Transportation Engineer 3 In-Training MATS Lab

Transportation Engineer 3 In-Training MATS Lab

Salary

$80,496.00 - $108,228.00 Annually

Location

Chelan County - Wenatchee, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

26DOT-NCR-24716

Department

Dept. of Transportation

Division

North Central Region

Opening Date

07/09/2026

Closing Date

7/30/2026 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 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.

What to Expect

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.

Qualifications

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, 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 individuals' 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 that the "Work Experience" portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible.

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 via email.

Contact us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Sidra.Fields@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-NCR-24716 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

Which statement best describes your experience applying engineering and mathematical principles to evaluate pavement conditions, soil characteristics, drainage or infiltration requirements, or transportation infrastructure performance?

• Extensive experience independently performing complex engineering analyses and developing engineering recommendations.
• Considerable experience conducting engineering analyses with minimal supervision.
• Some experience assisting with engineering analyses or applying engineering principles.
• Limited or no experience.

02

Which statement best describes your experience preparing and interpreting engineering documents?

• Extensive experience independently preparing and reviewing engineering reports, plans, specifications, estimates, and technical recommendations.
• Considerable experience preparing or reviewing engineering documentation with limited oversight.
• Some experience reading or assisting with engineering documentation.
• Limited or no experience.

03

Please describe your experience communicating technical information to engineers, maintenance personnel, contractors, local agencies, or other stakeholders. Include examples of written reports, presentations, or technical discussions. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A.

04

Are you able to safely perform field investigations in roadway environments, construction zones, pits, quarries, and uneven terrain under varying weather conditions, and safely operate a motor vehicle as required?

• Yes
• No

05

Which statement best describes your knowledge of pavement engineering, materials engineering, geotechnical engineering, and transportation construction practices?

• Extensive knowledge with independent application across multiple projects.
• Working knowledge with regular application in engineering assignments.
• Basic knowledge gained through education or limited experience.
• Limited or no knowledge.

06

Which statement best describes your experience applying engineering standards, specifications, manuals, or quality assurance principles?

• Extensive experience independently applying engineering standards and conducting quality reviews.
• Considerable experience applying standards during engineering work assignments.
• Some experience using engineering standards with guidance.
• Limited or no experience.

07

Please describe a time when you learned a new engineering method, software application, testing procedure, or policy to improve your work. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A.

08

Which statement best describes your experience independently applying advanced engineering principles to pavement preservation, pavement investigations, infiltration analysis, small foundation design, or transportation materials engineering?

• Extensive experience independently leading complex engineering work.
• Considerable experience independently performing advanced engineering assignments.
• Some experience assisting with advanced engineering work.
• Limited or no experience.

09

Please describe your experience evaluating pavement conditions, traffic loading, materials performance, or preservation needs to develop rehabilitation or preservation recommendations. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A.

10

Which statement best describes your experience planning, coordinating, reviewing, or leading engineering work?

• Extensive experience leading engineering projects and reviewing technical work for quality and compliance.
• Considerable experience coordinating engineering assignments or reviewing work products.
• Some experience participating on engineering project teams.
• Limited or no experience.

11

Please describe your experience investigating construction issues, evaluating engineering alternatives, and providing technical recommendations during construction. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A.

12

Which statement best describes your experience performing pavement coring, soil investigations, infiltration testing, or field condition assessments?

• Extensive experience independently planning and conducting field investigations.
• Considerable experience performing field investigations as a primary responsibility.
• Some experience assisting with field investigations.
• Limited or no experience.

13

Which statement best describes your professional engineering credentials?

• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE).
• Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification.
• Actively pursuing EIT or PE licensure.
• None of the above.

14

Which statement best describes your knowledge of WSDOT Pavement Policy, the Materials Manual, the Geotechnical Design Manual, and AASHTO pavement design methodologies?

• Extensive working knowledge with independent application on engineering projects.
• Working knowledge with regular application.
• Basic familiarity through coursework or limited experience.
• Limited or no knowledge.

15

Please describe your experience preparing pavement preservation design reports, pavement design reports, small foundation reports, infiltration reports, or similar engineering documents. Include the types of reports you prepared and your level of responsibility. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A.

16

Which statement best describes your experience using the Washington State Pavement Management System (WSPMS)?

• Extensive experience independently using WSPMS to support engineering decisions.
• Working experience using WSPMS on engineering projects.
• Basic familiarity with WSPMS.
• No experience with WSPMS.

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