Transportation Engineer 3 (In-Training) | Multiple Positions

State of Washington•King County - Shoreline, WA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking multiple motivated and detail-oriented Transportation Engineer 3 In-Training professionals to join their team in Shoreline, WA. In this role, you will play a key part in delivering transportation improvements that enhance safety, mobility, and reliability for communities across Washington. You will develop plans, specifications, and estimates (PS&E) for signing, traffic signal and illumination systems, power supply systems, Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), and low-cost enhancement (Q-Design) projects that help keep the state’s transportation network operating efficiently. As a member of a collaborative and innovative team, you will support WSDOT’s mission by ensuring engineering projects are developed in accordance with agency standards, policies, and best practices while maintaining a strong commitment to quality, safety, and stewardship. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to Washington’s long-term transportation resilience while helping foster a professional workplace built on respect, collaboration, accountability, and opportunities for growth and development.

Requirements

Advanced Engineering knowledge and application: Demonstrates advanced knowledge of civil engineering principles and applies high-level engineering practices to transportation projects, designs, and analyses.
Advanced Technical Interpretation and Analysis: Applies a strong understanding of engineering methods, standards and analytical approaches to support technical decision making and operational effectiveness.
Technical Interpretation and Analysis: Experience reading, interpreting, and analyzing guidance documents such as the Manual on Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), the AASHTO Green Book, and the WSDOT Design Manual. Ability to apply and translate this guidance into real world solutions including development of projects and recommendations about traffic operations.
Leadership Skills: Strong communicator with proven ability to lead and coach subordinate staff, including evaluating performance, identifying training needs, and resolving personnel issues.
Engineering Knowledge and Application: Demonstrates initiative in selecting resources and interpreting design guidance. Applies sound engineering judgment to organize findings and recommend actions based on design guidelines and supporting evidence.
Data Analysis and Report Writing: Strong analytical skills with a solid understanding of data collection, analysis, and reporting practices. Ability to conduct research and interpret technical literature related to transportation.
Communication and Interpersonal Proficiency: Strong written and verbal communication skills to communicate technical information clearly to a variety of stakeholders including engineers, contractors, and the public.
Collaboration and team coordination: Works effectively with diverse teams, supporting engineers, and external stakeholders.
Engineering Mathematics: Demonstrates sufficient mathematical proficiency to apply engineering equations accurately in traffic design and analysis.
Technology and software use: Proficient in computer operations and associated engineering design software, including Microsoft Suite products (e.g., SharePoint, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.). Ability to rapidly multitask between multiple software applications in emergency situations.
Support Focused: Contribute to efficient daily operations by helping WSDOT staff and external partners, helping coordinate field activities, resolve routine operational issues, and ensure information and resources are delivered accurately and on time.
Field Readiness and Safety Awareness: Able to travel to and work safely along highways and within active work zones, including navigating uneven terrain and confined spaces such as communication vaults.
Licensing Requirement: Possession of a valid driver’s license.
Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

Nice To Haves

Traffic Engineering Knowledge: Demonstrated knowledge of traffic engineering principles, practices, and procedures, with the ability to apply those concepts to the planning, design, analysis, construction, or operation of transportation systems and facilities.
Traffic Signal and Illumination Design & Construction Management: Demonstrated experience designing, reviewing, coordinating, or providing construction management support for traffic signal systems, highway illumination systems, or other transportation infrastructure projects.
Traffic Control Device Design: Demonstrated knowledge of design principles, standards, and practices related to traffic control devices, including roadway signing, pavement markings, traffic signals, and illumination systems, and the ability to apply those principles to transportation projects.
Engineering Software and Project Scheduling: Demonstrated experience utilizing computer-aided design (CAD) software, scheduling software, or similar engineering and project management tools to develop plans, monitor project activities, and support project delivery.
Professional Engineering Development: Demonstrated commitment to professional engineering development through attainment of engineering certifications, licensure, or specialized credentials related to civil engineering, traffic engineering, or transportation engineering.
Possession of a valid Engineer in Training (EIT) Certificate.
Possession of a valid Professional Engineer (PE) License.
Possession of a valid Professional Traffic Operations Engineer (PTOE) Certification.

Responsibilities

Review and prepare Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for highway illumination, traffic signals, ITS, and signing systems on Design-Build contracts.
Review traffic design submittals and provide clear, technically sound comments.
Track the progress of active traffic work orders and coordinate project prioritization with traffic managers, the Signal and Maintenance Superintendent, and Signal Maintenance Supervisors.
Prioritize proposed electrical and ITS projects.
Serve as the Traffic Design Section representative on Design-Build task force, coordination, and guidance teams.
Provide design oversight and technical guidance.
Prepare design responses to contractor submittals and develop change orders.
Apply independent engineering judgment and established design techniques to develop standard and complex traffic systems.