Salary : $71,472.00 - $96,144.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Tumwater, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: 26DOT-HQ-00654-1
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Division: Headquarters
Opening Date: 06/25/2026
Closing Date: 7/12/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
The Opportunity

WSDOT is seeking a Transportation Engineer 2 to serve as a lead Bituminous Testing Engineer in the Bituminous Mixtures Laboratory, which is responsible for supporting statewide WSDOT capitol construction projects and local jurisdictions with bituminous mixture design verification, conformation, and forensic testing. In this role, you will be responsible for overseeing testing, assisting in the scheduling, and training the technical staff within the laboratory. The Bituminous Testing Engineer will prepare, analyze and correct data entries performed by all laboratory technicians and maintain equipment calibration, maintenance, and associated records. Our top candidate will demonstrate strong technical expertise, effective problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to support laboratory operations, equipment, and quality assurance in a highly regulated environment.
What to Expect

The Bituminous Materials Section is part of the Construction Division State Materials Laboratory which provides materials testing, technical support and technology development for bituminous materials used by all Regions in the WSDOT construction program. This position performs materials testing in a laboratory environment; this includes exposure to chemicals, elevated temperatures, working with materials exceeding 325 degrees F, and working with various chemicals.
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Bituminous Testing Engineer will:

• Serve as lead, responsible for complex bituminous mixtures testing, hands-on training, instructing, and inspecting the work of other employees working in the Bituminous Mixtures Laboratory.
• Perform the most complex materials testing in the Bituminous Mixtures Laboratory in accordance with AASHTO, ASTM, WAQTC and WSDOT test procedures.
• Assist in preparation, analysis, verification and reporting of Quality Product List (QPL) asphalt mixtures which incorporate volumetric design of asphalt mixtures and all other asphalt mixture design types as requested.
• Perform all test methods assigned to the Bituminous Mixtures Laboratory.
• Maintain qualification and WAQTC AsTT-II accreditation in all Bituminous Mixture laboratory tests.
• Prepare, analyze and correct data entries performed by all laboratory technicians and maintain equipment calibrations, verifications, maintenance and associated records.
• Maintain, adjust, and verify laboratory testing equipment.
• Represent the Department in meetings with outside Agencies and consultants for specific projects as needed.
• Be responsible for testing AASHTO re:source Proficiency Samples and participation in AASHTO re:source onsite inspections.

Qualifications

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

Technical Bituminous Mixtures

• Experience interpreting and validating materials test data for use in engineering design, specification compliance, or performance evaluation.
• Knowledge of applicable testing methodologies and industry standards (AASHTO, ASTM, WAQTC, or equivalent).
• Experience with calibration, maintenance, and verification procedures for specialized laboratory instruments.
• Knowledge of safety regulations, risk mitigation practices, and environmental considerations in materials testing laboratories.
• Knowledge of engineering data analysis, including statistical methods for interpreting and validating complex material test results.
• Knowledge of quality assurance and accreditation processes related to laboratory testing, including proficiency sample programs and external audits.

Laboratory Operations & Management

• Experience performing and overseeing complex materials tests, ensuring data accuracy and procedural compliance.
• Skilled in laboratory management practices, including workflow coordination, quality control, and test standardization and organization including tracking test data, sample log-in, equipment maintenance, and calibrations.
• Experience adapting to and implementing new technologies, testing methods, and data systems to improve laboratory performance.

Personnel Leadership & Development

• Experience leading, mentoring, or training technical personnel in laboratory methods, equipment uses, and data analysis.
• Ability to lead quality assurance activities including proficiency testing, audit preparation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Skills to exercise professional judgment in evaluating material performance and test results.

Communication & Collaboration

• Experience preparing and presenting technical reports or findings to internal and external audiences.
• Knowledge of project coordination principles, including communication and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders such as engineers, consultants, and contractors.
• Skills to prepare detailed engineering reports, summaries, and presentations that convey technical findings clearly to varied audiences.
• Skills to represent the organization in technical meetings, reviews, or collaborative engineering projects.

Technical Problem Solving & Analysis

• Experience maintaining and calibrating specialized laboratory instruments and ensuring accuracy of results.
• Skills to analyze and validate test data to support engineering decisions, mixture design verification, and specification development.
• Ability to identify and resolve technical, procedural, or equipment issues through critical thinking and root cause analysis.

Growth Mindset

• Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.

Service-Oriented

• Takes action to meet the needs of others.

The following qualifications are also required:

• Ability to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to obtain and maintain qualifications in assigned test procedures.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also obtain:

• Status as a Qualified Tester in all tests associated with the Bituminous Mixtures Laboratory and proficiency in related specialized computer programs.

*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.
• In addition to the salary range listed, a general wage increase of 2% will be applied for all state employees on July 1, 2026.
• This position offers infrequent ad-hoc 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.

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. NOTE: This information may 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-HQ-00654-1 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.

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