Construction & Design Support Engineer (TE2, In -Training)

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 leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity

WSDOT is seeking a Transportation Engineer 2 (In-Training) to support the delivery of progressive design-build projects in Olympic Region’s Tumwater Project Engineering Office. This position contributes to the agency’s mission by assisting in the development, administration, and documentation of construction contracts in accordance with WSDOT standards, specifications, and design plans.Key responsibilities include supporting progressive design-build project delivery through preliminary engineering and development of Request for Proposal (RFP) technical requirements, reviewing design plans and submittals, and providing office engineering support. This position also performs inspection and quality verification activities to ensure compliance with contract requirements and agency standards. The incumbent is responsible for maintaining accurate project records and contract documentation, conducting reviews of design submittals, and assisting with audits to support quality assurance efforts. This work helps ensure accountability, consistency, and effective use of public resources.

In addition, this position provides support for design coordination and change order development on active construction contracts. These efforts contribute to the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the state’s transportation system.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Transportation Engineer 2 will:

• Perform design quality verification and oversight duties for Design-Build projects.
• Work in a team environment and coordinate with various in-house support groups as well as with external customers daily during task force meetings; review and provide comments on submittals.
• Receive, distribute, and track multiple design reviews of submittals in a timely manner throughout design and construction; perform timely review of design documentation and submittals for conformance with contract requirements.
• Provide input regarding WSDOT standards, contract requirements, and engineering best practices during reviews.
• Perform engineering peer reviews of design submittals.
• Perform audits of the Design-Builder’s submittals to verify compliance with the Design-Builder’s Quality Management Plan (QMP).
• Ensure that Released for Construction (RFC) drawings are updated as appropriate to reflect design revisions and corrections.
• Work with design staff during construction; respond to questions related to design.
• Identify and track risks to assigned projects for reporting purposes.
• Track and facilitate review of post design changes through Requests for Information, Notices of Design Change, and Field Design Changes.
• Coordinate and oversee design close-out and final design file approval.
• Review and verify payment documentation for completeness and accuracy.

Qualifications

These are Transportation Engineer 2 positions. However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the positions at a lower level in theclassification seriesbased 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 are required:

Transportation Engineer 1 (TE1) level:

• Engineering Fundamentals:Foundational knowledge of basic engineering and mathematical principles to solve routine engineering problems, typically gained through education, experience, training, or certification (EIT or LSIT). Ability to apply this knowledge to design, construction, and inspection tasks.
  

Transportation Engineer 2 (TE2) level:

• Foundational Engineering Technical Skills and Knowledge:Foundational knowledge of civil, structural, geotechnical, or transportation engineering principles, with the ability to apply engineering concepts to real-world transportation project scenarios.
• Technical Interpretation, Analysis, and Problem Solving: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret engineering plans, specifications, contract documents, manuals, and technical data; identify issues or discrepancies; and apply sound engineering judgment to support effective, practical solutions.
• Engineering Documentation and Records Management: Ability to accurately document engineering, inspection, survey, materials, or project support activities through reports, field notes, calculations, quantities, records, and other required documentation in accordance with established standards and procedures.
• Engineering Technology and Software: Ability to use, or learn to use, engineering-related software and digital tools to support design, analysis, documentation, inspection, data collection, and project delivery (e.g., CAD, databases, spreadsheets, and agency systems).
  

In addition to one of the above, the following competencies and license are required at any level:

• Data Collection and Analysis: Skill in gathering, analyzing, and documenting data accurately to support engineering decisions.
• Communication Skills: Skills in communicating information effectively and professionally, both orally and in writing, to a diverse audience, including those with non-technical backgrounds, both virtually and in-person. Including listening, asking clarifying questions, and reflecting back on constructive feedback for continuous improvement.
• Software Proficiency: Proficiency with computers and software applications, including Microsoft Office. Skills to learn and operate engineering design software (i.e., AutoCAD, MicroStation, Civil 3D, or equivalent).
• Standards and Procedures: Experience learning and applying standards, policies, and procedures related to transportation engineering projects.
• Growth Mindset:Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.
• Vehicle Operation for Fieldwork:Possession of a valid driver's license and ability to operate state owned vehicles for travel to and between project sites in support of field duties and essential job functions.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Construction Materials and Testing: Demonstrated ability to inspect and verify construction materials and apply knowledge of material testing procedures to evaluate compliance with specifications and standards.
• Construction Practices and Contract Administration: Demonstrated knowledge of construction practices and the ability to administer contracts effectively throughout the project lifecycle.
• Contract Law and Stakeholder Coordination: Demonstrated understanding of contractor/owner relationships and the ability to apply basic contract law principles to support decision-making and collaboration.
• Technical Interpretation and Research: Demonstrated ability to research and accurately interpret contract provisions, plans, drawings, and technical details to inform project execution.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the “Contact Us” section of this posting.
• These are in-training positions that offer a career path, hands-on learning, and mentorship. These positions allow you to progress upward through the Transportation Engineer series and achieve the goal class of a Transportation Engineer 2. Candidates will be considered for a Transportation Engineer 1 or a Transportation Engineer 2, depending on their qualifications. Annual salary levels for each position are:
  • Transportation Engineer 2: $71,472 - $96,144
  • Transportation Engineer 1: $64,776 - $87,048
• The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County.
• 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 offer flexible work schedules that allow you time for your life outside of this excellent opportunity.
• Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees mayearn 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.
• PlanFor Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have a choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go toState 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 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.

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 recruiter listed.

Contact Us

For inquiries aboutthis posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Amanda Strebeck, atamanda.strebeck@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference Construction & Design Support Engineer #30127 in the subject line.