Salary : $78,912.00 - $106,104.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Tumwater, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: 26DOT-HQ-00433e
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Division: Headquarters
Opening Date: 06/24/2026
Closing Date: 7/8/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
The Opportunity

WSDOT is seeking an Electrical & Cement Materials Testing Engineer (TE3) to join the Specialty Services Section at the State Materials Laboratory in Tumwater, WA. In this role, you will play a critical part in supporting transportation projects across Washington by overseeing specialized materials testing programs that help ensure the safety, quality, and performance of infrastructure investments.

This position serves as a technical leader responsible for coordinating and overseeing complex laboratory testing of electrical and cementitious materials used in transportation construction projects statewide. You will work closely with project engineers, contractors, manufacturers, technicians, and agency partners to provide expert testing services, technical guidance, and quality assurance support. The work performed directly contributes to the successful delivery of transportation projects by ensuring materials meet established standards, specifications, and performance requirements.
What to Expect

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

• Oversee daily operations within the Electrical and Cement Laboratories, including organizing and tracking samples, scheduling testing activities, assigning work, and reviewing testing performed by laboratory staff.
• Perform and maintain qualifications in specialized electrical and cement materials testing procedures and ensure testing activities comply with established standards and specifications.
• Conduct testing of traffic controllers, signal cabinets, uninterruptable power supply (UPS) systems, and other electrical materials used on transportation projects.
• Perform verification, confirmation, and forensic testing of cement, blended hydraulic cement, fly ash, slag, natural pozzolans, aggregates, and concrete curing compounds.
• Prepare, review, and communicate testing reports and results to project engineers, contractors, local agencies, federal partners, and other stakeholders.
• Troubleshoot testing issues, perform diagnostic evaluations, and operate specialized laboratory equipment and environmental testing chambers.
• Utilize forklifts, pallet jacks, and safe lifting practices to move, organize, prepare, and manage testing materials and samples.
• Assist with scheduling and coordinating activities associated with the Cement Acceptance Program.
• Independently schedule, prioritize, and coordinate laboratory testing activities while communicating with contractors, manufacturers, and project partners.
• Train, qualify, and support laboratory technicians while ensuring tester qualifications and equipment verifications remain current within an accredited laboratory environment.
• Review contract plans, specifications, and submitted materials to verify compliance with project requirements prior to testing.
• Oversee equipment calibration, verification, maintenance, and repair activities while coordinating with external vendors as needed.
• Provide support to other laboratory sections, serve as backup for section staff, travel to project sites or regional offices for troubleshooting assistance, and participate in meetings and training opportunities.

Qualifications

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

• Workload Management: Ability to work independently, prioritize competing assignments, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Training and Leadership: Ability to supervise, train, and support employees in a laboratory setting.
• Technical Equipment Operation: Demonstrated proficiency in reading, understanding, operating, and troubleshooting laboratory instruments and testing equipment.
• Materials Testing: Demonstrated ability to perform complex materials testing while ensuring procedural compliance and data accuracy.
• Engineering Knowledge: Knowledge of engineering principles, methods, and practices related to materials testing and transportation projects.
• Materials Testing Standards: Knowledge of material testing procedures, specifications, and quality requirements.
• Communication: Ability to communicate technical information effectively to diverse audiences both verbally and in writing.
• Problem Solving: Ability to evaluate complex issues, develop alternatives, and recommend effective solutions.
• Technical Adaptability: Ability to select and adapt testing techniques to resolve transportation-related materials testing challenges.
• Plan and Specification Review: Knowledge of reviewing engineering plans and specifications for compliance with established standards.
• Quality Assurance: Knowledge of laboratory quality assurance practices, accreditation requirements, proficiency programs, and external audits.
• Safety Focus: Ability to follow safety requirements and perform work safely in laboratory environments.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.
• Respectful Workplace Practices: Ability to contribute to a work environment that fosters a culture of respect and equal opportunity.

The following qualifications are also required:

• A valid driver's license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
• Ability to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Work with materials exceeding 400 degrees F.
• Stand for long periods of time and walk long distances
• Work under time constraints using timers, stopwatches, etc.
• Work for periods of time which may exceed normal shifts.
• Work with a variety of chemicals in the laboratory setting.
• Wear appropriate personal protection equipment and adequate clothing for specific work activity.
• Maintain qualifications in assigned test procedures.
• Maintain forklift operator certification.
• This position may require cross training and qualifications in other laboratories that are part of the Construction Materials Division to assist as needed.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Transportation Engineering Experience: Experience applying transportation engineering principles within a transportation-related environment.
• Electrical Materials Testing Knowledge: Knowledge of electrical materials testing methods, procedures, and equipment.
• Cement Testing Knowledge: Knowledge of cementitious materials testing methods, procedures, and equipment.
• Technical Systems Proficiency: Proficiency using specialized software programs, testing systems, and equipment associated with materials testing operations.

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.
• 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 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-HQ-00433 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 o