Transportation Engineer 3 – PS&E Support Specialist

State of Washington Dept. of Transportation; Lacey (WA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington State Department of Transportation in Lacey, WA is seeking a Transportation Engineer 3 to provide statewide technical support for PS&E systems and processes. The role serves as a technical specialist for engineering software and cost-estimating tools, helping project teams use resources effectively and consistently.

You will assess training needs, develop and deliver training, support the Design Training Team, and assist with project estimates and reporting.

Qualifications

• Clear and effective written, verbal, and visual communication.
• Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet objectives.
• Strong problem-solving skills for complex transportation projects.
• Knowledge of PS&E, engineering design concepts, and highway construction practices.
• Understanding of engineering cost estimating and bid analysis.
• Familiarity with enterprise software, reporting tools, and office applications.
• Knowledge of data management, accessibility standards, and information governance.
• Willingness to learn and grow in a fast-paced public-sector environment.
• Customer- and service-oriented mindset focused on meeting stakeholder needs.

Responsibilities

• Provide statewide technical support for PS&E systems and processes.
• Maintain estimating tables, troubleshoot issues, and guide software use for estimates.
• Monitor federal and state wage updates and ensure accuracy in PS&E.
• Analyze information and prepare reports using Cognos and other systems.
• Deliver training to Headquarters, Regions, and local agencies; support the Design Training Team.

Skills

Communication

Collaboration

Problem solving

Transportation project development

Cost estimating & bid analysis

Enterprise software & reporting

Data management

Growth mindset

Service-oriented

Microsoft Office

Cognos

Tools

Microsoft Office

Cognos

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 Transportation Engineer 3 in Lacey, WA to provide statewide technical support for the software, systems, and processes used to develop Plans, Specifications, and Estimates (PS&E). This role serves as a technical specialist for engineering software and cost-estimating tools, helping project teams use these resources effectively and consistently. You will also assess training needs, develop and deliver training, support the Design Training Team, assist with project estimates and reporting, and research emerging technologies that can improve transportation project development. Your work will help ensure accurate, consistent, and effective PS&E practices across WSDOT.

What to Expect

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

• Provide statewide technical support for PS&E systems and processes, including maintaining estimating and bid-analysis applications, providing technical guidance, and supporting Value Engineering, Risk, and other meetings.
• Maintain estimating administration tables and applications, troubleshoot system issues, coordinate Standard Item updates, and provide guidance on software used to develop project estimates.
• Monitor federal Davis-Bacon and Washington State Prevailing Wage updates and ensure current information is incorporated into statewide PS&E development.
• Analyze information and prepare reports and presentations using COGNOS and other systems, including the monthly Award-to-Estimate Report.
• Support office websites through accessibility reviews, coordination with web communications staff, and content updates.
• Assess training needs and develop, maintain, and deliver training tailored to Headquarters, Region, consultant, and local agency staff.
• Provide hands‑on training and technical assistance and support the Design Training Team in planning and delivering virtual and in‑person training events.
• Maintain and update estimating resources and the Cost Estimating Manual to support accurate and consistent practices.
• Provide estimating assistance to Regions and project offices, including reviewing select project estimates and providing feedback.
• Research emerging estimating tools, resources, and industry practices and develop guidance for their evaluation and implementation.
• Prepare recurring and special reports related to estimating, wage updates, and other PS&E topics.
• Research, evaluate, test, and maintain information-system products and upgrades to ensure compatibility with WSDOT software and operational requirements.
• Coordinate with programmers, technical teams, and IT support to integrate applications and software updates and support statewide implementation.
• Test, evaluate, and deploy programs and software affecting WSDOT Design operations.
• Support special projects, administrative and coordination needs, and team workload coverage as needed.

Qualifications

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

• Communication: Communicates technical concepts clearly and effectively through written, verbal, and visual formats, adapting communication style to technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Collaboration: Builds productive partnerships, values diverse perspectives, and contributes effectively to cross‑functional teams to achieve shared organizational goals.
• Problem Solving: Analyzes complex issues, evaluates available information, and develops practical, well‑reasoned solutions that support business objectives.
• Transportation Project Development: Demonstrates knowledge of Plans, Specifications, and Estimates (PS&E), engineering design concepts, highway construction practices, and applicable policies and procedures.
• Cost Estimating & Bid Analysis: Demonstrates knowledge of engineering cost estimating principles, bid analysis methodologies, and public works contract requirements, including applicable federal and state prevailing wage requirements.
• Enterprise Software & Reporting: Demonstrates knowledge of enterprise software applications, reporting tools, business intelligence systems, and Microsoft Office applications used to support transportation project development.
• Data Management & Information Governance: Demonstrates knowledge of data management, technical reporting, accessibility standards, records management requirements, and information governance principles.
• 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:

• Engineering Software Support: Experience supporting engineering software applications, troubleshooting system issues, and collaborating with programmers or information technology staff to maintain software functionality and data integrity.
• Transportation Engineering Programs: Knowledge of WSDOT transportation project development, engineering cost estimating, or comparable transportation engineering programs.
• Prevailing Wage: Understanding of federal Davis‑Bacon and Washington State Prevailing Wage laws and their application to public works contracts.
• Relational Databases: Knowledge of relational database concepts, including database design, structure, maintenance, and data management principles.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• 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 mayearn 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

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at [e-mail]. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-HQ-01776 in the subject line.