Transportation Engineer 2

State of Washington Dept. of Transportation; Spokane (WA); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Washington Dept. of Transportation is seeking a Transportation Engineer 2 to support the Eastern Region’s Project Development program.

You will provide technical expertise from design through delivery, ensuring constructible, compliant highway projects and strong collaboration with project offices, region staff, and stakeholders. You will apply WSDOT standards, participate in plan development, and help resolve technical issues while supporting equity and safety in transportation

Qualifications

• Foundational knowledge of civil/transportation engineering principles (EIT/LSIT encouraged).
• Ability to develop and review design drawings and contract plan sheets.
• Experience with PS&E, plan development, and coordination with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide plans review support through 30-60-90 review processes and PS&E final review.
• Apply WSDOT policies, design manuals, and contract tools to plans review and guidance.
• Review contract plan submittals for accuracy and constructability; offer technical advice on sheets, estimates, and provisions.
• Coordinate plan review meetings with Region and HQ staff and track projects through advertisement.
• Assist with tracking and reviewing change orders related to plan errors.
• Review design documentation submittals from pre-design through funding requests.

Skills

Civil engineering

MicroStation

OpenRoads

PS&E

Contract knowledge

Quantitative analysis

Communication

Driver's license

Education

EIT/LSIT

Tools

Microsoft Office

Unifier

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 manages the world's longest floating bridge, leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds the record for the world’s widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity
WSDOT is currently seeking a transportation engineering professional to support the Eastern Region’s Project Development program and help deliver safe, reliable highway projects that serve Washington communities. This position provides technical expertise throughout project development, helping project teams advance well-coordinated, constructible, and compliant projects from design through delivery. By applying sound engineering practices and WSDOT standards, the position helps identify and resolve technical issues and supports efficient project delivery, including critical emergency projects. This role works collaboratively with project offices, regional and headquarters staff, and project stakeholders to strengthen transportation infrastructure and advance WSDOT’s commitment to safety, equity, inclusion, and a respectful workplace.

What to Expect
The position is primarily performed in an office or approved telework setting, with extended periods of computer-based, sedentary work and exposure to typical office hazards. The position typically works Monday through Friday, with alternate work schedules available with supervisor approval. Travel is required for training and field reviews, and the position uses computers, software, vehicles, and standard office equipment. The position communicates daily with peers, support offices, and the public regarding project-related questions, both verbally and in writing. A high level of safety awareness and attention is required, along with a valid driver’s license to operate assigned state vehicles to and from field sites.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Transportation Engineer 2 will:

• Provide plans review support and guidance throughout the 30-60-90 review process, including PS&E final review submittals for funding approval and advertisement.
• Apply WSDOT policies, Design Manual, Contract Ad & Award Manual processes, Plans Preparation Manual, Standard Specifications, Standard Plans, and other contract delivery tools to plans review and guidance.
• Review contract plan submittal packages for accuracy, completeness, and constructability; provide recommendations, comments, and technical assistance on plan sheet development, contract estimates, Special Provisions, and PS&E status reporting.
• Coordinate plan review meetings with Region and HQ staff and track projects through advertisement, ensuring advertised project information, reference files, and questions and answers documents are accurate and complete.
• Assist with tracking and reviewing change orders associated with plan errors.
• Review, advise, track, and file design documentation submittals from Pre-Design/Kickoff through project funding request, including Basis of Design, Design Approval, Project Development Approval, ADA Maximum Extent Feasible, Design Analysis, barrier length of need, and related calculations.
• Review and advise on Plans-for-Approval submittals, including vertical and horizontal alignment, interchange/intersection, and channelization plans; collaborate with the Design Documentation/Plans Support Engineer to optimize solutions and research best practices.
• Develop familiarity with the Highway Safety Manual, Highway Capacity software, Roadside Safety Analysis Program, and other highway performance tools to support transportation engineering review and project development.

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

• Technical Engineering Knowledge:Demonstrated foundational knowledge of civil, structural, geotechnical, or transportation engineering principles, gained through education, experience, training, or certification (EIT or LSIT). Ability to apply this knowledge to design tasks.
• Design & Drafting Proficiency:Ability to develop, revise, and review engineering drawings and contract plan sheets using engineering design and drafting software such as MicroStation and OpenRoads/InRoads. Ability to apply design criteria and perform or verify calculations related to grades, curves, quantities, alignments, and other transportation design elements.
• Project Development Support:Ability to support the preparation of design reports, special studies, and procurement documents. Ability to assist with contract administration and coordination with stakeholders.
• Contract Documentation & Reporting: Proficiency in maintaining design documentation, calculating quantities, and reviewing calculations.
• Plans, Specifications, and Estimates (PS&E):Ability to review and support development of plans, specifications, estimates, and related contract documents for accuracy, completeness, consistency, and constructability.
• Analytical and Quantitative Skills:Ability to perform, review, and verify engineering calculations; analyze technical information; identify discrepancies or potential problems; and develop or recommend appropriate solutions.
• Communication and Collaboration:Effective written and verbal communication skills to interact with engineering staff and the public. Able to communicate observations, findings, and technical data clearly in documentation and discussions.
• Technology and Software Use:Ability to use or quickly learn engineering and business software, including Microsoft Office, MicroStation, OpenRoads/InRoads, Unifier, estimating applications, scheduling tools, and electronic documentation systems.
• Safe and Legal Vehicle Operation: Ability to operate a motor state owned vehicle legally and safely, supported by possession of a valid driver’s license.
• Commitment to Equity and Respectful Workplace Culture: Demonstrated experience working in a manner that contributes to a respectful, inclusive, and equitable workplace. This includes effectively engaging with individuals from diverse backgrounds, supporting equal opportunity, and promoting a positive team environment.
• 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 have:

• Engineering Certification:Engineer-in-Training (EIT) or Land Surveyor-in-Training (LSIT)
• certification.
• Transportation Design:Experience applying transportation engineering principles, WSDOT
• design standards and design manuals to highway or roadway projects.
• PS&E Development:Experience developing or reviewing plans, specifications, estimates,
• special provisions, and related contract documents for transportation projects.
• Design Software:Experience using MicroStation, OpenRoads/InRoads, Unifier for transportation design and preparation of contract plans.
• Project Development:Experience supporting project development activities from pre-design through advertisement, including design documentation, design reviews, and coordination with project teams.
• Technical Communication:Experience communicating technical engineering information and recommendations to multidisciplinary project teams.

*To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• This position may require travel within the region to perform inspection, survey work, and site visits.
• This position may work weekends or night hours during construction.
• 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

Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?

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 recruiter listed.

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

Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at [e-mail]. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-ER-60362 in the subject line.