadership and Team Management: Experience supervising or mentoring engineers, technicians, or inspectors on multi-phase projects. Training or certification in project management methodologies (e.g., PMP, Lean, or Agile principles). Demonstrated success fostering team development, engagement and collaboration in a public-sector or consultant environment.
• Communication and Stakeholder Engagement: Experience facilitating public meetings, hearings, or negotiations with property owners or community groups. Strong presentation skills with the ability to convey technical content to executive leadership. Experience coordinating across jurisdictions or with multiple agencies on shared infrastructure projects.

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.
• 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.
• 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 a 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.

• 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 #41621 in the subject line.