Salary : $80,496.00 - $108,228.00 Annually
Location : Spokane County - Spokane, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 26DOT-ER-61362
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Division: Eastern Region
Opening Date: 07/08/2026
Closing Date: 7/29/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
The Opportunity

WSDOT is currently seeking a Transportation Engineer 3 to lead the delivery of highway design and construction projects by managing project scope, schedule, budget, and quality while supervising engineering and technical staff. In this role, you will mentor team members, support their professional development, and help ensure successful project delivery. This position plays a key role in advancing WSDOT's mission by fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement while upholding the agency's vision, values, and goals. Safety is a top priority, and you will lead and participate in the development of Pre-Activity Safety Plans, Worksite Safety Reviews, and ongoing safety discussions to promote safe project delivery for employees, contractors, and the traveling public.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Transportation Engineer 3 will:

• Manage the scope, schedule, budget, risks, and delivery of multiple or major highway design and construction projects to support successful project outcomes.
• Direct construction inspection, surveying, field documentation, and contract administration activities while providing technical guidance and resolving project issues.
• Coordinate with contractors, property owners, and project stakeholders to interpret plans and specifications, address concerns, and facilitate project delivery.
• Monitor project costs, quantities, workforce, and contract changes by preparing change orders, reviewing payment estimates, and implementing risk management strategies.
• Lead weekly Owner's Meetings, provide regular project status reporting, and evaluate field conditions to support informed decision-making.
• Oversee the development of design plans, PS&E packages, right-of-way plans, access control, illumination, signalization, signing, and related engineering documentation.
• Prepare technical reports, correspondence, and project documentation while supporting public hearings and participating in community engagement activities.
• Supervise engineering staff by assigning work, conducting performance evaluations, resolving personnel issues, mentoring employees, and promoting continuous process improvement.

Qualifications

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

• Transportation Engineering Expertise: Demonstrated ability to apply advanced transportation engineering principles, design standards, and construction practices to plan, design, and deliver complex highway projects.
• Project Management: Experience leading project teams and managing project scope, schedule, and budget for transportation projects, ensuring timely delivery, quality outcomes, and compliance with applicable standards and requirements.
• Leadership and Team Collaboration: Demonstrated success working effectively with engineering and technical staff by providing direction, mentoring, and support; contributing to team goals; and fostering a collaborative and accountable work environment.
• Safety and Risk Management: Ability to implement safety plans, participate in or lead work-site safety reviews, identify and communicate hazards, and proactively manage project risks to protect employees, contractors, and the traveling public.
• Communication and Coordination: Proven skill in preparing and reviewing project documentation, reports, and correspondence, and coordinating effectively with contractors, inspectors, project managers, stakeholders, and the public in both written and verbal settings.
• Problem Solving and Decision Making: Ability to identify technical and project-related challenges, analyze information, develop practical solutions, and make sound decisions that support project quality, efficiency, and compliance.
• Commitment to Equity and Respectful Workplace Culture: Demonstrated experience working in a manner that supports a respectful, inclusive, and equitable workplace, including effective engagement with individuals from diverse backgrounds and promotion of a positive team environment.

• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

In addition to the above, the following are also required:

• A valid driver's license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
• Ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain.
• Ability to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Engineering Fundamentals: Demonstrated application of foundational engineering principles consistent with Engineer-in-Training (EIT) level knowledge in transportation or civil engineering contexts.
• Formal Engineering Education: Education in civil engineering, structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, traffic or transportation engineering, or a closely related field that has provided the knowledge base necessary to perform transportation design, analysis, and construction management functions.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• The salary range listed includes the 2% general wage increase, effective on July 1, 2026.
• 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 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-ER-61362 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 systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required