Assistant Area Engineer: Highway Design & Project Lead

State of Washington; Washington; Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible/hybrid remote work options

Paid holidays

Vacation days

Job summary

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) seeks two Assistant Area Engineers for Kelso and Chehalis, WA, to support the Project Engineer in delivering highway design and construction projects that meet standards while staying on scope, schedule, and budget.

You will champion sustainable transportation, mentor engineers, and collaborate with diverse partners to improve safety and environmental responsibility across the state's transportation system.

Qualifications

• Professional Engineering Certification: Licensed as a Civil PE in WA or eligible with ability to obtain WA licensure within 6 months of hire.
• Civil Engineering Expertise: Extensive experience in transportation engineering, highway design, construction, PS&E.
• Transportation Design & Delivery: Experience guiding projects through planning, environmental review, design, and construction.
• Project Management & Scheduling: Ability to plan, organize, and deliver multiple projects on time and within budget.
• Leadership: Ability to lead teams, mentor staff, and drive collaboration.
• Problem Solving & Decision-Making: Identify issues, evaluate options, and implement practical solutions.
• Effective Communication & Collaboration: Strong written and verbal communication with stakeholders.
• Growth Mindset: Commitment to learning and development.
• Service-Oriented: Focus on meeting the needs of the public and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Project Engineer to plan budget, schedule, and workforce for the Capital Improvement and Preservation Program (CIPP).
• Lead an office of engineers, interns, temporary staff, and consultants in design and contract development for transportation projects.
• Ensure projects meet scope, schedule, budget, and are constructable, permittable, and biddable.
• Communicate professionally with leadership, colleagues, agencies, customers, and stakeholders.
• Partner with citizens, media, officials, contractors, consultants, and outside agencies to plan and operate the system.
• Report project status to regional and statewide management to improve accountability.
• Coordinate input and resolve conflicts with internal and external organizations and the public.
• Be prepared to certify with the Professional Engineer stamp that standards are followed.
• Ensure projects are delivered in an environmentally responsible manner.

Skills

PE license

Civil engineering

Transportation design

Project planning

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Growth mindset

Service orientation

Job description

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) seeks two Assistant Area Engineers for Kelso and Chehalis, WA, to support the Project Engineer in delivering highway design and construction projects that meet standards while staying on scope, schedule, and budget.

You will champion sustainable transportation, mentor engineers, and collaborate with diverse partners to improve safety and environmental responsibility across the state's transportation system.