Senior Geotechnical Engineer (TE5 In-Training) – Two Positions

State of Washington•Thurston County – Tumwater, WA

13d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking two Senior Geotechnical Engineers to provide statewide technical leadership and expertise for complex transportation projects across Washington. In this role, you will lead advanced geotechnical analyses and design, develop practical solutions for challenging site and foundation conditions, and provide technical oversight throughout project development and construction. You will work on design-bid-build, mega, design-build, and other alternative delivery projects while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, consultants, contractors, and project partners. This position also serves as a senior technical resource within WSDOT's Geotechnical Office, providing guidance on complex geotechnical issues, mentoring engineering staff, and supporting statewide initiatives that advance geotechnical practices and transportation project delivery. This is an in-training opportunity and may be filled at the Transportation Engineer 2, 3, 4, or 5 level, depending on the selected candidate's qualifications. Through progressively responsible assignments, mentorship, and successful completion of an in-training plan, employees have the opportunity to advance to the Transportation Engineer 5 level.

Requirements

A minimum of 20-quarter or 15-semester college level credit hours in soil mechanics, foundation engineering, or geotechnical engineering. Continuing Education Units (CEU) will be considered on a case-by-case basis (one (1) CEU is equivalent to 1-quarter or 0.75-semester college level credit hour).
Demonstrated ability to apply geotechnical engineering principles including site characterization, field exploration, laboratory testing, seismic evaluation, foundation design, retaining wall design, ground improvement, and engineering analysis to support transportation projects.
Ability to evaluate complex engineering data, exercise sound engineering judgment, and develop practical geotechnical solutions.
Ability to manage multiple assignments, prioritize competing work, coordinate multidisciplinary teams, and deliver projects within established schedules and budgets.
Ability to communicate complex technical information effectively through written reports, technical recommendations, meetings, and presentations with technical and non-technical audiences.
Ability to safely conduct field investigations while following established safety practices.
Ability to obtain the required licensure or certification as outlined in the in-training plan.
Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
Takes action to meet the needs of others.
Valid driver's license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
At the TE5 level, the following required: Licensure as a Professional Engineer (Civil) in Washington State.
Experience performing complex geotechnical engineering analysis and design on multiple concurrent projects.
At the TE4 level, the following is required : Licensure as a Professional Engineer (Civil) in Washington State.
Experience performing complex geotechnical engineering analysis and design on one or more projects.
At the TE3 level, the following is required : Certification as an Engineer-in-Training in Washington State.
Experience performing geotechnical engineering analysis and design on multiple concurrent projects.
At the TE2 level, the following is required : Certification as an Engineer-In-Training in Washington State.
Experience performing geotechnical engineering analysis and design on multiple one or more projects.

Responsibilities

Perform advanced geotechnical analysis and design for transportation projects of considerable scope and complexity, including evaluating site conditions, developing field exploration and laboratory testing plans, conducting geotechnical analyses, and developing foundation, retaining wall, ground improvement, and other geotechnical designs and recommendations.
Lead and provide technical oversight for geotechnical work on design-bid-build, mega, design-build, and other alternative delivery projects.
Serve as a senior technical resource, mentor and train engineering staff, coordinate geotechnical team assignments, and ensure designs and technical work comply with standards of practice, national codes, WSDOT policies, and project requirements.
Support major and complex transportation projects by identifying geotechnical issues that may affect project design, construction, schedule, budget, or delivery, and developing or facilitating practical solutions with multidisciplinary project teams.
Provide geotechnical construction support by advising project teams on incorporating geotechnical recommendations into contract documents, preparing or reviewing contract provisions and RFP sections, reviewing contractor submittmits, evaluating changed site conditions and claims, participating in pre-construction meetings, and conducting field visits to support construction activities.
Manage multiple geotechnical projects and assignments by developing scopes of work and cost estimates, coordinating consultants and multidisciplinary teams, establishing priorities, tracking schedules and budgets, communicating project status, and representing the Geotechnical Office with regional and statewide clients.
Coordinate and oversee consultant work by developing and negotiating scopes of work and cost estimates, directing the preparation of geotechnical reports and technical deliverables, and reviewing consultant work for quality, adequacy, and consistency with WSDOT geotechnical policies and project requirements.
Represent the Geotechnical Office statewide by providing technical expertise during emergency response activities, value engineering studies, cost risk assessments, and other initiatives, and by communicating geotechnical policies and guidelines to WSDOT staff and project partners.