Construction Transportation Engineer (TE2)

About WSDOT

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal organization with a global reputation for excellence! Our dedicated workforce is responsible to plan, design, build, and operate an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 18,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT manages the world's longest floating bridge, executes an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds a record for the world's widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity

WSDOT is currently seeking multiple Transportation Engineer 2s to serve as the Assistant Materials Engineer and Project Inspectors in Seattle, WA.

As an Assistant Materials Engineer, the incumbent serves as the primary person responsible for verifying the quality of all materials incorporated into highway construction projects through material test results and documentations, comply with contract plans, WSDOT Standard Specifications, Special Provisions, and environmental permits. This position will review contractor submittals including shop drawings, materials mix designs, certifications, and source approvals, and coordinate laboratory sampling and testing, to ensure every permanent material meets engineering, safety, and regulatory standards.

As a Project Inspector, the incumbent is responsible for inspecting roads, structures, and related construction elements to ensure compliance with contract plans, WSDOT Standard Specifications, Special Provisions, and environmental requirements. This position may serve as the lead inspector on a moderately sized project, a significant portion of a larger project, or oversee multiple smaller projects concurrently. The incumbent may also inspect specialized features such as major structures, illumination systems, electrical systems, signal systems, or enclosed drainage systems. Responsibilities include analyzing and interpreting plans and specifications, verifying alignment, monitoring work for conformance to requirements, tracking material quantities and quality, ensuring accurate project documentation, and providing training and leadership to staff.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Assistant Materials Engineer will:

• Independently oversee the operations of the offices material documentation process.
• Review, evaluate, and approve contractor material submittals, shop drawings, mix designs, and certificates of compliance.
• Gather, research, and analyze contract change orders, plans, specifications, permits, letters, and other documentation that affect materials for assigned projects.
• Coordinate with Region Materials Lab, project inspectors, fabrication shops, and contractors to resolve material-related questions and ensure products meet WSDOT Standard Specifications, Special Provisions, and QPL requirements.
• Prepare and maintain the project Materials Checklist, documenting any deficiencies and recommended corrective actions.
• Verify that all permanent materials are sampled, tested, and accepted in accordance with the Construction Manual and contract requirements.
• Conduct field visits as needed to observe material placement, collect samples, and support quality assurance testing.
• Transport up to 40 lbs. for materials sampling and testing while traversing uneven terrain.

The Project Inspector will:

• Independently inspect highway construction projects to verify compliance with contract plans, WSDOT Standard Specifications, Special Provisions, and environmental permits.
• Document contractor work activities through daily inspection reports (IDRs), field notes, and photographs, ensuring accurate records of construction progress and compliance.
• Interpret and apply engineering plans, specifications, and permits in the field; provide clarification to contractors as needed to maintain quality and contract adherence.
• Coordinate with materials engineers to confirm that all permanent materials are sampled, tested, and accepted prior to installation, in accordance with contract requirements.
• Prepare pay notes and initiate contractor payments through Unifier; compile as-built plans and assist with project closeout documentation.
• Conduct wage rate interviews and perform on-site reviews of disadvantaged business enterprise participation to ensure contract compliance.
• Assist in the supervision and training of junior field staff, including Transportation Engineers and Technicians, to support consistent inspection practices.
• Participate in constructability reviews for future projects by evaluating plans and specifications and providing feedback.
• Operate WSDOT-issued vehicles to travel to project sites; carry and use field inspection tools and materials testing equipment, including nuclear density gauges weighing up to 40 lbs.

Qualifications

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

• Certification as an Engineer-in-training and one (1) year of experience as a Transportation Engineer 1, Transportation Technician 3, Bridge Engineer 1 or equivalent experience in construction management, materials testing, or materials documentation.

OR

• Two (2) years of experience as a Transportation Engineer 1, Transportation Technician 3, Bridge Engineer 1 or equivalent experience in construction management, materials testing, or materials documentation.

OR

• Bachelors degree with major study in civil engineering, structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, soil mechanics, traffic, transportation, or a closely related field.

In addition:

• Valid drivers license
• Strong communication skills, including ability to express complex concepts clearly and concisely.
• Experience reading, interpreting, understanding, reviewing, and producing contract plans, specifications, and estimates.
• The ability to solve engineering problems of varying complexity using mathematics, including algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and statistics.
• The ability to work outside in all types of weather conditions, traverse uneven terrain, and work in confined spaces.
• Knowledge and proficiency with computer technology, including knowledge of engineering and computer aided drafting software applications.
• Knowledge of construction/engineering procedures and practices, research methods, data collection, and communication/correspondence practices.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Experience as a construction inspector inspecting drainage, Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA), bridge construction, environmental and in-water work.
• Experience working for long periods of time on major highways with complex traffic control set ups.
• Experience inspecting fish passage projects with environmentally vulnerable project locations.
• Experience acting as an onsite lead representing an agency.
• Experience mentoring and directing the duties of coworkers.
• Engineer-In-Training (EIT) or BSCE.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• The salary range listed includes the legislative approved general wage increase of 3%, effective on July 1, 2025.
• The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County.
• 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 . Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in 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 .

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 for more information.

Check out this video to learn more:

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.

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Amanda Strebeck, at ... . Please be sure to reference Assistant Materials Engineer #13337 in the subject line.