Transportation Engineer 3 In-Training Position
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!
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.
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.
This is a Transportation Engineer 3 position. However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at a lower level in the classification series 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 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 ensuring that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individual's lifestyle.
- Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees earn a minimum 14 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