Salary : $102,996.00 - $138,552.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Lacey, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 26DOT-HQ-00209
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Division: Headquarters
Opening Date: 08/04/2026
Closing Date: 8/18/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
DescriptionThe OpportunityWSDOT is seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Bridge Engineer 5 to support the successful delivery of transportation improvement projects across Washington State. In this role, you will develop complete Plans, Specifications, and Estimates (PS&E) packages for a wide range of bridge and transportation structure projects, including Design-Bid-Build, Design-Build, rehabilitation, movable and floating bridges, and other complex infrastructure. Responsibilities include preparing project-specific specifications, construction cost estimates, and working day schedules, participating in constructability and value engineering reviews, and collaborating with project teams to ensure contract documents are accurate, comprehensive, and ready for advertisement. By providing high-quality PS&E packages, this position directly supports WSDOT's mission to provide safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation options that strengthen communities and support Washington's economy.
What to ExpectAmong the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Specifications and Estimates Engineer will:
- Assemble all applicable general special provisions, write pertinent project specific special provisions, and prepare cost and working days estimates for all types of transportation structures.
- Review all available data including final design plans, geotechnical report, job file, electrical and mechanical rehabilitation inspection reports, special provision checklist, and quantity calculations.
- Research and write project specific special provisions for new and unique items of work.
- Develop cost estimates by determining unit prices for bid items and review the cost estimates for electrical and mechanical rehabilitation work.
- Develop construction working days schedules by analyzing the number of work items, the quantity of work in each work item, and the order of work.
- Assemble the complete specifications, cost estimate and bid items and furnish plans for distribution to the Region and others.
- Review the civil and bridge contract plans, specifications, and estimate for all assigned projects.
- Coordinate the resolution of review comments pertaining to Bridge PS&E.
- Attend task force meetings for projects as a Bridge Office representative.
QualificationsTo be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required:
- Bridge Specifications and Contract Documents: Demonstrated expertise preparing and reviewing specifications, engineer's estimates, bid items, and construction schedules for bridge and transportation structure projects.
- Transportation Standards and Specifications: Demonstrated familiarity with the WSDOT Standard Specifications, General Special Provisions, and project-specific special provisions.
- Bridge Engineering Principles: Demonstrated experience applying the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) Bridge Design Specifications and sound engineering judgment to bridge and transportation structure projects.
- Construction Estimating and Quantification: Demonstrated experience preparing quantities takeoff calculations, working day schedules, and construction cost estimates for transportation structure projects.
- 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:
- A Bachelor of Science degree in civil or structural engineering.
- Licensed as a Professional Engineer in the state of Washington or licensed in another state and able to obtain Washington licensure through reciprocity within six (6) months of appointment.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate/have:
- Complex Bridge Project Delivery: Experience supporting delivery of complex bridge projects such as movable, floating, curved, rehabilitation, or Design-Build structures.
- Project Risk and Value Analysis: Experience participating in Value Engineering (VE), Cost Estimate Validation Process (CEVP), Cost Risk Assessment (CRA), or similar project risk reviews.
- Bridge Inspection and Construction Support: Experience performing bridge inspections or supporting bridge construction.
- Bridge Design Standards and Practices: Familiarity with the WSDOT Bridge Design Manual, Bridge Design Office policies, and bridge construction practices.
- Engineering Software and Technical Documentation: Demonstrated proficiency using engineering and business software to prepare specifications, estimates, technical documentation, and project coordination materials including Microsoft Office, Bluebeam, Adobe Acrobat or similar applications.
*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 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 position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
- 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 www.uscis.gov
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. 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.
