About WSDOT

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is the steward of an integrated, multimodal transportation system that helps to ensure that people and goods move safely and efficiently throughout the state. In addition to building, maintaining, and operating the state highway system, WSDOT operates the largest ferry system in the nation, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and recently completed the world's widest tunneling project. 

The Opportunity

WSDOT’s Northwest Region (NWR) is eager to hire multiple design engineering professionals to provide support to our Traffic Design Group. This position will provide designs for standard signing, traffic signal system, illumination system, power supply, Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) facilities as well as low-cost enhancement type projects. As a Design Engineer, this position will work towards a sustainable and integrated multimodal transportation system in conjunction with other design groups. The successful candidate appointed to this unique position will serve a vital role in support of WSDOT’s mission to provide safe, reliable, and cost effective transportation options to improve communities and economic vitality.  
 
What to Expect

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

• Prepare plans, specifications, estimates (PS&E) for traffic design elements including signing illumination system, traffic signal system, power supply, basic ITS facilities and low-cost enhancement type projects for final review. 
• Use independent application of standard engineering techniques to design standard traffic systems. 
• Research to obtain “as-built” information and field verifying site conditions and project basemap. 
• Work closely with civil design and other support groups within WSDOT. 
• Use lighting software program to identify deficiencies and examine proposed illumination improvements. 
• Prepare plans using computer-assisted engineering and design software and write project specifications, estimate material, construction, and labor costs and project timescales. 
• Conduct peer review of traffic design projects using the PS&E plan checklist. 
• Review channelization plans and provide feedback on items which may affect the operation or design of traffic design systems. 

Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity at the Transportation Engineer 1 level, the following are required:

• Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineer, OR
• Engineer in Training (EIT) certification, OR
• One (1) year of experience as a Transportation Technician 3 or Transportation Engineer 1 with an EIT certification.
   

To be considered for this opportunity at the Transportation Engineer 1 level, the following are required:

• Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineer or equivalent such as structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, soil mechanics, traffic, transportation, or closely related field, OR
• Associate degree and one (1) year of experience as a Transportation Technician 3, OR
• Associate degree and one (1) year of experience as a Transportation Engineer 1 with an EIT certification, OR
• Two (2) years of experience as a Transportation Technician 3, OR
• Two (2) years of experience as a Transportation Engineer 1 with an EIT certification.

Candidates at either level will have:

• Current driver’s license
• Experience applying traffic-engineering standards, policies, and guidelines
• Strong analytical skills and experience applying engineering applications.
   

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Knowledge of traffic engineering principals, practices, and procedures. 
• Knowledge of design principles related to traffic control devices (signing, illumination, signals, and striping)
• Work experience with CAD. 

Important Notes 

• Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 357-16-197 mandates that all employees who work for executive cabinet agencies (which includes the Department of Transportation) must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Compliance with this mandate is a condition of employment with WSDOT. Exemption may be granted for religious or medical purposes; however, accommodations will be subject to approval based on the essential functions required of the position.   
• This position offers flexible/hybrid work options
• 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. 
• The recruiting efforts for this position may be extended beyond the displayed closing date for as long and until a sufficient candidate pool has been established. The Appointing Authority reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time thereafter. It is to your benefit to submit your application as soon as possible.
• This is an in-training position that offers a career path and on-the-job training. This position allows you to progress upward through the Transportation Engineer field and achieve the goal class of a Transportation Engineer 2. Candidates will be considered for a Transportation Engineer 1 or Transportation Engineer 2, depending on their qualifications. Annual salary levels for each position are:
  1. Transportation Engineer 1: $60,190 - $80,879
  2. Transportation Engineer 2: $66,376 - $89,271
• WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system. 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 occasional telework for eligible positions.  
• Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees earn a minimum 14 paid vacation days per year!
• Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options, and free dental coverage! Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.
• 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.  

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 details your qualifications, and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
• Contact information to be included in the “References” section of the online application for a minimum three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, knowledge base, and job-related competencies.

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. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, as well as people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

Contact us: 

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Eric Saniatan, at SaniatE@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 23DOT-NWR-10356m in the subject line. 

Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.