Transportation Engineer 3

State of Washington•Cowlitz County – Kelso, WA

9d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. The Opportunity WSDOT is seeking an experienced and motivated Transportation Engineer 3 to join our team in Kelso, WA! In this leadership role, you'll supervise and mentor a team of engineering professionals while guiding the design and construction of transportation improvement projects that enhance the safety, reliability, and resilience of Washington's highway system. You'll provide technical expertise, direction, and oversight to ensure projects are delivered in compliance with WSDOT standards, policies, contract requirements, and engineering best practices. Your leadership will play a vital role in delivering high-quality transportation infrastructure that supports the traveling public and keeps Washington moving safely and efficiently.

Requirements

Proficient in highway and transportation engineering design, including PS&E preparation, geometric layout, cost estimating, and technical documentation.
Skilled in using computer-aided engineering and design tools (e.g., AutoCAD, MicroStation, Civil 3D) for plan development and quantity calculations.
Knowledge of construction materials, methods, safety protocols, and quality assurance practices in transportation projects.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects across design and construction phases, ensuring adherence to scope, schedule, and budget.
Experience coordinating consultant activities, reviewing deliverables, and integrating feedback from internal and external stakeholders.
Skilled in construction inspection, contract compliance, documentation, and project close-out procedures.
Skilled in evaluating engineering data and applying sound judgment to identify issues and develop practical, data-driven solutions.
Proficient interpreting design standards, construction specifications, and regulatory requirements.
Ability to anticipate project risks, identify critical path activities, and implement timely corrective actions.
Experience leading multidisciplinary teams in the design and/or construction of transportation projects, including task delegation and technical mentoring.
Proven ability to evaluate performance, set expectations, and provide coaching to support staff development.
Strong organizational skills to manage staffing, prioritize workloads, and meet project deadlines.
Strong written and verbal communication skills for preparing technical reports, correspondence, and public-facing materials.
Experience coordinating with contractors, public agencies, and community members, including participation in public meetings and hearings.
Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly and effectively to diverse audiences.
Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
Takes action to meet the needs of others.
A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.

Nice To Haves

Professional Engineer (PE) license in Washington or with the ability to obtain local licensure.
Advanced knowledge of transportation design tools and modeling software (e.g., OpenRoads, MGSFlood).
Experience in complex or multidisciplinary transportation projects involving interchanges, structures, or environmental constraints.
Experience managing consultant teams and overseeing consultant contract negotiations, task orders, and performance.
Background in delivering federally funded projects, including familiarity with NEPA, right-of-way, and permitting requirements.
Proven success leading projects through all stages - from planning and design to construction and contract close-out - on time and within budget.
Demonstrated ability to lead alternatives analysis and apply value engineering or risk-based decision making.
Experience resolving contractor disputes, claims, or unforeseen field conditions with minimal escalation.
Ability to assess constructability during design and incorporate lessons learned from past projects into future work.
Experience supervising or mentoring engineers, technicians, or inspectors on multi-phase projects.
Training or certification in project management methodologies (e.g., PMP, Lean, or Agile principles).
Demonstrated success fostering team development, engagement and collaboration in a public-sector or consultant environment.
Experience facilitating public meetings, hearings, or negotiations with property owners or community groups.
Strong presentation skills with the ability to convey technical content to executive leadership.
Experience coordinating across jurisdictions or with multiple agencies on shared infrastructure projects.

Responsibilities

Lead a team or teams of designers and provide guidance, as necessary, in delivery of assigned projects.
Ensure design of highway projects are developed according to the current and appropriate Federal, WSDOT, and local guidelines and procedures.
Evaluate alternate designs requiring detailed analysis of accident data, capacity studies, hydraulics, etc.
Lead a team that prepares and/or reviews design documentation, reports, calculations, estimates, etc., following Design Manual guidance for project development.
Prepare contract plans, specifications, and estimates and other information needed for completion of plans, specs, and estimates (PS&E) applying agency policies, standards, and procedures as well as transportation engineering principles.
Travel to the project site to perform field site assessments and gather field data.
Research highway vicinity as-built information and traffic data.
Prepare professional letters, reports, and other required documentation.
Develop special displays and project materials in support of public meetings, hearings, presentations, environmental permits, and real-estate acquisitions or access negotiations.
Apply sound engineering judgement to interpret data, identify problems, and develop solutions.
Instruct and review design team in preparation of project documentation, specifications, quantities, estimates, etc. for project development.
Direct and oversee Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) technicians on the development of plan sheets and provide technical training and mentoring as needed.
Communicate design options and procedures to the public, other agencies, and to WSDOT management.
Conduct in-depth region level review of standard contract PS&E, as well as reviews PS&E work completed by consultants.
Coordinate reviews of PS&E by subject matter experts (SME) throughout the Region and Headquarters.
Monitor contractor’s work and coordinates with contractor’s supervisory personnel to ensure work is conducted in conformance to plans and specifications.
Monitor the completion of accurate daily project documentation which may include Inspectors Daily Reports (IDRs), Field Notes, Force Account Sheets, pay notes, Traffic Control Supervisor (TCS) Reports, and Weekly Working Day statements.
Plan in anticipation of contract work to ensure appropriate resources, certifications, staking, constructability, communications, and documentation will be ready for upcoming tasks.
Research, analyze, and prepare estimates, correspondence, and appropriate approvals/justifications for change orders.