Design Engineer (TE2) In-Training | Multiple Positions

Washington Department of Natural Resources
Washington Department of Natural Resources

Design

Washington, USA · Multiple locations

USD 76,545-102,967 / year

Posted on Aug 27, 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 seeking several motivated and detail-oriented Transportation Engineers to serve as Design Engineers in Shoreline, WA. The Design Engineer is responsible for activities that are necessary to support the scoping, development, and implementation of assigned projects in areas including, but not limited to, safety, preservation, fish passage, and improvement. The Design Engineer position highly impacts WSDOT's mission to provide and support safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation options to improve communities and economic vitality for people and businesses. Successful candidates will possess strong engineering judgment and a commitment to delivering transportation solutions that benefit the traveling public.


What to Expect

These positions may perform a limited amount of work in the field, outside of the traveled way. Exposure to hazards includes traffic, all weather conditions, and traversing uneven terrain.

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

  • Proactively prepare plans, specifications, estimates, documentation, reports, data, or other items pertaining to the successful delivery of assigned projects.
  • Analyze, track, and make recommendations affecting design schedule, scope, and budget.
  • Develop special provisions and identify general special provisions needed for construction contracts.
  • Compile, review, and address comments on all project deliverables; coordinate with reviewers and designers to ensure comments are resolved.
  • Research and collect preliminary documents.
  • Develop exhibits/plan sheets for design tasks; develop exhibits/plan sheets requested by support groups for their reports.
  • Proactively and effectively coordinate design, contract development, schedules and budgets with WSDOT leadership, internal colleagues, support groups, and local agencies to deliver assigned transportation project(s).

Qualifications

These are Transportation Engineer 2 positions. 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:

  • Engineering Knowledge: Knowledge of civil engineering principles and ability to apply entry-level civil engineering practices to transportation-related projects typically demonstrated through formal education in civil engineering and/or Certification as an Engineer-In-Training (EIT). Knowledge of basic engineering and mathematical principles.
  • Engineering Technology & CADD: Demonstrated experience using engineering software, computer-aided drafting (CADD) applications, and other computer technologies to develop transportation design plans, profiles, cross-sections, and estimates. Ability to perform quality control reviews at various project development stages.
  • Technology & Software: Experience using Microsoft Office Suite to support documentation and engineering tasks.
  • Data Collection & Analysis: Experience reviewing, structuring, and interpreting qualitative and quantitative data to support sound engineering decisions.
  • Communication & Interpersonal Proficiency: Effective written and verbal communication skills to share technical information clearly with a variety of stakeholders, including engineers, contractors, and the public.
  • Technical Writing & Documentation Skills: Experience creating and reviewing design documentation, stormwater reports, environmental documentation, and right-of-way and access plans.
  • Planning & Organizational Skills: Strong organizational skills to manage concurrent projects, schedules, and deliverables.
  • 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 have:

  • Transportation Design Skills: Demonstrated ability to perform transportation design, including experience preparing or reviewing design plans, specifications, and estimates. Experience applying WSDOT design standards, methods, and processes to the development of project plans and design documentation.
  • Project Management Exposure: Experience supporting or performing project management tasks such as organizing resources, tracking process, and contributing to successful project delivery, with specific experience utilizing Primavera P6.

*To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting.

Important Notes

  • This recruitment will be used to fill multiple design engineer positions in Shoreline, WA and may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
  • The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County.
  • These positions offer flexible/hybrid remote work options.
  • These are Transportation Engineer 2 positions. 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 annual salaries for each level are:
    • Transportation Engineer 2: $76,545 – $102,967
    • Transportation Engineer 1: $69,375 – $93,227
  • 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 individual’s lifestyle.
  • Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees 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. NOTE: This information may 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 Rachel.Giese@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-NWR-10156m in the subject line.