Project Engineer (WMS3)

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 manages the world's longest floating bridge, leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds the record for the world's widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity

WSDOT I-405/SR 167 Program is currently seeking a Project Engineer (WMS3) to lead the delivery of the highway design and construction contracts. This role ensures compliance with local, state, and federal standards while meeting project scope, schedule, and budget requirements. The position focuses on safety, minimizing travel disruptions, and maintaining high-quality infrastructure development. By overseeing critical engineering and construction activities, this role supports WSDOT's mission to enhance transportation efficiency, safety, and sustainability.

What to Expect

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

• Certify compliance with WSDOT standards and policies by using a Professional Engineer's stamp on all design documents and construction changes.
• Develop and oversee project budgets, schedules, and workforce allocation to ensure efficient execution.
• Lead and supervise a team of engineers, interns, temporary employees, and consultants.
• Ensure all projects meet WSDOT policies, procedures, environmental regulations, and documentation requirements.
• Coordinate with external agencies, consultants, public entities, and internal teams to integrate provisions into contracts and resolve conflicts.
• Provide regular project status updates to regional and statewide executive management to maintain transparency and accountability.
• Collaborate with citizens, media, elected officials, and contractors to plan, build, maintain, and operate a safe transportation system.
• Develop cost-effective preliminary engineering designs that meet safety, mobility, and environmental needs.
• Oversee procurement, administration, and performance monitoring of design-build and bid-build contracts.
• Negotiate and authorize contract change orders and engineering modifications to align with project goals and serve the public interest.

Qualifications

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

• Highway and Bridge Engineering Expertise: Strong background in highway and bridge design and construction, with the ability to apply civil engineering principles to complex transportation projects.
• Complex Construction Oversight: Capability to oversee unique and technically advanced construction elements such as floating bridges, bascule bridges, intelligent transportation systems, and toll systems. Demonstrated experience developing and implementing advanced technical solutions for large-scale civil infrastructure and environmental retrofits in sensitive natural environments, working with multiple stakeholders to achieve project goals.
• Leadership and Workforce Management: Demonstrated ability to apply management principles to lead diverse teams, plan workforce needs, manage personnel effectively, and mentor staff to improve performance.
• Environmental and Regulatory Knowledge: Experience working with environmental and permitting agencies and applying regulations related to noise ordinances, wetlands, surface water runoff, water quality, sensitive areas, air quality, and shoreline permits.
• Contract Administration Knowledge: Knowledge of contract administration policy and construction contract law, with the ability to administer projects in compliance with applicable requirements.
• Technical Knowledge of Public-Sector Practices: Knowledge of design processes, contract advertisement and award procedures, and principles of working within large organizations governed by merit system rules, affirmative action practices, and union contracts.
• Problem-Solving and Collaboration: Proven ability to collaborate with others to resolve major design and construction changes, disputes, claims, and problems.
• Negotiation Skills: Demonstrated ability to negotiate successfully with contractors to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
• Communication and Public Engagement: Strong ability to communicate effectively, including public speaking, stakeholder engagement, and contract partnering.
• Professional Licensure: Possession of a valid Professional Civil Engineer (PE) registration in the State of Washington.
• Respect and Equity: Demonstrates the ability to contribute to a work environment that fosters respect, inclusion, and equal opportunity for all.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Project Delivery Experience: Minimum of four (4) years delivering design and/or construction projects.
• Procurement Process Knowledge: Experience with both design-build and design-bid-build procurement methods.
• Multi-Agency Coordination: Experience working with multi-disciplinary teams and agencies to deliver transportation projects.
• FHWA Program Knowledge: Knowledge of FHWA processes and requirements for federally funded projects and ensuring it meets their federal stewardship obligations.
• Workforce Mentorship Experience: Background in coaching and mentoring employees to foster career growth and improve performance.
• Performance Improvement Skills: Ability to assist underperforming employees or those with disciplinary concerns to improve behavior and performance.
• Advanced Education in Civil Engineering: Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related field.

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 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 Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28of 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. 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.

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.

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 .... Please be sure to reference 25DOT-NWR-8W171 in the subject line.