Assistant State Materials Engineer - Materials Quality (WMS3)

Assistant State Materials Engineer - Materials Quality (WMS3)

Salary

$114,504.00 - $146,784.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County - Tumwater, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

26DOT-HQ-0W204

Department

Dept. of Transportation

Division

Headquarters

Opening Date

06/24/2026

Closing Date

7/13/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

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 worlds longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity

WSDOT is seeking an experienced and strategic leader to serve as the Assistant State Materials Engineer - Materials Quality. This position will provide statewide leadership, oversight, and professional engineering expertise for materials quality assurance, fabrication inspection, quality systems, and materials quality oversight programs that support the State Highway Construction Program. Reporting to the State Materials Engineer, this role establishes and implements statewide policies, procedures, specifications, and quality assurance requirements governing materials acceptance, testing, documentation, and compliance. The Assistant State Materials Engineer leads continuous improvement efforts, oversees critical materials quality systems and programs, and makes engineering decisions regarding the acceptability of construction materials and fabrication processes that directly impact the safety, quality, and performance of Washington's transportation infrastructure.

What to Expect

The Assistant State Materials Engineer will be responsible for resolving materials quality issues with design standards, and contract specifications on construction projects, which may require travel/driving to WSDOT offices and project sites providing leadership and supervision for up to 35 employees.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Assistant State Materials Engineer will:

• Direct the development, operation, strategic planning and continued improvement of procedures and policies for the Materials Quality Assurance Section, Fabrication Inspection Section, Materials Quality Oversight position and the Quality Systems Section.
• Provide professional engineering expertise, guidance and direction on fabricated materials, such as structural welding and bolting, paint coating systems, steel bridges, prestressed concrete girders, precast concrete items, metal castings, luminaire and signal standards and treated timber.
• Monitor and evaluate changes to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Quality Assurance Procedures for Construction in 23 CFR 637, Western Alliance for Quality Construction Testers (WAQTC), American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).
• Direct the Materials Quality Assurance Audits performed on construction contracts administered by Region project engineer offices.
• Direct the qualified products program that lists over 2,500 preapproved materials, the aggregate source approval program that has over 350 preapproved aggregate sources that are used on all WSDOT construction projects for materials acceptance.
• Be responsible for developing, modifying, updating and implementing changes to the Construction Manual for guidance used to approve, accept and tests materials.
• Manage the development, revisions and updates to materials management computer programs that include the Materials Testing System (MATS), Qualified Products List (QPL), Aggregate Source Approval program (ASA), Record of Materials program (ROM), and the Qualified Tester Database.
• Provide professional engineering expertise to assist Region Project Engineer Offices with materials approval and acceptance issues on WSDOT contracts.
• Represent WSDOT at meetings with Washington State professional organizations and national organizations.

Qualifications

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

• Transportation Construction & Contract Administration Expertise: Demonstrated professional engineering experience in transportation construction, contract administration, change order management, contract dispute resolution, and application of materials quality assurance requirements across design-bid-build, design-build, and other alternative delivery methods.
• Leadership, Management & Strategic Planning: Demonstrated ability to apply principles of leadership and management, including long-range strategic planning, budgeting practices, personnel rules, supervision principles, negotiation strategies, and safety and health policies in a complex organizational environment.
• Communication & Engagement: Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and collaborate across internal agency divisions, external agencies, technical committees, industry organizations, and contractors to achieve program and project objectives.
• Program Planning & Decision-Making: Demonstrated ability to schedule and coordinate office operations, develop and deliver presentations, and make and implement decisions that support organizational goals and operational effectiveness.
• Policy Development & Implementation: Demonstrated ability to conduct research, develop, interpret, and implement statewide policies and procedures related to quality assurance programs for transportation construction projects.
• Engineering Document Interpretation: Demonstrated ability to read, interpret, and apply contract plans, specifications, standard plans, special provisions, and other technical engineering documents in construction and materials quality contexts.
• Staff Supervision & Development: Demonstrated ability to supervise, coach, mentor, train, and evaluate staff performance while fostering professional development and accountability within technical teams.
• Strategic Thinking & Policy Impact Awareness: Demonstrated ability to evaluate and understand the short- and long-term implications of policy development and implementation within transportation construction and materials quality programs.
• Intergovernmental & Industry Systems Understanding

Demonstrated understanding of the roles and interests of public and private organizations involved in Washington's transportation system, including materials testing and quality assurance stakeholders.

• Professional Industry Expertise: Experience in highway construction project administration, supervision of highway materials testing laboratories, or other closely related transportation construction or materials quality assurance functions.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

The following qualifications are also required:

• A Washington State Professional Civil Engineering License or licensed as a PE in another state with the ability to obtain licensure in Washington State within six (6) months of hire.
• A valid driver's license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
• Ability to travel in and out-of-state.
• Ability to conduct field work at project sites, fabrication facilities, and uneven terrain or industrial environments.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• In addition to the salary range listed, a general wage increase of 2% will be applied for all state employees 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 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 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 of three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. NOTE: This information may 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.

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Robyn.Lovely@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-HQ-0W204 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. Thats 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 for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

01

Please briefly describe your most recent program management role and responsibilities. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A.

02

Please briefly describe your most recent professional engineering role and responsibilities including size of organizations managed. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A.

03

Transportation Construction & Contract Administration Expertise: Please select the option that best describes your experience in transportation construction and contract administration.

• I served as a lead authority in transportation construction contract administration, including complex dispute resolution, change orders, alternative delivery methods, and advanced materials QA integration across major programs.
• I independently managed contract administration activities, including change orders, disputes, and QA requirements for multiple delivery methods such as design-bid-build and design-build.
• I supported contract administration tasks under supervision, including assisting with change orders, documentation, and QA processes.
• I have limited experience in transportation construction or contract administration.
• I have no experience in this area.

04

Leadership, Management & Strategic Planning: Please select the option that best describes your leadership and management experience.

• I lead organizational units or programs, responsible for strategic planning, budgeting, workforce management, labor relations, and policy implementation in a complex environment.
• I independently manage teams or functions, contributing to strategic planning, budgeting input, and personnel management activities.
• I support leadership activities and assist with planning, budgeting, or supervision under direction.
• I have limited leadership or management experience.
• I have no leadership or management experience.

05

Please describe your experience applying leadership, budgeting, strategic planning, or supervision principles in a professional setting. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A.

06

Policy Development & Implementation: Please select the option that best describes your experience developing or implementing policy.

• I lead development and implementation of statewide or organizational policies and procedures with significant technical and operational impact.
• I independently develop, interpret, or implement policies and procedures within a program or functional area.
• I assist in reviewing or applying policies under guidance.
• I have limited experience with policy development or implementation.
• I have no experience in this area.

07

Engineering Document Interpretation: Please select the option that best describes your experience interpreting engineering and contract documents.

• I independently interpret and apply complex contract documents, specifications, and engineering standards to resolve technical issues and guide project decisions.
• I routinely interpret plans, specifications, and contract documents to support project delivery and compliance.
• I assist in reviewing engineering documents under supervision.
• I have limited experience interpreting engineering or contract documents.
• I have no experience in this area.

08

Staff Supervision & Development: Please select the option that best describes your experience supervising and developing staff.

• I led and managed teams, including performance evaluation, coaching, mentoring, training, and workforce development in a technical environment.
• I supervised staff and actively participated in coaching, mentoring, and performance evaluation.
• I provided informal guidance or training to peers or team members.
• I have limited experience supervising or developing staff.
• I have no supervisory experience.

09

Please briefly describe your experience supervising staff to include number of direct reports and responsibilities. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A.

10

Professional Industry Expertise: Please select the option that best describes your experience in transportation construction or materials QA.

• I have served in a senior or lead capacity in highway construction administration or materials testing/laboratory quality assurance programs.
• I have independently performed highway construction or materials QA functions, including laboratory or field-based technical work.
• I have supported construction or materials QA activities under supervision.
• I have limited experience in this field.
• I have no experience in this field.

11

Collaborative Policy and Industry Engagement: Please select the response that best describes your experience collaborating with industry partners, agencies, or internal stakeholders on policy or specification changes.

• I have led statewide or multi-agency collaboration with industry and partner organizations to develop or revise policies or specifications.
• I regularly collaborate with industry partners or internal stakeholders to review or implement policy or specification updates.
• I have participated in discussions or meetings related to policy or specification updates.
• I do not have this experience.

12

Materials and Construction Contract Administration Expertise: Please select the response that best describes your experience with materials and construction contract administration in heavy highway construction.

• I have extensive experience integrating materials engineering practices with construction contract administration on large or complex highway construction programs.
• I have significant experience with materials engineering or construction contract administration on highway construction projects.
• I have some exposure to materials or construction contract administration activities on transportation projects.
• I have limited or no experience in this area.

13

Are you able and willing to travel in-state and out-of-state to visit project sites and field environments as required?

• Yes
• No

14

Are you a registered Professional Engineer in Washington State?

• Yes
• No, I am licensed in another state
• No

15

If you indicated you have a PE license, please list your license number and the issuing state in the space below. Otherwise, enter N/A.

16

Do you have a valid drivers license?

• Yes
• No

17

How did you learn of this employment opportunity?

• Indeed
• LinkedIn
• Direct Email Notification
• WSDOT social media (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, etc)
• Career Fair
• Monster
• WorkSource
• Handshake
• AASHTO
• NACTO
• COMTO
• APWA
• "NOW HIRING" banner/sign
• Radio advertisement
• WSDOT Employment Site
• Careers.wa.gov
• governmentjobs.com
• Other (specify below)

18

If you selected Other on the previous question, please specify how you learned of this employment opportunity in the space provided:

Required Question

Employer State of Washington

Address View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

Website http://www.careers.wa.gov