Assistant Quality Assurance Bridge Engineer (BE5) In-Training

State of Washington Dept. of Transportation; Tumwater (WA); Hybrid; USD 103,000 - 139,000; Full time

Job summary

The Washington State Department of Transportation is seeking a Bridge Engineer 5 to support statewide bridge inspection quality assurance, review inspection documentation, and provide engineering guidance to inspectors. This role involves field work, leading inspection teams, and applying NBIS/NTIS standards to ensure safety and reliability of Washington’s bridges.

Frequent travel is expected; when not in the field, limited, hybrid remote work options may be available.

Qualifications

• PE license in Civil or SE license in WA or ability to obtain within six months.
• Knowledge of structural engineering, load ratings, and AASHTO standards.
• FHWA-approved bridge inspection training or ability to complete within six months.
• Experience in bridge inspection under supervision, reporting, and logistics.
• Ability to apply engineering judgement to inspection findings.
• Working knowledge of NBIS/NTIS and bridge inspection procedures.
• Experience contributing to QA/QC review and technical evaluations.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Commitment to respectful, inclusive, and growth-focused work.

Responsibilities

• Perform QA reviews of inspection docs, field records, and data for accuracy.
• Lead bridge site visits and engineering reviews of reports and load ratings.
• Make determinations on inspection requirements and coordinate follow-ups.
• Serve as a technical resource on NBIS/NTIS and WSDOT standards.
• Plan and conduct in-service bridge inspections with engineering judgment.
• Lead inspection teams, oversee activities, and mentor staff.
• Use rope access, bucket trucks, and other equipment for inspections.
• Develop training content and deliver guidance through examples and demos.
• Assist with updates to the WSDOT Bridge Inspection Manual.

Skills

Professional Engineer

Bridge analysis

Bridge inspection training

Bridge inspection

Engineering judgement

NBIS/NTIS knowledge

QA/QC

Communication

Team leadership

Education

ABET accredited engineering degree

Job description

About WSDOT

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. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity

WSDOT is currently seeking a talented Bridge Engineer 5 to support statewide bridge inspection quality assurance and help ensure the safety, reliability, and longevity of Washingtons bridges. Working alongside the State Quality Assurance Bridge Engineer, this position reviews bridge inspection documentation, field practices, provides engineering guidance to inspectors, and supports accurate and consistent application of federal and state bridge inspection requirements. Bring your technical skills, make an impact statewide, and play a key role in maintaining the integrity of Washington’s critical transportation infrastructure.

What to Expect

Frequent statewide travel is an important part of this role. This position requires fieldwork, including overnight travel and periods when you may be in travel status for most of the workweek. When not working in the field, this position offers limited flexible/hybrid remote work options.

Responsibilities

• Perform quality assurance reviews of bridge inspection documentation, historical records, field verification, and supporting engineering information to identify compliance concerns and ensure technical accuracy.
• Lead bridge site visits and comprehensive engineering reviews of inspection reports, load ratings, scour appraisals, Plans of Action, and other technical documents.
• Make engineering determinations regarding inspection requirements, reporting compliance, and technical notifications, and coordinate follow-up actions with bridge inspectors and program staff.
• Serve as a technical resource on National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS), National Tunnel Inspection Standards (NTIS), the WSDOT Bridge Inspection Manual, and applicable engineering standards.
• Plan, direct, and complete in-service bridge inspections, exercising engineering judgment to evaluate structural conditions and inspection findings.
• Lead bridge inspection teams during field operations, provide technical oversight, assign inspection activities, and mentor inspectors and other team members.
• Perform inspections using specialized access methods and equipment, including technical rope access, under bridge inspection trucks, bucket trucks, scaffolding, boats, and climbing techniques.
• Develop, update, and deliver technical content for statewide bridge inspection training programs and provide technical guidance through classroom instruction, field demonstrations, webinars, and coaching.
• Assist with development and revision of the WSDOT Bridge Inspection Manual by evaluating changes in regulations, engineering practices, and inspection procedures.

Qualifications

This is a Bridge Engineer 5 position. However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at a lower level in the classification series based on candidate qualifications, providing an opportunity for an individual to gain the required experience on the job as part of a formal “in‑training” plan.

At minimum, the following competencies are required:

• Professional Engineer: Current registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in Civil engineering or Structural Engineer (SE) license in the State of Washington or ability to obtain within six (6) months of appointment through comity.
• Bridge Structural Analysis: Demonstrated knowledge of structural engineering principles and the ability to interpret structural analysis, bridge load ratings, and engineering evaluations in accordance with AASHTO standards.
• Bridge Condition Inspection Training: Successful completion of FHWA-approved comprehensive bridge inspection training, or ability to complete within (6) months of hire.
• Bridge Inspection: Demonstrated basic bridge inspection experience under general supervision of a certified Team Leader, including:
  • Accurately identifying and measuring structural defects;
  • Drafting bridge inspection report documentation;
  • And coordinating logistics, equipment, and traffic control for scheduled bridge inspection trips.
• Engineering Judgement: Basic ability to apply engineering judgement to evaluate inspection findings, propose repair or preservation actions, and elevate complex issues to a senior engineer.
• Technical Professional Knowledge: Working knowledge of 23 CFR 650 (NBIS/NTIS) and experience applying bridge and/or tunnel inspection standards in practice.
• Quality Assurance and Quality Control: Some experience contributing to QA/QC review processes and technical bridge evaluations.
• Effective Communication: Proficiency in verbal and written communication.
• Respectful Workplace: Actively contributes to a work environment that fosters respect, inclusion, and equal opportunity for all.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service‑Oriented: Demonstrates a willingness to take action to meet the needs of others.

Additional Requirements for Bridge Engineer 5 Level

• Certified Team Leader: Current certification as a Team Leader for bridge and tunnel inspection in accordance with NBIS and NTIS or ability to obtain within six months of appointment.
• Bridge Inspection: Comprehensive experience as a Team Leader for bridge or tunnel inspections, including all common material and span types, NSTM, complex features, and multi‑team inspections in accordance with NBIS, NTIS, and WSDOT policies and procedures.
• Effective Training: Facilitates and delivers technical guidance and training to bridge engineers.
• Technical Professional Knowledge: Comprehensive knowledge of NBIS, NTIS, and WSDOT inspection program policies and procedures with demonstrated application in inspection or training activities.
• Effective Communication: Proficiency in verbal and written communication with proven ability to create and deliver presentations, revise technical manuals or guides, and represent the program in technical discussions with local and regulatory partners.

Additional Qualifications

• A valid, unrestricted Washington State driver's license.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) at the time of hire.
• Ability to work at heights, over waterways, in confined spaces, and outdoors in varying weather and terrain.
• Ability to travel frequently, including overnight travel of up to five days.
• Ability to use specialized inspection equipment and perform technical climbing techniques.
• Ability to respond to emergency situations on a rotation and report to the assigned duty station within 40 minutes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Engineering: Bachelor’s degree in engineering from an ABET accredited program.
• WSDOT Bridge Experience: working knowledge of BridgeWorks application and the Washington State Bridge Inspection Manual (WSBIM).
• Bridge Structural Analysis: Demonstrated knowledge of structural engineering principles and the ability to interpret structural analysis, bridge load ratings, and engineering evaluations in accordance with WSDOT standards.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position requires field work, and overnight travel. When not working in the field, this position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• In addition to the salary range listed, for this specific Bridge Engineer position, an additional 10% assignment pay will be applied when either operating an Under‑Bridge Inspection Truck (UBIT) from the bucket or while serving as back‑up operator on the bridge deck for a minimum of four (4) hours per working day.
• This position requires frequent overnight travel.
• This position requires a Professional Engineers License issued by the State of Washington. License holders from other states will be expected to obtain a WA State PE license within six (6) months of appointment.
• This is a Bridge Engineer 5 position. However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at a lower level in the classification series based on candidate qualifications, providing an opportunity for an individual to gain the required experience on the job as part of a formal “in‑training” plan. The base salaries for each level are:
  • Bridge Engineer 5: $102,996 – $138,552 Annually
  • Bridge Engineer 4: $93,288 – $125,544 Annually
• In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. For union‑represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non‑represented positions can be found in Chapter 357‑28 of the Washington Administrative Code.
• WSDOT does not use the E‑Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

Why WSDOT

• Work‑Life Balance – We offer flexible work schedules that allow you time for your life outside of this excellent opportunity.
• Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full‑time employees may earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
• Tuition Assistance – Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.
• Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.

Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at [e-mail]. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-HQ-05605 in the subject line.

WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/ or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.

WSDOT does not use the E‑Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.