Asphalt Laboratory Engineer (TE2)

State of Washington•Thurston County – Tumwater, WA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking a skilled and detail-oriented individual to serve as the lead Asphalt Laboratory Engineer within the Bituminous Materials Section Asphalt Testing Laboratory. This position will support statewide WSDOT capital construction projects and local jurisdictions by overseeing verification, conformance, and specification compliance testing for performance graded (PG) asphalt binders, emulsified asphalt, and flexible bituminous pavement marker adhesive materials. The Asphalt Laboratory Engineer will also lead laboratory testing operations, assist with scheduling and training technicians, review and correct laboratory data entries, and ensure laboratory equipment calibration, maintenance, and associated records are maintained in accordance with established standards and procedures.

Requirements

Materials Engineering and Laboratory Operations Experience performing or supervising complex materials testing within an engineering or construction materials laboratory environment.
Knowledge of advanced principles of materials engineering, including the design, testing, and performance evaluation of bituminous and related construction materials.
Knowledge of laboratory management practices, workflow coordination, quality control, test standardization, and applicable testing methodologies and industry standards including AASHTO, ASTM, WAQTC, or equivalent.
Skill in leading and directing laboratory operations and staff to ensure efficient, accurate, and compliant materials testing.
Quality Assurance, Data Analysis, and Technical Compliance Experience interpreting and validating materials test data for engineering design, specification compliance, or performance evaluation.
Experience maintaining and calibrating specialized laboratory instruments and ensuring accuracy of results.
Knowledge of engineering data analysis, statistical methods, quality assurance practices, accreditation processes, proficiency sample programs, and external audits.
Skill in performing and overseeing complex materials tests, analyzing and validating test data, and ensuring procedural compliance to support engineering decisions, mixture design verification, and specification development.
Leadership, Communication, and Project Coordination Experience leading, mentoring, or training technical personnel in laboratory methods, equipment use, and data analysis.
Experience preparing and presenting technical reports or findings to internal and external audiences.
Knowledge of project coordination principles, including communication and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders such as engineers, consultants, contractors, and external laboratories.
Skill in preparing detailed engineering reports, summaries, and presentations that clearly convey technical findings to varied audiences.
Ability to communicate effectively and diplomatically with staff, engineers, contractors, and external stakeholders and represent the organization in technical meetings, reviews, and collaborative engineering projects.
Safety, Adaptability, and Technical Systems Knowledge of safety regulations, risk mitigation practices, and environmental considerations in materials testing laboratories.
Skill in using specialized software and data acquisition systems for test control, data analysis, and reporting.
Ability to adapt to and implement new technologies, testing methods, and data systems to improve laboratory performance.
Growth Mindset and Service-Oriented Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
Takes action to meet the needs of others.
Ability to obtain and maintain qualifications in assigned test procedures.
Ability to be certified by the Troxler Corporation to calibrate, repair, and maintain nuclear density gauges.
Ability to work at elevated temperatures, with materials exceeding 325 degrees F, and with various chemicals, and nuclear electronic gauges.
Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced laboratory environment.
Ability to stand for long periods of time and walk long distances.
Ability to work under time constraints using timers, stopwatches, etc.
Ability to work for periods of time which may exceed normal shifts.

Nice To Haves

Status as a Qualified Tester in all tests associated with the Liquid Asphalt Laboratory and proficiency in related specialized computer programs.

Responsibilities

Perform complex asphalt material testing, hands-on training, instructing, and inspecting the work of all permanent and non-permanent employees.
Work with state-of-the-art equipment and test procedures.
Assist with the responsibility for all aspects of testing in the Liquid Asphalt Laboratory including organizing and tracking samples, scheduling, directing, and reviewing the work of the technicians conducting testing.
Perform all test methods assigned to the Liquid Asphalt Laboratory.
Maintain qualifications in all PG Binder, emulsified asphalt, and flexible bituminous pavement marker adhesive.
Prepare, analyze and correct data entries performed by all laboratory technicians.
Maintain equipment calibrations, verifications, maintenance and associated records for all laboratory testing equipment.
Represent WSDOT in meetings with outside Agencies and consultants for specific projects.
Be responsible for testing AASHTO re:source Proficiency Samples and participation in AASHTO re:source onsite inspections.
Manage multiple projects simultaneously, balance competing priorities and deadlines, and maintain organized laboratory records.