Change Order Engineer (TE3)

Washington State Department of Transportation

Seattle (WA)

Hybrid

USD 84,000 - 114,000

Full time

5 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Flexible/hybrid remote work options

Paid leave and holidays

Public service benefits

Job summary

Washington State Department of Transportation seeks a Change Order Engineer to support the SR 520 Bridge Replacement and HOV Program in Seattle, WA. You will administer contract changes, develop estimates, review submittals, and ensure compliance with agency policies.

The role collaborates with engineers, project managers, contractors, and subject matter experts to deliver high-profile transportation projects that improve safety and mobility across Washington.

Qualifications

Demonstrated civil engineering principles applied to transportation projects.

Responsibilities

Develop construction contract change orders by researching contract requirements, coordinating with experts, preparing justifications and independent estimates, and processing approvals.
Review proposed changes and provide recommendations in change management meetings to support timely decisions.
Participate in Design-Build Change Management meetings to discuss changes and support contract administration.
Review contractor schedule updates and submittals to verify compliance with contract requirements.
Review eligible third-party invoices and provide payment recommendations.
Evaluate internal cost and schedule reports, identify discrepancies, and coordinate corrections.
Assist with reviewing quarterly and monthly contract reports and ensure compliance before submittal.
Provide day-to-day leadership and coaching for one Transportation Engineer 2, fostering an inclusive environment.

Skills

Civil engineering knowledge

Leadership

Technical interpretation

Communication

Construction change management

Technology proficiency

Growth mindset

Service orientation

Tools

Microsoft 365 (Excel, Word, Outlook)

CCIS (Construction Contract Information System)

Job description

Salary : $84,250.00 - $113,639.00 Annually

Location : King County - Seattle - Other, WA

Job Type: Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number: 26DOT-NWR-80446

Department: Dept. of Transportation

Division: Urban Mobility Access & Mega Programs

Opening Date: 08/05/2026

Closing Date: 8/20/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

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 seeking a Change Order Engineer to support the SR 520 Bridge Replacement and HOV Program in Seattle, WA. This position plays a key role in administering change orders for major design-build construction contracts while ensuring contract modifications are technically sound, thoroughly documented, and aligned with agency policies and project goals. As a member of the Construction Business Team, you will collaborate with engineers, project managers, contractors, and subject matter experts to evaluate contract changes, develop cost estimates, review contractor submittals, and support contract compliance. Your work directly contributes to the successful delivery of high-profile transportation projects that improve safety, mobility, and quality of life throughout Washington.

What To Expect

Develop construction contract change orders by researching contract requirements, coordinating with technical experts, preparing change order documentation and justifications, developing independent engineer's estimates, and processing approvals through electronic management systems.
Review proposed contract changes and provide recommendations during change management meetings to support timely and effective project decisions.
Participate in Design-Build Change Management meetings to discuss proposed changes, ask clarifying questions, and support contract administration activities.
Review contractor schedule updates and other contract submittals to verify compliance with contract requirements.
Review eligible third-party invoices and provide payment recommendations.
Evaluate internal cost and schedule reports, identify discrepancies, and coordinate corrections as needed.
Assist with reviewing quarterly and monthly contract reports, reconcile comments, and verify compliance before contractor submittal.
Provide day-to-day leadership, coaching, and performance management for one Transportation Engineer 2 while fostering a respectful, collaborative, and inclusive work environment.

Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required:

Engineering Knowledge and Application: Demonstrated ability to apply civil engineering principles and technical knowledge to transportation projects while evaluating issues and recommending practical engineering solutions.
Leadership: Ability to supervise, coach, mentor, and support employee development while fostering accountability, collaboration, and respectful working relationships; including evaluating performance, identifying training needs, and resolving personnel issues.
Technical Interpretation and Analysis: Experience reading, interpreting, analyzing, and producing contract plans, specifications, and cost estimates in accordance with project requirements and engineering standards, as well as complex construction plans, provisions, and standards.
Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills to communicate technical information clearly to a variety of stakeholders including engineers, contractors, and the public.
Construction Change Management: Experience developing, evaluating, and administering change orders on design-build construction projects.
Technology Proficiency: Proficiency using Microsoft 365 applications, including Excel, Word, and Outlook, and construction management software, including Construction Contract Information System (CCIS).
Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

It Is Preferred That Qualified Candidates Also Demonstrate

Conflict Resolution: Experience evaluating issues between project owners and contractors and recommending fair, reasonable, and contract-compliant resolutions.
Mentoring: Supervisory or mentoring skills to lead engineers performing design-build construction inspection work.
Technical Communication: Experience interpreting and explaining complex structural or civil engineering plans to project team members, contractors, partner agencies, and members of the public.

Important Notes

This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options, per supervisor approval.
The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County.
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 Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in 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

Why WSDOT

Work-Life Balance - We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals' lifestyle. As such, there are a number of flexible schedule options available, including telework options for eligible positions.
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 for more information.

Accessibility Note This posting may require reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If you need an alternative format of this information, please contact the recruiter.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement And Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

Engineering Knowledge and Application: Please select the option that best describes your experience applying civil engineering principles to transportation-related projects.

I have applied advanced civil engineering principles to complex transportation projects, evaluated technical issues, and recommended engineering solutions independently.
I have applied civil engineering principles to transportation projects and regularly contributed to evaluating technical issues and developing engineering solutions.
I have assisted with applying civil engineering principles to transportation projects under the guidance of others.
I have limited or no experience applying civil engineering principles to transportation-related projects.

Please describe your experience applying civil engineering principles to transportation-related projects and recommending engineering solutions. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A.

Leadership: Please select the option that best describes your supervisory and leadership experience.

I have supervised employees, completed performance evaluations, coached staff, identified training needs, and addressed personnel issues.
I have supervised or led employees and regularly coached or mentored staff but had limited responsibility for performance management.
I have served as a technical lead, mentor, or project lead without formal supervisory responsibilities.
I have limited or no leadership or supervisory experience.

Please describe your experience supervising, coaching, mentoring, or leading employees, including your role in performance management and staff development. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A.

Technical Interpretation and Analysis: Please select the option that best describes your experience interpreting engineering and construction documents.

I have independently interpreted and developed contract plans, specifications, construction documents, and engineer's cost estimates for transportation projects.
I have regularly interpreted contract plans, specifications, and construction documents and assisted with developing cost estimates.
I have reviewed engineering plans and specifications under the direction of others.
I have limited or no experience interpreting engineering or construction documents.

Please describe your experience reading, interpreting, analyzing, or preparing contract plans, specifications, construction documents, or engineer's estimates. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A.

Communication: Please select the option that best describes your experience communicating verbally.

I have regularly given presentations or briefings on a variety of topics to diverse audiences.
I have regularly participated in meetings with project teams, contractors, or agency staff to explain information, answer questions, collaborate, or coordinate work.
I have communicated one-on-one or in small group discussions with project team members or coworkers to answer questions, collaborate, or coordinate work.
I have limited experience communicating verbally in a professional or team-oriented environment.

Communication: Please select the option that best describes your experience communicating in writing.

I have regularly prepared change orders, reports, letters, memos, emails, or similar written communications on a variety of topics for diverse audiences, such as project teams, agency staff, contractors, executive management, project stakeholders, or the general public.
I have prepared change orders, reports, letters, memos, or emails for project teams, contractors, or agency staff.
I have primarily written memos and emails within my immediate work group.
I have limited experience preparing professional written communications.

Please describe your experience communicating verbally and in writing on a variety of topics to a wide range of audiences. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A.

Technical Information Coordination: Please select the option that best describes your experience conveying and coordinating technical information.

I have regularly conveyed and coordinated complex technical information with engineers, contractors, leadership, agencies, and members of the public.
I have conveyed and coordinated technical information with project teams, contractors, or agency staff.
I have conveyed and coordinated technical information primarily within my immediate work group.
I have limited or no experience conveying or coordinating technical information.

Please describe your experience conveying and coordinating technical information with a variety of audiences. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A.

Construction Change Management: Please select the option that best describes your experience with construction change management on design-build projects.

I have independently developed, negotiated, and administered change orders on design-build construction projects.
I have participated in developing or reviewing change orders on design-build construction projects.
I have experience with construction contract administration but limited experience with change orders on design-build projects.
I have limited or no experience with design-build construction change management.

Please describe your experience developing, evaluating, or administering construction change orders on design-build projects. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A.

Please describe your experience using Microsoft 365 applications and CCIS or similar construction management software. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A.

Conflict Resolution: Please select the option that best describes your experience resolving owner and contractor issues.

I have independently evaluated complex owner and contractor issues and recommended fair, reasonable, and contract-compliant resolutions.
I have participated in evaluating owner and contractor issues and contributed to resolving conflicts.
I have observed or assisted with conflict resolution involving construction contracts.
I have limited or no experience resolving owner and contractor issues.

How did you learn of this employment opportunity?