Contracts Engineer (TE3)

State of Washington; Shoreline (WA); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work options

Paid vacation days

Tuition assistance

Healthcare options

Job summary

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking a Contracts Engineer (TE3) to support consultant contracting and procurement activities essential to delivering transportation projects in the Northwest Region. This role ensures compliance with state and federal regulations while coordinating with project teams and the Headquarters Contract Services Office.

Under the ACLE and Area Consultant Liaison Engineer, you will provide technical guidance, develop memos, negotiate

Qualifications

• Ability to interpret RCW, WAC, CFR, and related contracting rules.
• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Experience working with project teams, consultants, and SMEs.
• Analytical and organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to design and deliver training and presentations.

Responsibilities

• Develop Request Memos for consultant services ensuring procurement procedures comply with regulations and policies.
• Participate in negotiations of Architectural & Engineering or Professional Service contracts under ACLE guidance.
• Prepare regional consultant agreements, supplements, task orders, amendments, and related documents.
• Prepare negotiation notes, Letters of Authorization, and contractual documents.
• Coordinate with Agreement Managers on negotiation, compliance, and contract administration.
• Review and organize contract documentation for reporting and retention.
• Process and review invoice payments for compliance with contracts.
• Communicate status of negotiations or compliance issues to ACLE and Managers.
• Respond to technical questions on rules, procedures, and contract matters.

Skills

Contracting regulations

Communication

Collaboration

Analytical skills

Training & facilitation

Technology & office tools

Growth mindset

Service-oriented

Travel flexibility

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 skilled Contracts Engineer (TE3) to support consultant contract administration and acquisition activities essential to the delivery of transportation projects in the Northwest Region. This position supports professional consultant contract administration, procurement, negotiations, equity assurance, invoice management, and agreements related to project development, right of way, and construction. The Contracts Engineer ensures consultant contracting activities comply with state and federal regulations while coordinating with project teams and the Headquarters Contract Services Office. Working under the direction of the Area Consultant Liaison Engineer (ACLE), the candidate selected for this role will exercise independent judgment, provide technical guidance, and represent the Consultant Liaison Office in supporting project delivery throughout the region.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you will:

• Develop Request Memos for consultant services, ensuring consultant procurement procedures comply with state and federal regulations and departmental policies and procedures.
• Participate in and co-facilitate negotiations of Architectural & Engineering or Professional Service contracts scope and fee under the direction of the ACLE.
• Prepare regional consultant agreements, supplements, task orders, amendments, and other various legal documents for review and signature.
• Prepare negotiation notes, Letters of Authorization, and other contractual documents.
• Coordinate with Agreement Managers and Consultants related to agreement negotiations, compliance, and/or contract administration.
• Review, organize, and store contract documentation for contract administration, reporting, and record retention.
• Process agreement invoice payments, including reviewing invoices for sufficient compliance with legal and contractual requirements.
• Communicate the status of contract negotiations or compliance issues to the ACLE and Agreement Managers on any foreseen or known issues.
• Respond to technical questions from personnel in Headquarters, WSDOT Regional Project Engineering Offices, and local agencies regarding state and federal rules, regulations, procedures, policies, selection methods, negotiations procedures, and other contractual matters that arise.

Qualifications

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

• Consultant Contracting Regulations: Ability to interpret Revised Code of Washington (RCW), Washington Administrative Code (WAC), Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), rules, and guidelines involving consultant agreements and contracting methods.
• Communication: Exhibit strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Collaboration: Experience working collaboratively with project teams, consultants, and subject matter experts to achieve project objectives. Experience working as a part of a multidimensional team with the ability to work both autonomously and in a collaborative group.
• Analytical & Organizational Skills: Exhibit strong analytical and organizational skills with attention to details.
• Training & Facilitation: Ability to design and deliver effective training and presentations tailored to diverse audiences and learning needs.
• Technology & Office Equipment: Ability to effectively use office equipment, including Microsoft Office suite of tools.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

The following qualifications are also required:

• Ability to travel on a regular, sporadic, or as needed basis, typically to attend an off-site meeting, meet with other region offices, or attend training.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Contract Cost Analysis: Experience reviewing, analyzing and interpreting engineering contract pricing and cost proposals.
• Government Contracting: Knowledge of government contracting with a solid depth of understanding of RCW, WAC, CFRs, and all relevant contract types.
• TRAINS 4.0 Contract Management: Knowledge of the Purchasing Specialist Role in TRAINS 4.0; including how to manage Delivery Orders (DO), Contracts (CT), and encumbrances.
• Agency Policies & Procedures: Knowledge of WSDOT directions, policies and procedures in project development, construction, and maintenance activities as well as state and federal laws and regulations. Knowledge of the WSDOT’s Consultant Services Manual.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• 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 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 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 State Benefits for more information.

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.