Assistant Project Engineer (WMS2)

State of Washington$103K — $126K *
Transportation
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Washington State Professional Engineering licensure or ability to obtain within six months
  • Experience managing complex civil or structural engineering projects
  • Strong leadership ability and knowledge of environmental regulations
  • Extensive experience in transportation design and construction
  • Ability to collaborate across diverse teams and negotiate solutions
  • Safely perform site visits and inspections in dynamic environments
  • Commitment to continuous learning and serving others

Responsibilities

  • Plan budgets, schedules, and workforce for highway construction projects
  • Ensure projects are completed safely and within WSDOT policies
  • Certify adherence to engineering standards with a Professional Engineer's stamp
  • Collaborate with outside agencies and stakeholders during project development
  • Report project status to WSDOT executive management
  • Resolve conflicts with various internal and external parties
  • Supervise and mentor engineers and technical staff

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Access to flexible spending accounts for healthcare expenses
  • Dependent care assistance to save on child or elder care costs
  • Participation in a respected retirement system with employer contributions
  • Options for deferred compensation through a supplemental retirement savings program
  • Paid holidays and personal leave days each year
  • Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness program
Full Job Description
Salary : $103,320.00 - $126,504.00 Annually
Location : Snohomish County - Everett, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 26DOT-NWR-1W109e-1
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Division: Northwest Region
Opening Date: 07/28/2026
Closing Date: 8/12/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
The Opportunity
WSDOT Northwest Region is seeking an Assistant Project Engineer (WMS2) for the Everett Construction Project Engineering Office team. This position supports the agency's mission, strategic plan goal areas and safety of the traveling public by assisting and acting on behalf of the Project Engineer in the delivery and administration of construction contracts to ensure their completion is on time, budget and are completed safely with minimal impacts on the environment and the traveling public. This position is expected to consider personal, coworker, and public safety as the first and foremost objectives during the planning and performance of all activities in connection with work assignments. The appointee is expected to consider and implement sustainable transportation practices in accomplishing the work assigned.
What to Expect
This position is responsible for the delivery of assigned NWR Sno-King Area highway construction projects. This position makes decisions on a wide range of constructability issues dealing with WSDOT, consultants, other agencies, the public, and issues affecting the traveling public.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Assistant Project Engineer will:
  • Strategically plan the budget, schedule, and Workforce necessary to deliver Capital Improvements and Preservation projects.
  • Ensure all assigned projects are managed according to WSDOT policy and procedures, delivered in an environmentally responsible manner consistent with applicable laws, on or before scheduled due date, within or under budgeted amount, and are constructible, maintainable, and cost effective for all Stakeholders and customers.
  • Certify, by use of their Professional Engineer's stamp, that all WSDOT standards and policies were followed in the changes executed in the administration of construction projects.
  • Partner with outside agencies/contractors/public entities and internal departments to identify what provisions will be addressed in the project development process for each project and executing the resulting requirements in construction contracts.
  • Report on the status of assigned projects to WSDOT Regional and Statewide Executive management to support and improve the accountability of WSDOT.
  • Coordinate input and resolve conflicts with internal organizations, personnel, outside agencies, consultants, and the public.
  • Manage the workload of professional and technical engineers including summer interns, temporary employees, and engineering consultants and supervise their performance. Lead the staff development effort by recommending training classes, mentoring or coaching

Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required:
  • Professional Engineering Expertise: Demonstrated ability to apply advanced engineering principles and judgment in engineering projects, supported by current Washington State Professional Engineering licensure or the capability to obtain licensure within six months of employment.
  • Complex Project Delivery: Proven competency in managing and delivering complex civil or structural engineering projects, including coordinating multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders, resolving technical issues, and ensuring compliance with engineering standards.
  • Leadership, Management, and Regulatory Knowledge: Strong ability to lead and collaborate across teams, supported by comprehensive knowledge of engineering principles, environmental regulations, and agency policies. Skilled in communicating technical information, coordinating with internal and external partners, and making informed decisions that align with regulatory requirements.
  • Transportation Design and Construction Expertise: Extensive experience applying engineering concepts to both transportation design and/ or construction, including the ability to interpret plans, evaluate constructability, identify risks, and implement solutions that improve project outcomes.
  • Collaborative Problem-Solving: Demonstrated ability to partner with diverse stakeholders to analyze, negotiate, and implement major design or construction changes, balancing technical requirements, project goals, and field conditions.
  • Field Assessment and Site Evaluation: Ability to safely perform site visits and inspections in dynamic field environments, including navigating uneven terrain, working near active traffic, and operating in all weather conditions to assess project progress and identify engineering or safety concerns.
  • Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
  • Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

In addition to the competencies above, the following are also required:
  • Maintain Professional Engineering licensure in the State of Washington.
  • A valid driver's license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:
  • Engineering/Construction Education: A degree in civil or structural engineering, construction management or a related field.
  • Project Delivery Experience: Experience in delivering design and/ or construction projects.
  • WSDOT Expertise: WSDOT experience in project development, project delivery, procuring projects through the design-build and design-bid build processes.
  • Federal Compliance Knowledge: Knowledge of FHWA processes and requirements related to delivering federally funded projects and ensure WSDOT meets federal stewardship obligations.

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

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.
Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Please be sure to reference 26DOT-NWR-1W109e-1 in the subject line.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for hol

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