Salary : $80,496.00 - $108,228.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Lacey, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 26DOT-HQ-01776
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Division: Headquarters
Opening Date: 10/14/2026
Closing Date: 11/4/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
DescriptionThe OpportunityWSDOT is currently seeking a Transportation Engineer 3 in Lacey, WA to provide statewide technical support for the software, systems, and processes used to develop Plans, Specifications, and Estimates (PS&E). This role serves as a technical specialist for engineering software and cost-estimating tools, helping project teams use these resources effectively and consistently. You will also assess training needs, develop and deliver training, support the Design Training Team, assist with project estimates and reporting, and research emerging technologies that can improve transportation project development. Your work will help ensure accurate, consistent, and effective PS&E practices across WSDOT.
What to ExpectAmong the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you will:
- Provide statewide technical support for PS&E systems and processes, including maintaining estimating and bid-analysis applications, providing technical guidance, and supporting Value Engineering, Risk, and other meetings.
- Maintain estimating administration tables and applications, troubleshoot system issues, coordinate Standard Item updates, and provide guidance on software used to develop project estimates.
- Monitor federal Davis-Bacon and Washington State Prevailing Wage updates and ensure current information is incorporated into statewide PS&E development.
- Analyze information and prepare reports and presentations using COGNOS and other systems, including the monthly Award-to-Estimate Report.
- Support office websites through accessibility reviews, coordination with web communications staff, and content updates.
- Assess training needs and develop, maintain, and deliver training tailored to Headquarters, Region, consultant, and local agency staff.
- Provide hands-on training and technical assistance and support the Design Training Team in planning and delivering virtual and in-person training events.
- Maintain and update estimating resources and the Cost Estimating Manual to support accurate and consistent practices.
- Provide estimating assistance to Regions and project offices, including reviewing select project estimates and providing feedback.
- Research emerging estimating tools, resources, and industry practices and develop guidance for their evaluation and implementation.
- Prepare recurring and special reports related to estimating, wage updates, and other PS&E topics.
- Research, evaluate, test, and maintain information-system products and upgrades to ensure compatibility with WSDOT software and operational requirements.
- Coordinate with programmers, technical teams, and IT support to integrate applications and software updates and support statewide implementation.
- Test, evaluate, and deploy programs and software affecting WSDOT Design operations.
- Support special projects, administrative and coordination needs, and team workload coverage as needed.
QualificationsTo be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required:
- Communication: Communicates technical concepts clearly and effectively through written, verbal, and visual formats, adapting communication style to technical and non-technical audiences.
- Collaboration: Builds productive partnerships, values diverse perspectives, and contributes effectively to cross-functional teams to achieve shared organizational goals.
- Problem Solving: Analyzes complex issues, evaluates available information, and develops practical, well-reasoned solutions that support business objectives.
- Transportation Project Development: Demonstrates knowledge of Plans, Specifications, and Estimates (PS&E), engineering design concepts, highway construction practices, and applicable policies and procedures.
- Cost Estimating & Bid Analysis: Demonstrates knowledge of engineering cost estimating principles, bid analysis methodologies, and public works contract requirements, including applicable federal and state prevailing wage requirements.
- Enterprise Software & Reporting: Demonstrates knowledge of enterprise software applications, reporting tools, business intelligence systems, and Microsoft Office applications used to support transportation project development.
- Data Management & Information Governance: Demonstrates knowledge of data management, technical reporting, accessibility standards, records management requirements, and information governance principles.
- Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
- Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:
- Engineering Software Support: Experience supporting engineering software applications, troubleshooting system issues, and collaborating with programmers or information technology staff to maintain software functionality and data integrity.
- Transportation Engineering Programs: Knowledge of WSDOT transportation project development, engineering cost estimating, or comparable transportation engineering programs.
- Prevailing Wage: Understanding of federal Davis-Bacon and Washington State Prevailing Wage laws and their application to public works contracts.
- Relational Databases: Knowledge of relational database concepts, including database design, structure, maintenance, and data management principles.
Important Notes - This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
- This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
- 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.
- 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 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.
