Design Project Team Lead (TE3) – Two Positions

Transportation Engineer (Design Project Team Lead)

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!

WSDOT's Northwest Region is seeking two Transportation Engineers (Design Project Team Leads) to join our SnoKing Design office. In these leadership roles, you will guide a team of engineers and technicians in developing Plans, Specifications & Estimates (PS&E) packages for critical highway projects that support safety, mobility, and long-term infrastructure across the region. These positions are ideal for engineering professionals who enjoy project leadership, technical problem-solving, mentorship, and delivering meaningful public-service outcomes.

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

• Coordinate day-to-day engineering and project development activities while ensuring assigned projects meet WSDOT design standards and are delivered within established scope, schedule, and budget.
• Lead preparation and review of design documentation, environmental documentation, right-of-way plans, and PS&E packages.
• Facilitate the preparation, resource loading, and updating of project schedules.
• Implement quality control practices; review alignment, drainage, earthwork, and quantity calculations.
• Identify project risks, monitor expenses, and raise schedule or budget concerns when needed.
• Coordinate with support groups and external stakeholders to clarify scope and ensure project integration.
• Supervise and mentor engineering staff, conduct performance evaluations, and support training needs.
• Perform field reviews, including traversing uneven terrain, to verify data and support design decisions.

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

• Foundational Engineering Knowledge : Demonstrated understanding of civil, structural, geotechnical, or transportation engineering principles, typically acquired through formal education or equivalent on-the-job experience. Ability to apply engineering principles, techniques, and procedures to the design of various transportation projects.
• Project Management Knowledge: Demonstrated ability to develop, monitor, and update project schedules and plans; manage scope, time, and resources effectively; and deliver projects in compliance with applicable standards and milestones.
• Technical Interpretation and Analysis: Skilled in reading, interpreting, analyzing, and producing contract plans, specifications, and cost estimates in accordance with project requirements and engineering standards.
• Leadership Skills: Ability to lead and coach subordinate staff, including evaluating performance, identifying training needs, and resolving personnel issues.
• Communication and Interpersonal Proficiency: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate technical information clearly to a variety of stakeholders including engineers, contractors, and the public.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

In addition to the competencies above, the following are also required:

• A valid driver's license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
• Ability to travel locally or regionally to perform fieldwork.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Engineering Staff Leadership: Experience supervising engineering staff.
• Design - Bid - Build Project Delivery Expertise: Experience delivering WSDOT design-bid-build projects from initiation through PS&E.
• Design Software Proficiency: Experience with Bentley MicroStation, InRoads, and/or OpenRoads.
• Multidisciplinary Technical Design Skills: Technical design experience in areas such as geometric design, hydraulic design, alignments, survey/ROW plans, or related disciplines.
• Professional Engineering: Professional Engineer (PE) license.

This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs. This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options. Local or regional travel is required on a regular and/or as-needed basis to perform site visits or attend meetings and training. 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.

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 individual's lifestyle.

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.

Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the "Work Experience" portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible.

In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:

• An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
• An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
• Contact details for a minimum three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. This information can be entered in the "References" section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment.

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Daisha.Jordan@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-NWR-12507 in the subject line.