Engineering Manager - Construction (WMS3)

Engineering Manager - Construction (WMS3)

Salary

$122,400.00 - $149,724.00 Annually

Location

Spokane County - Spokane, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

26DOT-ER-6W052e

Department

Dept. of Transportation

Division

Eastern Region

Opening Date

10/01/2026

Closing Date

10/25/2026 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 currently seeking a highly experienced engineering professional to serve as the Engineering Manager - Construction and provide strategic leadership, direction, and oversight for Eastern Region's transportation construction program. This position leads a diverse organization of engineering and construction professionals, ensuring projects are delivered safely, efficiently, on schedule, within budget, and in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and engineering standards. The candidate selected for this role will build collaborative relationships with regional and statewide leaders, external partners, and community stakeholders while exercising significant independent judgment to resolve complex engineering, construction, contract administration, workforce, and program delivery issues. If you are interested in taking on the challenge of leading the teams responsible for administering capital construction projects throughout Eastern Washington, we strongly encourage you to apply.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you will:

• Plan, lead, strategize, organize, and control the construction work performed by the organization.
• Ensure the optimal use of the organizations resources and enhance employee effectiveness through timely appraisals and professional development opportunities.
• Act for the Assistant Regional Administrator (ARA) for Construction in their absence.
• Provide leadership for all Construction engineering activities; coach, mentor and guide the managers of the construction offices.
• Review construction projects, interpret the contract documents, and provide guidance to the Project Engineers.
• Coordinate Eastern Region construction activities with Headquarters, other State, City, and County agencies, as well as transit organizations, the State of Idaho, and Canada.
• Collaborate with the Engineering Manager - Development to manage workforce and workload amongst the project offices.
• Ensure strong communication is maintained between executive management, Design, Construction, support groups and Maintenance organizations for region design and construction projects.
• Develop and implement strategies for safety throughout the organization, and facilitate safety to the travelling public, State and contractor workforce.

Qualifications

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

• Leadership & Employee Development: Demonstrates the ability to lead, develop, and mentor supervisors, managers, engineers, and professional staff. Builds an inclusive, collaborative, and high-performing work environment that supports employee engagement, workforce development, and succession planning. Provides clear expectations, coaching, performance feedback, and accountability.
• Strategic Leadership: Demonstrates the ability to develop and implement strategies that support organizational goals, legislative commitments, and agency priorities. Makes sound decisions in complex and changing environments while balancing safety, scope, schedule, budget, risk, and stakeholder needs.
• Program & Project Delivery: Demonstrates the ability to lead the delivery of complex transportation engineering or construction programs involving multiple stakeholders, competing priorities, and significant public impact. Applies risk-based decision-making to achieve successful project outcomes.
• Construction & Contract Administration: Demonstrates experience interpreting engineering plans, specifications, policies, procedures, and construction contract requirements. Demonstrates the ability to resolve complex project issues, contract disputes, claims, and change-order negotiations.
• Communication & Relationship Building: Demonstrates the ability to communicate effectively with executive leadership, employees, contractors, local agencies, tribal governments, regulatory agencies, elected officials, and the public. Builds and maintains collaborative partnerships that support successful project delivery.
• Operational Excellence: Demonstrates the ability to manage organizational resources, workloads, staffing needs, and competing priorities. Uses data and performance measures to support decision-making and continuous improvement.
• 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:

• Current registration as a Professional Engineer in Washington State or the ability to obtain Washington State registration through reciprocity within six months of appointment.
• Possession of a valid drivers license and the ability to travel independently throughout Washington State to attend meetings, inspect project sites, respond to emergencies, and support program delivery.
• Ability to attend key meetings, events, and activities in-person, including occasional trips to various regional offices, HQ in Olympia, and other locations throughout the state for statewide training and coordination meetings.
• Ability to be available after hours as needed to respond to emergencies.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Transportation Project Delivery: Demonstrated experience leading transportation construction, project delivery, or engineering programs of significant size, complexity, and public visibility. Demonstrated experience administering design-build and design-bid-build transportation projects.
• Organizational Leadership & Change: Demonstrated experience building collaborative relationships across multidisciplinary teams and organizational boundaries. Demonstrated experience leading organizational change, workforce planning, and succession planning initiatives.
• Staff Development: Demonstrated experience coaching, mentoring, and developing supervisors, managers, or professional engineering staff.
• Federal-Aid Project Stewardship: Demonstrated knowledge of federal-aid project delivery requirements and stewardship responsibilities.
• Transportation Program & Risk Management: Demonstrated experience working with transportation design, environmental, construction, program management, and maintenance functions. Demonstrated ability to identify, evaluate, and mitigate program and project risks.

To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options, with the expectation that the employee work on-site 2 -3 days per week. The specific telework schedule is subject to change per business needs.
• 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 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 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 olivia.dietrich@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-ER-6W052e 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

Are you currently licensed as a Professional Engineer (PE)?

• Yes, I am licensed as a PE in Washington state.
• Yes, I am licensed as a PE in another state and can obtain licensure in Washington state within six months of hire.
• No.

02

Do you possess a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

03

Leadership & Employee Development Please select the response that best describes your experience leading, developing, and mentoring supervisors, managers, engineers, and/or professional staff.

• Advanced: I have independently led and developed supervisors, managers, engineers, and/or professional staff across a complex organization; established performance expectations; provided coaching and accountability; and implemented workforce development, succession planning, or employee engagement strategies.
• Intermediate: I have led and developed professional staff and/or supervisors by establishing expectations, providing coaching and feedback, supporting employee development, and addressing performance or workforce needs.
• Basic: I have provided day-to-day leadership, mentoring, coaching, or performance feedback to employees or project team members and have supported employee development activities.
• Limited: I have had limited experience providing informal mentoring, guidance, or feedback to coworkers or less-experienced employees.
• No Experience: I have no experience leading, developing, mentoring, or providing performance feedback to employees or professional staff.

04

Please briefly describe how you gained your experience leading, developing, and mentoring supervisors, managers, engineers, and/or professional staff. Be sure to include the largest number of employees you have directly supervised, managed, or led at one time. If you do not have this experience, enter N/A.

05

Strategic Leadership Please select the response that best describes your experience developing and implementing strategies to support organizational goals, agency priorities, legislative commitments, or similar organizational objectives.

• Advanced: I have independently developed and implemented organizational or program-level strategies involving complex, competing priorities and significant impacts to safety, scope, schedule, budget, risk, stakeholders, or public outcomes.
• Intermediate: I have developed and implemented strategies for programs, projects, or organizational initiatives and made decisions that required balancing multiple competing priorities, risks, resources, and stakeholder needs.
• Basic: I have contributed to developing or implementing strategies, plans, or initiatives and have made decisions involving competing priorities or changing circumstances.
• Limited: I have had limited experience supporting the implementation of organizational strategies, plans, or initiatives but have not independently developed them.
• No Experience: I have no experience developing or implementing strategies to support organizational or program goals.

06

Please briefly describe how you gained your experience developing and implementing strategies to support organizational goals, agency priorities, legislative commitments, or similar organizational objectives. If you do not have this experience, enter N/A.

07

Program & Project Delivery Please select the response that best describes your experience leading complex transportation engineering, construction, or infrastructure programs or projects.

• Advanced: I have independently led complex transportation engineering or construction programs involving multiple projects, stakeholders, significant public impact, and substantial risks, using risk-based decision-making to achieve program and project outcomes.
• Intermediate: I have led complex transportation engineering, construction, or infrastructure projects involving multiple stakeholders, competing priorities, and significant risks or public impacts, making decisions to address project delivery challenges.
• Basic: I have managed or coordinated transportation engineering, construction, or infrastructure projects involving multiple tasks, stakeholders, or competing priorities and have participated in risk-based decision-making.
• Limited: I have limited experience supporting transportation or infrastructure projects and have had limited responsibility for coordinating project activities or addressing project risks.
• No Experience: I have no experience leading, managing, or coordinating transportation engineering, construction, or infrastructure projects.

08

Transportation Project Delivery Please briefly describe your experience leading transportation construction, project delivery, or engineering programs of significant size, complexity, and public visibility, including administering Design-Build and Design-Bid-Build transportation projects. If you do not have this experience, enter N/A.

09

Construction & Contract Administration Please select the response that best describes your experience interpreting engineering plans, specifications, policies, procedures, and construction contract requirements and resolving complex construction or contract administration issues.

• Advanced: I have independently administered complex transportation construction contracts and resolved significant issues involving plans, specifications, contract requirements, disputes, claims, change orders, negotiations, or other complex contract matters.
• Intermediate: I have administered transportation or construction contracts, interpreted plans, specifications, and contract requirements, and resolved project issues involving change orders, claims, disputes, or negotiations.
• Basic: I have experience interpreting construction plans, specifications, policies, procedures, or contract requirements and have assisted with contract administration, change orders, claims, or project issue resolution.
• Limited: I have limited experience working with construction plans, specifications, or contract requirements and have primarily supported contract administration activities under the direction of others.
• No Experience: I have no experience with construction contract administration or interpreting construction plans, specifications, policies, procedures, or contract requirements.

10

Please briefly describe how you gained your experience resolving complex construction or contract administration issues. If you do not have this experience, enter N/A.

11

Are you willing and able to attend key meetings, events, and activities in-person, including occasional trips to various regional offices, HQ in Olympia, and other locations throughout the state for statewide training and coordination meetings?

• Yes
• No

12

Are you willing and able to be available after hours as needed to respond to emergencies?

• Yes
• No

13

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)

14

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