Design & Quality Support Engineer (TE2) In-Training

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 Design & Quality Support Engineer (TE2) to join the Olympic Region Plans Office in Lacey, WA. In this role, you will prepare design documentation, plans, specifications, cost estimates, and schedules for highway construction projects while providing project review and quality control support to ensure designs meet WSDOT standards and contract requirements. Your work will help improve the safety, quality, and capacity of Washington’s transportation system while supporting responsible stewardship and long-term resilience.

What to Expect Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you will:

• Prepare contract plans, specifications, and cost estimates (PS&Es) for highway construction projects.
• Review and interpret written policies, engineering design manuals, construction plans, and engineering reports to prepare contract PS&Es.
• Develop horizontal and vertical alignments, structure site data packages, intersection/channelization plans, hydraulics, drainage, right-of-way plans, roadway sections, quantity calculations, and geometrics.
• Utilize computer aided design & drafting (CADD) systems for development of engineering designs, plans, and modeling of highway projects.
• Oversee, instruct, and direct work performed by transportation technicians.
• Conduct project site visits for observation, information gathering, and verifying as-build conditions.
• Create and assemble documentation of design standards and decisions made during the design process.
• Provide project review and quality control support to region project offices.

Qualifications This is a Transportation Engineer 2 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:

Required Competencies – Transportation Engineer 2 (TE2) Level:

• Foundational Engineering Technical Skills & Knowledge: Foundational knowledge of civil, structural, geotechnical, or transportation engineering principles, with the ability to apply engineering concepts to real-world transportation project scenarios. Note: Foundational knowledge may be supported by formal classroom training.
• Technical Interpretation, Analysis, & Problem Solving: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret engineering plans, specifications, contract documents, manuals, and technical data; identify issues or discrepancies; and apply sound engineering judgment to support effective, practical solutions.
• Engineering Documentation & Records Management: Ability to accurately document engineering, inspection, survey, materials, or project support activities through reports, field notes, calculations, quantities, records, and other required documentation in accordance with established standards and procedures.
• Engineering Technology and Software: Ability to use, or learn to use, engineering-related software and digital tools to support design, analysis, documentation, inspection, data collection, and project delivery (e.g., CAD, databases, spreadsheets, and agency systems).

Required Competencies – Transportation Engineer 1 (TE1) Level (In-Training):

• Engineering Fundamentals: Knowledge of basic engineering principles, typically demonstrated through a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (BSCE) or Structural Engineering (BSSE) or certification as an Engineer-in-Training (EIT).

The following qualifications are also required at all levels:

• Communication Skills: Skills to communicate information effectively and professionally to a diverse audience, including those with non-technical backgrounds, both virtually and in-person, using a variety of electronic media, including, but not limited to telephones, email, text, video conferencing, and computer conferencing.
• Project Skills: Proven skill to examine, develop and propose alternate solutions to complex elements of a project.
• Engineering Skills: Experience in reviewing engineering plans and specifications for compliance with established standards.
• Teamwork Skills: Experience in effectively working both individually and within a diverse team environment.
• Work Prioritization: Experience in working independently, prioritizing workload, and handling multiple assignments.
• Software Proficiency: Proficient in operating Windows based computers and software, such as MS Office Suite, including Excel, Word, SharePoint, and Outlook; and computer applications involving databases and computer aided engineering software.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.
• Ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain; perform duties low to the ground or at ground level; and stand for extended periods of time.
• Ability to travel to perform site/field visits, attend off-site meetings, meet with stakeholders, or attend training.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Certification as an Engineer-in-Training (EIT).

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.

• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options, with an expectation of working in the office one (1) day per week, depending on schedule and business needs.

• 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 2 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:

• Transportation Engineer 2: $72,900 – $98,064

• Transportation Engineer 1: $66,072 – $88,788

• 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. As such, there are a number of flexible schedule options available, including telework options for eligible positions.
• 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.

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 listed Recruiter. 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.

Contact Us For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at [email protected]. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-OR-32850 in the subject line.