Salary: $80,496.00 - $108,228.00 Annually
Location : Chelan County - Wenatchee, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 26DOT-NCR-24716
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Division: North Central Region
Opening Date: 07/09/2026
Closing Date: 7/30/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
The Opportunity
WSDOT is currently seeking a Transportation Engineer 3 in-training position for the NCR Materials Office. The primary objective of this Transportation Engineer 3 In-Training position is to support the North Central Region (NCR) Materials Office in the development of pavement preservation designs, small foundation designs, infiltration reports, and construction support activities related to pavement and materials engineering. This position assists the Region Materials Engineer in evaluating pavement conditions, developing strategic preservation recommendations, coordinating with internal and external stakeholders, and ensuring engineering solutions comply with WSDOT policies, standards, and project delivery requirements.

This position supports WSDOT's mission by helping to provide safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation infrastructure through effective stewardship of the region's roadway system, application of sound engineering principles, and implementation of appropriate pavement preservation and materials practices.
What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Transportation Engineer 3 will:

• Perform pavement investigations, determines pavement integrity, surfacing quality, and soil bearing values.
• Apply WSDOT Pavement Policy guidelines and engineering principles on Preservation Design Projects.
• Consult with HQ Pavement in evaluating pavement preservation design to effective solutions are developed to meet budget constraints and address roadway preservation needs.
• Consult with Region Maintenance to evaluate pavement performance.
• Consult with Region Program Management to ensure P1 Project Delivery constraints are met.
• Prepare small foundation reports for illumination and ITS systems in accordance with HQ Geotech manual design criteria.
• Consult with Project Office their project's illumination or ITS small foundation needs.
• Prepare Infiltration Reports.
• Coordinate with Project Office regarding highway runoff needs.

Qualifications
This is a Transportation Engineer 3 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.
Core Competencies (All Levels)

• Continuous Learning and Professional Development
  Actively demonstrates a commitment to continuous learning and professional growth in pavement engineering, geotechnical engineering, materials engineering, and transportation infrastructure.
• Customer Service and Partnership
  Demonstrates a willingness to provide responsive customer service and collaborate with project development, maintenance, construction, and planning staff to support agency objectives.
• Engineering Analysis and Technical Proficiency
  Demonstrated ability to apply engineering and mathematical principles to evaluate pavement conditions, soil characteristics, drainage/infiltration requirements, and transportation infrastructure performance.
• Technical Documentation and Interpretation
  Ability to read, interpret, evaluate, and prepare engineering documents including pavement design reports, small foundation reports, infiltration reports, plans, specifications, estimates, test reports, and technical recommendations.
• Digital Tools and Data Management
  Proficiency in computer-based tools such as Microsoft Office and engineering software used for pavement management, pavement design, geotechnical investigations, data analysis, reporting, and project coordination.
• Communication and Stakeholder Collaboration
  Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to clearly explain technical concepts and collaborate effectively with maintenance personnel, project engineers, planners, contractors, local agencies, and Headquarters subject matter experts.
• Field Operations and Safety
  Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle and perform field investigations in active construction zones, roadway environments, pits, quarries, and uneven terrain under varying weather conditions.
• Professionalism and Respectful Workplace
  Demonstrated ability to contribute to a professional work environment that promotes respect, inclusion, teamwork, and equal opportunity.

Transportation Engineer 2 (TE2) Competencies

• Foundational Engineering Knowledge
  Demonstrated understanding of pavement engineering, materials engineering, geotechnical engineering, and transportation construction practices.
• Engineering Problem Solving and Critical Thinking
  Ability to analyze pavement performance data, field observations, laboratory test results, and engineering information to develop practical engineering recommendations.
• Quality Assurance and Standards Compliance
  Understanding of engineering standards, design manuals, specifications, and quality assurance principles related to pavement and materials engineering.
• Learning Agility and Adaptability
  Ability and willingness to learn new engineering methods, software applications, testing procedures, and agency policies to support effective project delivery.

Transportation Engineer 3 (TE3) Competencies

• Advanced Engineering Practice
  Demonstrated ability to independently apply advanced engineering principles to pavement preservation design, pavement investigations, infiltration analysis, small foundation design, and transportation materials engineering.
• Pavement Design and Asset Management
  Ability to evaluate pavement condition, traffic loading, materials performance, and roadway preservation needs to develop cost-effective preservation and rehabilitation strategies.
• Project Leadership and Quality Management
  Ability to plan, organize, coordinate, and review technical work to ensure engineering products meet established standards, schedules, and quality expectations.
• Construction Engineering and Professional Judgment
  Ability to investigate pavement and materials issues during construction, evaluate alternatives, and provide technically sound recommendations consistent with WSDOT policies and specifications.
• Field Investigation and Data Collection

Ability to perform pavement coring, soil investigations, infiltration testing, and condition assessments to support engineering decision making.
Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• Professional Credentialing: Certification as an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) or progress toward licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) in the State of Washington.
• Specialized Knowledge: Working knowledge of WSDOT Pavement Policy, Materials Manual, Geotechnical Design Manual, and AASHTO pavement design methodologies, with the ability to apply engineering principles to pavement preservation, rehabilitation, and reconstruction projects.
• Design and Engineering Report Preparation: Experience preparing pavement preservation design reports, pavement design reports, small foundation reports, infiltration reports, or similar engineering documents in accordance with WSDOT manuals, policies, and accepted engineering practices.
• Experience with Washington State Pavement Management System (WSPMS).
• Field work experience with soil and pavement investigations.
• Ability to manipulate and/or transport materials samples up to 50lbs.

Important Notes

• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• The salary range listed includes the 2% general wage increase, effective 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.
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 us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Please be sure to reference 26DOT-NCR-24716 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.

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