$80K - 110K a year
Lead a team of engineers and technicians in design, construction inspection, quality oversight, and project management for transportation infrastructure projects.
Requires civil engineering degree or related field, certifications such as Certified General Inspector, engineering licensure preferred, leadership experience, and ability to perform fieldwork.
About WSDOT The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT manages the world's longest floating bridge, leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds the record for the world’s widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation! The Opportunity WSDOT is currently seeking a Design & Field Team Lead (Transportation Engineer 3) to support the Department’s mission by leading a team of engineers and technicians in performing skilled engineering tasks in the development of Plans, Specifications, and Estimates (PS&E) and the inspection and quality oversight of construction projects, ensuring highway projects are designed and constructed in compliance with established standards. The Transportation Engineer 3 reports to the Assistant Project Engineer (APE) in the Port Orchard Project Engineering Office (PEO), and is critical to WSDOT’s long-term success by mentoring and providing on-the-job training for subordinate staff, assisting the Project Engineers (PE) and APE with various aspects of project management, and representing WSDOT at public meetings and open houses, and with external stakeholders to include local agencies, contractors, and consultants. This position directly supports the agency strategic plan and goal areas of 1) Workforce Development, by providing a workplace that supports and promotes training and development for professional growth and upward mobility; 2) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, by creating, influencing, and fostering a physically and psychologically safe workplace where all employees feel that they belong; and 3) Resilience, by ensuring, through effective management controls and adherence to WSDOT policies, that delivery design and-construction activities for the Olympic Region are administered to the expected quality, safety, and stewardship standards to support Washington’s long-term resilience. What to Expect Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Design and Construction Engineer will: • Be responsible for all phases of Design Build project construction to include tracking project materials; inspecting for quality and workmanship; developing and maintaining project documentation; coordinating support group activities; serving as WSDOT’s representative to the contractor; and participating as a key member of the office management team. • Lead a construction inspection and quality verification team. • Review and comment on the Design-Builders Quality Organization’s construction documentation and inspection/testing procedures. • Provide supervision and guidance to designers and technicians; evaluate deviations from established standards or practices and oversee the preparation of supporting documentation for approval authorities. • Plan, prioritize, assign, and review the work of assigned staff; ensure staff perform assigned job duties timely, accurately, and within established guidelines and communicated expectations • Manage design teams in the preparation of project PS&Es. • Review and comment on submittals, project schedules, and monthly payments. Field engineer work is performed outdoors in inclement weather on construction sites, both during the day and at night. Qualifications To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required: • Engineering Expertise: Demonstrated knowledge and application of transportation engineering principles, methods, and practices, including construction practices, contract administration, and quality review of engineering plans, specifications, and estimates. • Leadership & Supervision: Ability to lead and supervise a diverse workforce by fostering collaboration across boundaries, building and maintaining effective teams, coaching and mentoring staff, and encouraging engagement and professional growth. • Technical & Digital Proficiency: Ability to effectively operate Windows-based systems and engineering software, including MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, SharePoint, Outlook), MS Teams, computer-aided engineering applications, cloud-based platforms, and system databases for project tracking and information management. • Contract Management & Administration: Demonstrated experience identifying, evaluating, and implementing contract changes, while applying knowledge of contractor/owner relationships and basic contract law to ensure effective project execution. • Project & Design Oversight: Ability to oversee and review engineering designs and documentation to ensure accuracy, compliance with standards, and constructability, while supervising the preparation of plans, specifications, and cost estimates. In addition to the above competencies, the following are also required: • A valid driver’s license and ability to operate a state vehicle. • Ability to traverse rough, steep and uneven terrain. • Ability to perform duties low to the ground or at ground level, and stand for extended periods of time. • Certification as a Certified General Inspector or obtained within six (6) months of appointment. It is preferred that qualified candidates also have: • Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, soil mechanics, traffic, transportation, or a closely related field. • Engineer in Training Certification or Professional Civil Engineering License. • Experience supervising a team of engineers or technicians. Important Notes • This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs. • This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options. • Travel is an expectation of the position and may be required on a regular, sporadic, or as-needed basis. Travel is typically to perform site/field visits, attend an off-site meeting, meet with stakeholders, or attend training. Overnight travel is a requirement of the position. • 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 Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 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 www.uscis.gov. Why WSDOT • Work-Life Balance – We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle. As such, there are a number of flexible schedule options available, including telework options for eligible positions. • Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees may earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year! • Tuition Assistance – Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness. • Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information. Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT? 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. WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/ or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter. 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. Contact Us For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at alyssa.nastasi@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 25DOT-OR-32795 in the subject line.
This job posting was last updated on 9/28/2025