Assistant Project Engineer (WMS2) | Multiple

State of Washington • King County - Shoreline, WA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

WSDOT is hiring multiple Assistant Project Engineers to support delivery of highway design and construction projects throughout the Northwest Region. The role assists and acts on behalf of the Project Engineer to ensure projects meet local, state, and federal standards and remain within established scope, schedule, and budget. The positions help deliver projects that are constructible, maintainable, integrated into the surrounding environment, responsive to all transportation modes, and designed to minimize impacts to the traveling public. The successful candidates will help advance safe, sustainable, efficient, innovative, and lean transportation practices.

The Assistant Project Engineer helps plan and deliver the Capital Improvement and Preservation Program (CIPP), leads engineering staff and project partners, manages assigned projects, and coordinates work with internal and external stakeholders. The role may certify design documents, contract plans, specifications, and construction changes using a Professional Engineer’s stamp in the Project Engineer’s absence.

The position requires the ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain and the willingness to be available 24/7 to respond to emergencies and emergent operational issues as needed. Flexible/hybrid remote work options are available.

Requirements

• Licensed as a Civil Professional Engineer in Washington State, or currently holding a Civil PE license from another state and able to obtain Washington State licensure within six months of hire.
• Extensive experience applying transportation engineering principles, including highway design, construction practices, and surveying.
• Proficiency in preparing and reviewing plans, specifications, and estimates (PS&E) for complex highway and transportation infrastructure projects.
• Experience leading transportation projects through planning, environmental review, design, and construction.
• Familiarity with transportation system design, environmental compliance, and state and federal project delivery processes.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, and deliver multiple projects on time and within budget; skilled in developing work plans, coordinating team efforts, and managing schedules.
• Experience managing budgets across multiple phases of project development and working knowledge of programming and funding processes.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise, mentor, and coach engineering staff; set expectations, provide feedback, and foster accountability and performance.
• Proven ability to identify issues, evaluate options, implement practical solutions, resolve conflicts, and facilitate constructive dialogue.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills to engage teams, contractors, stakeholders, and the public; capable of representing the agency in meetings and on project sites.
• Ability to contribute to a respectful, inclusive, and equitable work environment and work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, identities, and perspectives.
• Commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-oriented approach and willingness to act to meet the needs of others.
• Ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain.
• Ability and willingness to be available 24/7 to respond to emergencies and emergent operational issues as needed.

Nice To Haves

• Experience designing and procuring transportation projects using design-build and design-bid-build delivery methods in accordance with applicable engineering standards, policies, and procedures.
• Familiarity with Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) processes, procedures, and requirements for federally funded transportation projects, including federal stewardship obligations, documentation, and reporting standards.
• Knowledge and experience managing organizational or project-level change, and ability to lead teams through transitions in scope, structure, policy, or project delivery approach.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Project Engineer in strategically planning budgets, schedules, and workforce needs to deliver the Capital Improvement and Preservation Program (CIPP).
• Lead professional and technical engineering staff, interns, temporary employees, and consultants in the design and contract development of transportation improvement and preservation projects.
• Manage assigned projects in accordance with WSDOT policies and procedures, meeting established scope, schedule, budget, and documentation requirements.
• Ensure projects comply with applicable environmental laws, engineering standards, policies, and sound engineering practices.
• Collaborate with citizens, elected officials, contractors, outside agencies, media, and other partners to support transportation system delivery.
• Coordinate input and resolve project-related issues and conflicts among internal teams, consultants, outside agencies, and the public.
• Report project status, progress, and performance to regional and statewide WSDOT executive management.
• In the Project Engineer’s absence, certify design documents, contract plans, specifications, and construction changes using a Professional Engineer’s stamp, ensuring compliance with WSDOT standards and policies.
• Respond to emergencies and emergent operational issues as needed, with availability 24/7.

Benefits

• In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees may earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year.
• Permanent employees have education-expense assistance options, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.
• Comprehensive benefits package with a variety of healthcare options.
• Choice of state retirement programs.
• Work-life balance commitment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed