Project Engineer (WMS3)

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 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 is currently seeking a Project Engineer to support the successful delivery of transportation projects that improve safety, mobility, and economic vitality across Washington State. This position provides licensed professional engineering oversight for design and construction projects, including contract preparation and administration, to ensure work is completed safely, on time, and within budget while minimizing impacts to the traveling public. The Project Engineer prioritizes personal, coworker, and public safety in all work activities and integrates sustainable transportation practices into project delivery. This role also helps foster a culture of belonging, access, and respect, supporting WSDOT’s commitment to an inclusive workplace and a resilient transportation system.

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

• Certify design documents, plans, specifications, and construction changes using a Professional Engineer’s stamp to ensure compliance with all applicable standards and policies.
• Plan project budgets, schedules, and staffing strategies to effectively deliver Capital Improvement Projects (CIPP).
• Lead professional and technical staff, including engineers, technicians, interns, temporary employees, and consultants, through design development and contract administration.
• Manage multiple transportation improvement, preservation, safety, and fish passage projects to meet defined scope, schedule, budget, and documentation requirements.
• Evaluate project risks and ensure designs are constructible, maintainable, multimodal, and cost-effective for stakeholders and customers.
• Collaborate with staff, contractors, consultants, agencies, elected officials, media, and the public to plan and deliver transportation projects.
• Coordinate input and resolve conflicts among internal teams and external partners while engaging in virtual, office, field, and construction site meetings.
• Report project status, progress, and risks to regional and statewide executive leadership to support accountability and informed decision-making.

• In-depth knowledge of highway design, Plan, Specification, and Estimate (PS&E) preparation. 
• In-depth knowledge of project delivery methods, including design-bid-build and design-build. 
• Understanding of highway construction principles and practices, including field operations and contractor coordination. 
• Proficient in surveying techniques and practices applicable to transportation projects. 
• Knowledge of transportation design principles, common transportation issues, and methods for analyzing and resolving transportation problems. 
• Understanding of programming, budgeting procedures, and legislative processes as they relate to transportation project planning and execution.

• Demonstrated experience managing complex capital transportation projects to meet established scope, schedule, budget, quality, and documentation requirements while managing risks. 
• Demonstrated ability to manage and prioritize limited resources amongst competing priorities. 

• Familiarity with applicable laws, regulations, permits, and agency policies, including environmental requirements, throughout project development and construction. 
• Ability to integrate compliance requirements into project delivery. 

• Demonstrated ability to plan and manage project budgets, schedules, staffing, and consultant resources to deliver capital programs effectively and efficiently. 

• Experience leading and supervising professional and technical staff, including providing direction, performance feedback, fostering a culture of accountability and performance, and addressing personnel matters. 

• Ability to collaborate effectively with internal staff, external agencies, consultants, contractors, elected officials, and the public to define and deliver project requirements. 

• Demonstrated ability to communicate technical, financial, and schedule information clearly and effectively, including reporting project status to executive leadership. 

• Proven ability to identify issues, evaluate options, and implement practical solutions. Skilled in conflict resolution and facilitating constructive dialogue.

• Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.

• Takes action to meet the needs of others.

• Registered as a Professional Engineer in Civil Engineering within the State of Washington.
• Ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain. 
• Available outside of standard business hours to address emergent issues.

• Consultant & Construction Contract Management: Experience managing engineering consultants and administering construction contracts. 
• Project Delivery Methods: Experience designing, procuring, and administering transportation projects through design-bid-build and design-build methodologies. 
• FHWA Process Knowledge: Familiarity with Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) processes, procedures, and requirements for delivering federally funded transportation projects. Ability to ensure compliance with federal stewardship obligations, documentation, and reporting standards. 
• Change Management: Demonstrated knowledge and experience managing organizational or project-level changes. Ability to lead teams through transitions in scope, structure, policy, or project delivery approach using effective change management strategies. 
• Public Sector Transportation Skills: Experience delivering capital transportation projects within a public-sector environment. 

• 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. 

• 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. 

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 yasmin.munoz@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-NWR-1W198 in the subject line.