Salary : $66,072.00 - $98,064.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Lacey, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 26DOT-OR-32850
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Division: Olympic Region
Opening Date: 10/29/2026
Closing Date: 11/15/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
DescriptionThe OpportunityWSDOT is currently seeking a Design & Quality Support Engineer () to join the Olympic Region Plans Office in Lacey, WA. In this role, you will prepare design documentation, plans, specifications, cost estimates, and schedules for highway construction projects while providing project review and quality control support to ensure designs meet WSDOT standards and contract requirements. Your work will help improve the safety, quality, and capacity of Washington's transportation system while supporting responsible stewardship and long-term resilience.
What to ExpectAmong the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you will:
- Prepare contract plans, specifications, and cost estimates (PS&Es) for highway construction projects.
- Review and interpret written policies, engineering design manuals, construction plans, and engineering reports to prepare contract PS&Es.
- Develop horizontal and vertical alignments, structure site data packages, intersection/channelization plans, hydraulics, drainage, right-of-way plans, roadway sections, quantity calculations, and geometrics.
- Utilize computer aided design & drafting (CADD) systems for development of engineering designs, plans, and modeling of highway projects.
- Oversee, instruct, and direct work performed by transportation technicians.
- Conduct project site visits for observation, information gathering, and verifying as-build conditions.
- Create and assemble documentation of design standards and decisions made during the design process.
- Provide project review and quality control support to region project offices.
QualificationsThis is a Transportation Engineer 2 position. However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at a lower level in the based on candidate qualifications, providing an opportunity for an individual to gain the required experience on the job as part of a formal "in-training" plan.
To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required:
Required Competencies - Transportation Engineer 2 (TE2) Level:
- Foundational Engineering Technical Skills & Knowledge: Foundational knowledge of civil, structural, geotechnical, or transportation engineering principles, with the ability to apply engineering concepts to real-world transportation project scenarios. Note: Foundational knowledge may be supported by formal classroom training.
- Technical Interpretation, Analysis, & Problem Solving: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret engineering plans, specifications, contract documents, manuals, and technical data; identify issues or discrepancies; and apply sound engineering judgment to support effective, practical solutions.
- Engineering Documentation & Records Management: Ability to accurately document engineering, inspection, survey, materials, or project support activities through reports, field notes, calculations, quantities, records, and other required documentation in accordance with established standards and procedures.
- Engineering Technology and Software: Ability to use, or learn to use, engineering-related software and digital tools to support design, analysis, documentation, inspection, data collection, and project delivery (e.g., CAD, databases, spreadsheets, and agency systems).
Required Competencies - Transportation Engineer 1 (TE1) Level (In-Training):
- Engineering Fundamentals: Knowledge of basic engineering principles, typically demonstrated through a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (BSCE) or Structural Engineering (BSSE) or certification as an Engineer-in-Training (EIT).
The following qualifications are also required at all levels:
- Communication Skills: Skills to communicate information effectively and professionally to a diverse audience, including those with non-technical backgrounds, both virtually and in-person, using a variety of electronic media, including, but not limited to telephones, email, text, video conferencing, and computer conferencing.
- Project Skills: Proven skill to examine, develop and propose alternate solutions to complex elements of a project.
- Engineering Skills: Experience in reviewing engineering plans and specifications for compliance with established standards.
- Teamwork Skills: Experience in effectively working both individually and within a diverse team environment.
- Work Prioritization: Experience in working independently, prioritizing workload, and handling multiple assignments.
- Software Proficiency: Proficient in operating Windows based computers and software, such as MS Office Suite, including Excel, Word, SharePoint, and Outlook; and computer applications involving databases and computer aided engineering software.
- Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
- Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.
- Ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain; perform duties low to the ground or at ground level; and stand for extended periods of time.
- Ability to travel to perform site/field visits, attend off-site meetings, meet with stakeholders, or attend training.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:
- Certification as an Engineer-in-Training (EIT).
Important Notes - This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
- This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options, with an expectation of working in the office one (1) day per week, depending on schedule and business needs.
- 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.
- This is a Transportation Engineer 2 position. However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at a lower level in the based on candidate qualifications, providing an opportunity for an individual to gain the required experience on the job as part of a formal "in-training" plan. The base salaries for each level are:
- Transportation Engineer 2: $72,900 - $98,064
- Transportation Engineer 1: $66,072 - $88,788
- 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 ApplyApplications 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 UsFor inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at . Please be sure to reference
26DOT-OR-32850 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 BenefitsEmployees 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 CompensationState 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 SecurityAll 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 ForgivenessIf 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 pa
