Salary : $71,472.00 - $96,144.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Tumwater, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 26DOT-HQ-05314
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Division: Headquarters
Opening Date: 06/08/2026
Closing Date: 6/22/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
The Opportunity

WSDOT is currently seeking a Transportation Engineer 2 to serve as a Contracts Liaison in Tumwater, WA. This position supports WSDOT's mission by applying State and Federally defined professional service procurement regulations and best practices in support of transportation projects and programs, including smart highways and other new technology implementation across WSDOT divisions, regions and/or major functional areas. This role applies project management knowledge, advanced technical understanding, and established procurement practices to coordinate multi-million-dollar projects, oversee contract development and administration, and collaborate with engineers, project managers, contractors, and stakeholders to meet strict schedules and project requirements. Successful candidates will bring proven abilities in strategic procurement, technical problem-solving, project coordination, and skills in managing detailed administrative and engineering-related contract processes.
What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Contracts Liaison will:

• Assist with the development, negotiation, and implementation of scopes of work, delivery schedules and contract documents in support of engineering, IT, and any other contract needs.
• Coordinate software license renewals well in advance of due dates to ensure there is no break in service.
• Draft, edit, review, interpret, and clarify contract provisions, legal requirements, terms, conditions, specifications, and quotations.
• Provide guidance to project managers and engineers in contract administration.
• Independently develop multi-party agreements with other state and local agencies.
• Independently develop acquisition plans, project and/or acquisition schedules, scopes of work and day-to-day contract administration.
• Review software licenses and enterprise software contracts/agreements for compliance with license terms and for strategic planning purposes maintain records of acquisitions and contracts.
• Review WSDOT Contract Services Office policies for compliance and recommend changes to training programs when needed.
• Identify contract issues and coordinates remedies.

Qualifications

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

• Decision Quality & Problem Solving: Experience developing, negotiating, and managing contracts and procurements in accordance with public sector laws and regulations
• Strategic Mindset: Ability to plan and manage procurement timelines, deliverables, and milestones to support contracting efforts. Comfortable managing a variety of contract types and adjusting to shifting priorities and evolving project needs.
• Customer Focus & Collaboration: Ability to manage documentation, ensure legal and policy compliance, and maintain organized contract and procurement records. Skills to provide professional guidance and support to internal customers throughout the contract life cycle.
• Communication Skills: Strong interpersonal and written communication skills to facilitate procurement processes, lead evaluation panels, and coordinate with engineers, managers, vendors, and stakeholders.
• Technical Expertise: Familiarity with state and federal contracting rules, risk management principles, and public works compliance (e.g., performance bonds, retainage, affidavits). Skilled in evaluating scopes of work, developing selection criteria, analyzing proposals, and identifying contract risks and mitigation strategies.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate/have:

• Transportation Engineering: Knowledge of general transportation engineering principles, practices, and project considerations.
• Statutory & Policy Understanding: Knowledge and understanding of RCW 39.26, RCW 39.34, and Department of Enterprise Services (DES) procurement policies and procedures.
• Problem-Solving in Engineering Environments: Experience resolving procurement or contract issues related to consultant and vendor-supported multimodal highway and transportation engineering projects.
• Information Technology Procurement Knowledge: Understanding of IT implementation, applications, and contract considerations, including experience supporting IT-related procurements.
• Public Disclosure Expertise: Thorough knowledge of public disclosure request requirements, processes, and related compliance considerations.

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 the salary range listed, a general wage increase of 2% will be applied for all state employees on July 1, 2026.
• 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-05314 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 holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of