Salary : $66,072.00 - $98,064.00 Annually
Location : Multiple Locations - Western Washington, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 26DOT-NWR-10278m
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Division: Northwest Region
Opening Date: 08/13/2026
Closing Date: 8/31/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
The Opportunity

WSDOT is seeking several motivated and detail-oriented Transportation Engineers to support the delivery of safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation infrastructure across Washington State. In these roles, you will assist in the development and administration of Plans, Specifications, and Estimates (PS&E) packages for highway construction projects and may serve as a member of a Design-Build team. You will help ensure transportation projects are designed and constructed in compliance with WSDOT policies, standards, and engineering practices while providing technical guidance and reviewing the work of engineers and technicians to support high-quality design, materials testing, inspection, documentation, and project delivery. Successful candidates will possess strong engineering judgment, and a commitment to delivering transportation solutions that benefit the traveling public.
What to Expect

These positions will perform work in office and/or outdoor environments. Inspection work may be performed outdoors in inclement weather on construction sites in daytime or nighttime. Exposure to hazards may include exhaust, high-speed traffic, steep or uneven terrain, and/or heavy construction equipment. Some projects may involve working under live traffic conditions, e.g., freeways, interstates, or highways.
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Transportation Engineer may:

• Serve as lead design; prepare and/or review project definitions, design files, various reports, environmental documents, design estimates, right of way plans, and contract plans, specifications.
• Perform project development work such as field reviews of projects and evaluate alternate designs requiring detailed analysis of collision data, capacity studies, hydraulics, etc.
• Utilize personal computers and workstations for horizontal and vertical alignment, earthwork and drainage analysis, quantities, cost estimates, technical written text and computer assisted design/drafting.
• Investigate and write justifications for design analysis; coordinate and review projects with cities, counties, and other agencies.
• Coordinate and assist other staff in preparation of quantities, estimates, grades, elevations, maps, plans, profiles, cross sections, details, structural notes and beginning level basic design.
• Prepare final plan sheets for design reports, contract plans and right-of-way plans; compute and check title reports in the preparation of right-of-way plans.
• Perform technical design work; calculate quantities for contract bid items for estimates; prepare materials and exhibits for hearings, public meetings, etc.
• Perform project inspection and material testing tasks; inspect construction activities to ensure compliance with contract documents.
• Travel to and from construction sites, as well as training venues.

Qualifications

These are Transportation Engineer 2 positions. 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:

• Engineering Knowledge: Demonstrated knowledge of civil engineering principles and ability to apply entry-level civil engineering practices to transportation-related projects typically demonstrated through formal education in civil engineering and/or Certification as an Engineer-In-Training (EIT).
• Communication & Collaboration: Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, to communicate, interact, and coordinate work activities with WSDOT staff, local agencies, contractors, consultants, designers, other team members, support offices, and the public.
• Engineering PS&E: Ability to read, interpret, review, and develop contract plans, specifications, and estimates in support of transportation projects.
• Engineering Technology & CADD: Demonstrated proficiency using engineering software, computer-aided drafting (CADD) applications, and other computer technologies to support project design and delivery.
• 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 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 40 pounds.
• Ability to work outside in all types of weather conditions and traverse uneven terrain.
• Ability to adjust work schedules to meet project and contractor needs, including occasional nights and extended hours for inspection and construction activities/positions.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Transportation Design & Contract Administration: In-depth understanding of transportation design processes, contract documentation, and the relationship between design deliverables and contract administration.
• Leadership & Staff Development: Ability to provide technical guidance, mentor staff, review work products, and support the development of plans, standards, and estimates.
• Engineering Analysis & Problem Solving: Demonstrated ability to apply mathematical concepts, including algebra, geometry, and trigonometry, to solve engineering and transportation design problems.
• Technical Software Proficiency: Demonstrated proficiency using Microsoft Office and transportation design software such as MicroStation, ProjectWise, and InRoads/OpenRoads to support engineering design and project delivery.

*To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting.
Important Notes

• This recruitment will be used to fill up to seven (7) vacancies in Bellingham, Burlington and Mount Vernon; and may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• Some positions will require regular travel to and from construction sites to perform inspection and/or materials testing.
• These positions are not eligible for remote work while performing construction-related or site review duties.
• 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.
• These are Transportation Engineer 2 positions. 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

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-NWR-10278m 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