Electrical & Cement Materials Testing Engineer (Transportation Engineer 3)

State of Washington•Thurston County – Tumwater, WA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking an Electrical & Cement Materials Testing Engineer (TE3) to join the Specialty Services Section at the State Materials Laboratory in Tumwater, WA. This role is critical in supporting transportation projects across Washington by overseeing specialized materials testing programs that ensure the safety, quality, and performance of infrastructure investments. The position serves as a technical leader responsible for coordinating and overseeing complex laboratory testing of electrical and cementitious materials used in transportation construction projects statewide. You will work closely with project engineers, contractors, manufacturers, technicians, and agency partners to provide expert testing services, technical guidance, and quality assurance support. The work performed directly contributes to the successful delivery of transportation projects by ensuring materials meet established standards, specifications, and performance requirements.

Requirements

Workload Management: Ability to work independently, prioritize competing assignments, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Training and Leadership: Ability to supervise, train, and support employees in a laboratory setting.
Technical Equipment Operation: Demonstrated proficiency in reading, understanding, operating, and troubleshooting laboratory instruments and testing equipment.
Materials Testing: Demonstrated ability to perform complex materials testing while ensuring procedural compliance and data accuracy.
Engineering Knowledge: Knowledge of engineering principles, methods, and practices related to materials testing and transportation projects.
Materials Testing Standards: Knowledge of material testing procedures, specifications, and quality requirements.
Communication: Ability to communicate technical information effectively to diverse audiences both verbally and in writing.
Problem Solving: Ability to evaluate complex issues, develop alternatives, and recommend effective solutions.
Technical Adaptability: Ability to select and adapt testing techniques to resolve transportation-related materials testing challenges.
Plan and Specification Review: Knowledge of reviewing engineering plans and specifications for compliance with established standards.
Quality Assurance: Knowledge of laboratory quality assurance practices, accreditation requirements, proficiency programs, and external audits.
Safety Focus: Ability to follow safety requirements and perform work safely in laboratory environments.
Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.
Respectful Workplace Practices: Ability to contribute to a work environment that fosters a culture of respect and equal opportunity.
A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
Ability to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
Work with materials exceeding 400 degrees F.
Stand for long periods of time and walk long distances
Work under time constraints using timers, stopwatches, etc.
Work for periods of time which may exceed normal shifts.
Work with a variety of chemicals in the laboratory setting.
Wear appropriate personal protection equipment and adequate clothing for specific work activity.
Maintain qualifications in assigned test procedures.
Maintain forklift operator certification.
This position may require cross training and qualifications in other laboratories that are part of the Construction Materials Division to assist as needed.

Nice To Haves

Transportation Engineering Experience: Experience applying transportation engineering principles within a transportation-related environment.
Electrical Materials Testing Knowledge: Knowledge of electrical materials testing methods, procedures, and equipment.
Cement Testing Knowledge: Knowledge of cementitious materials testing methods, procedures, and equipment.
Technical Systems Proficiency: Proficiency using specialized software programs, testing systems, and equipment associated with materials testing operations.

Responsibilities

Oversee daily operations within the Electrical and Cement Laboratories, including organizing and tracking samples, scheduling testing activities, assigning work, and reviewing testing performed by laboratory staff.
Perform and maintain qualifications in specialized electrical and cement materials testing procedures and ensure testing activities comply with established standards and specifications.
Conduct testing of traffic controllers, signal cabinets, uninterruptable power supply (UPS) systems, and other electrical materials used on transportation projects.
Perform verification, confirmation, and forensic testing of cement, blended hydraulic cement, fly ash, slag, natural pozzolans, aggregates, and concrete curing compounds.
Prepare, review, and communicate testing reports and results to project engineers, contractors, local agencies, federal partners, and other stakeholders.
Troubleshoot testing issues, perform diagnostic evaluations, and operate specialized laboratory equipment and environmental testing chambers.
Utilize forklifts, pallet jacks, and safe lifting practices to move, organize, prepare, and manage testing materials and samples.
Assist with scheduling and coordinating activities associated with the Cement Acceptance Program.
Independently schedule, prioritize, and coordinate laboratory testing activities while communicating with contractors, manufacturers, and project partners.
Train, qualify, and support laboratory technicians while ensuring tester qualifications and equipment verifications remain current within an accredited laboratory environment.
Review contract plans, specifications, and submitted materials to verify compliance with project requirements prior to testing.
Oversee equipment calibration, verification, maintenance, and repair activities while coordinating with external vendors as needed.
Provide support to other laboratory sections, serve as backup for section staff, travel to project sites or regional offices for troubleshooting assistance, and participate in meetings and training opportunities.