Traffic Design Engineer (TE3)

Washington Department of Natural Resources
Washington Department of Natural Resources

Design

Lacey, WA, USA

Posted on Aug 14, 2026

Description

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 currently seeking a Traffic Design Engineer (Transportation Engineer 3) to join the Olympic Region Traffic Office and help improve the safety, quality, and efficiency of Washington’s transportation system. In this leadership role, you will supervise a team of engineers and evaluating development and local agency projects that impact the state highway system. You will help ensure highway projects are designed and delivered in compliance with WSDOT standards, specifications, and policies. This position plays a key role in advancing WSDOT’s mission by delivering safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation solutions while fostering a collaborative, respectful, and inclusive work environment.


What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Traffic Design Engineer will:

  • Lead the review of developer, local agency, Design-Build (DB), and Progressive Design-Build (PDB) traffic projects to ensure compliance with WSDOT standards, project requirements, and the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).
  • Coordinate multidisciplinary reviews with regional traffic subject matter experts for signing, illumination, traffic signals, intelligent transportation systems (ITS), channelization, and work zone traffic control.
  • Review traffic control plans, engineering submittals, and final plan sets to verify compliance and provide approval recommendations.
  • Attend virtual and onsite project meetings to develop effective construction staging strategies and support the delivery of safe and efficient work zone traffic control.
  • Provide technical guidance and recommendations to project teams, developers, consultants, and local agencies through meetings and written communications.
  • Assess project implementation in the field and support Project Engineer Offices by identifying deficiencies and recommending corrective actions.
  • Develop and review Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and traffic-related requirements for Design-Build and Progressive Design-Build projects.
  • Support updates to WSDOT traffic policies, manuals, and standard plans by reviewing proposed changes, coordinating stakeholder feedback, and recommending improvements for consistency.

Qualifications

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

  • Engineering Knowledge: Demonstrated experience applying engineering principles, methods, and practices to project management in transportation or construction environments. This includes expertise in design development, construction techniques, and/or contract administration.
  • Project & Design Oversight: Ability to review engineering designs and documentation to ensure accuracy, compliance with standards, and constructability. Apply advanced traffic engineering knowledge to analyze complex transportation issues, evaluate alternatives, and develop practical solutions.
  • Technical & Digital Proficiency: Advanced skills in operating Windows-based systems and engineering software, including MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, SharePoint, Outlook), MS Teams, cloud-based platforms, and system databases for project tracking and information management.
  • Communication Skills: Advanced skills in professional communication, specifically in communicating technical information effectively and professionally to a diverse audience, including those with non-technical backgrounds, virtually and in person, using a variety of electronic media, including, but not limited to telephones, email, text, video conferencing, and computer conferencing.
  • Productivity: Ability to manage multiple assignments simultaneously, prioritize workloads, and consistently meet project schedules and deadlines. Demonstrated experience working effectively as an individual and within a diverse team environment.
  • 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:

  • Engineering Knowledge and Technical Expertise: Demonstrated understanding of civil, structural, geotechnical, transportation, or related engineering principles, methods, and standards.
  • Professional Engineering Credentials: Ability to apply engineering judgment and ethical practice consistent with recognized certification or licensure requirements.
  • Project and Program Management: Proven ability to coordinate, manage, and deliver multiple engineering projects involving interdisciplinary teams, support groups, stakeholders, and partnering agencies.
  • Plan and Specification Review: Skilled in reviewing, interpreting, and validating engineering plans, specifications, and construction documents to ensure compliance with applicable standards and requirements.
  • Engineering Analysis and Problem-Solving: Demonstrated ability to evaluate complex engineering challenges, develop alternative approaches, and recommend effective technical solutions.


Important Notes

  • This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
  • This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
  • 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 are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle.
  • 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 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 listed Recruiter.

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Robyn.Lovely@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-OR-32741e in the subject line.

See more open positions at Washington Department of Natural Resources