State Materials Engineer

Department of Transportation; North Carolina; On-site; USD 101,000 - 227,000; Full time

Job summary

The North Carolina Department of Transportation seeks an Engineering Director I (NS) to serve as the chief technical authority for transportation materials and pavement design. You will provide statewide leadership for standards, testing, quality assurance, inspection, and engineering practices to support construction and maintenance programs.

The role leads a highly technical organization, guiding policy development, strategic initiatives, and collaboration with professional bodies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering from an accredited institution and a minimum of five years progressive engineering experience including two years of supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

• Serve as North Carolina DOT's chief technical authority for transportation materials and pavement design.
• Provide statewide leadership for policies, standards, specifications, testing, quality assurance, inspection, and engineering practices.
• Lead a highly technical organization ensuring materials and products meet specifications and regulatory requirements throughout their service life.
• Evaluate, prioritize, and recommend pavement, materials, structures, and construction research initiatives to DOT leadership.

Skills

Engineering leadership

HR management

Supervisory skills

Policy implementation

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Job description

Agency Dept of Transportation Division State Hwy Administrator - Div of Hwys Job Classification Title Engineering Director I (NS) Position Number 60027222 Grade NC26

It’s the mission of the NC Department of Transportation to connect people, products and places safely and efficiently with customer focus, accountability, and environmental sensitivity to enhance the economy and vitality of North Carolina. We encourage you to consider joining NCDOT where our work not only serves the citizens of North Carolina but has an impact on our world through all modes of transportation.

Description of Work

Please note that all positions close at 12:00 AM on the posted closing date. You must apply by 11:59 PM prior to the posted closing date. “Internal Posting-Only temporary or permanent NCDOT Employees or layoff candidates with the NC Department of Transportation eligible for RIF priority reemployment consideration as described by GS 126 May Apply”

This position serves as NCDOT’s chief technical authority for transportation materials and pavement design, providing statewide leadership for the policies, standards, specifications, testing, quality assurance, inspection, and engineering practices that support the Department’s construction and maintenance programs. This position provides executive direction for statewide programs, personnel, financial resources, technical operations, and strategic initiatives and leads a highly technical organization responsible for ensuring that materials and products incorporated into NCDOT projects meet applicable specifications, standards, policies, and regulatory requirements and perform as intended throughout their service life. This position helps evaluate, prioritize, and recommend pavement, materials, structures, and construction research initiatives to NCDOT Executive Leadership and participates in leadership in organizations such as AASHTO, NTPEP, ASTM International, the Transportation Research Board (TRB), and other professional and technical organizations.

Registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of North Carolina is preferred. Applicant must be able to safely navigate active highway construction sites, material and product stockpiles, laboratories, and other potentially hazardous work environments while following established NCDOT safety procedures; must be able to legally operate a motor vehicle in accordance with applicable requirements in order to commute to various NCDOT offices, project work sites, conferences, etc. for meetings and discussions; must have the ability to safely navigate hazardous work situations at highway construction projects and material/product stockpiles while following established in-house safety procedures Must be able to legally operate a state vehicle.

Management prefers applicants with the following:

• Considerable knowledge of the standards and specifications of materials, design practices, operational requirements and of local, state, and federal codes, laws and ordinances pertaining to the materials and engineering related to highway infrastructure construction and maintenance.
• Experience managing human resources including: interviewing, recommending or filling positions, employee development, administering the Department’s performance evaluation system, and taking or recommending disciplinary actions when necessary.
• Considerable knowledge of supervisory practices and skill in supervising others, how to delegate and assign work, how to deal effectively with difficult employees, how to seek sources and opportunities for employee training and growth.
• Experience in developing, disseminating and implementing policies and procedures.
• Demonstrated ability explaining engineering concepts and related facts in a clear, concise and organized manner, both verbally and in writing, for a variety of audiences.

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details. Bachelor's degree in engineering from an appropriately accredited institution and a minimum of five years progressive engineering experience including two years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Necessary Special Requirements May require registration as a professional engineer by the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors. May require certification as a Project Management Professional (PMP) from the Project Management Institute.

In accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order 303, our agency supports second-chance employment for individuals who were previously incarcerated or justice-involved. We invite all potential applicants to apply for positions for which they may be qualified. It is important that your application includes all your relevant education and work experience and that you answer all questions associated with the application.

Salary Grade and Salary Range:

NC26 $100,795 - $226,971

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

Employer Information

North Carolina State Government is one of the state’s largest employers, with over 76,000 employees all working toward a common goal: a safer and stronger North Carolina. We are a large organization comprised of various agencies, offices, and universities, each providing important public services. Eligible state employees are entitled to comprehensive benefits, including a variety of leave options, professional development opportunities, insurance, and more.

State Application Resources / Frequently Asked Questions

Valuing Education and Experience

The State of North Carolina values the knowledge and experience of our jobseekers and current state employees. Approximately 91 percent of state job classifications allow experience to be substituted for education or do not require a post-secondary degree. Learn more about how you may qualify for a position through education or directly related experience, or a combination of both, with the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide.

All job postings close at 11:59pm the night before the End Date on the posting.