Asphalt Testing Engineer (TE3)

Full Job Description

About WSDOT

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal organization with a global reputation for excellence!

Our dedicated workforce is responsible to plan, design, build, and operate an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state.

In addition to maintaining over 18,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT manages the world's longest floating bridge, executes an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds a record for the world's widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity

WSDOT is seeking a skilled Transportation Engineer 3 to serve as the Asphalt Testing Engineer in Tumwater, WA.

This key role supports statewide transportation projects by ensuring the quality, accuracy, and compliance of asphalt materials used in construction.

As part of the Bituminous Materials Section, you will lead and mentor laboratory staff, oversee testing of performance-graded (PG) asphalt binders and emulsified asphalts, and ensure all work meets AASHTO, ASTM, and WSDOT standards.

You will also manage the calibration and maintenance of nuclear moisture-density gauges used across the state.

In this role, you’ll supervise daily laboratory operations, uphold critical quality standards, and help maintain AASHTO accreditation by ensuring staff qualifications and equipment certifications remain current.

This is an excellent opportunity to apply your technical expertise, lead specialized teams, and play a direct role in delivering safe, high-quality transportation infrastructure across Washington.

What to Expect

• Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Asphalt Testing Engineer will:
• Oversee all aspects of testing in the assigned laboratories including organizing and tracking samples and nuclear gauges, scheduling, supervising, directing, and reviewing the work of technicians conducting testing.
• Maintain qualification in all PG binder, emulsified asphalt, and flexible adhesive testing as needed to meet the schedule.
• Troubleshoot and run diagnostic tests, inputs data into several specialized software programs for several highly specialized pieces of testing equipment including Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) and Bending Beam Rheometer (BBR) to produce test reports.
• Oversee the Nuclear Electronics Laboratory, including the scheduling, calibration, repair, and maintenance of all nuclear density gauges statewide from late fall until early spring.
• Troubleshoot and repair of nuclear gauges statewide as needed throughout the year.
• Serves the WSDOT State Materials Laboratory as the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO)

Qualifications

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

• Supervision & Staff Development: Proven ability to effectively supervise and develop staff, including providing coaching, training, mentoring, conducting performance evaluations, and addressing performance concerns.
• Communication & Coordination: Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences, both verbally and in writing, including experience with planning, scheduling, delivering presentations, facilitating training, and implementing decisions.
• Technical & Laboratory Expertise: Demonstrated ability to operate, interpret, and troubleshoot a variety of laboratory instruments and equipment used in materials testing.
• Engineering Knowledge: Working knowledge of engineering principles, methods, and practices, with the ability to apply them in a practical transportation or materials testing environment.
• Materials Testing Knowledge: Demonstrated understanding of materials testing procedures, standards, and quality assurance practices.
• Problem Solving & Critical Thinking: Proven ability to analyze complex issues, evaluate alternatives, and develop effective, practical solutions.
• Applied Technical Adaptability: Demonstrated ability to select, adapt, and apply appropriate techniques and methodologies to resolve transportation-related materials testing challenges.
• Plan & Specification Review: Experience reviewing engineering plans and specifications to ensure compliance with established standards and requirements.
• Safety Leadership: Demonstrated commitment to workplace safety, including adherence to safety policies and ensuring work is performed in a safe and compliant manner.
• Time Management & Accountability: Proven ability to work independently, prioritize competing demands, and successfully manage multiple assignments within tight deadlines.
• 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:

• Licensure & Mobility: Demonstrated ability to meet job-related driving requirements, including possession of a valid driver’s license and the ability to travel as needed to support statewide operations.
• Materials Testing & Evaluation: Proven experience conducting and interpreting materials testing and evaluating construction materials to ensure quality, performance, and compliance with established standards.
• Laboratory Leadership & Oversight: Demonstrated ability to supervise staff and manage materials testing laboratory operations, including workflow coordination, quality assurance, and adherence to testing standards.
• Bituminous Materials Expertise: Advanced knowledge of bituminous materials, with the ability to research, analyze, and apply technical information to support materials testing, evaluation, and problem-solving.
• Specialized Equipment Certification & Maintenance: Demonstrated expertise in servicing, repairing, and calibrating nuclear moisture-density gauges (such as Troxler 3400 series or equivalent), ensuring equipment accuracy, reliability, and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Technical Systems & Equipment Proficiency: Proven ability to effectively use and operate specialized computer programs and laboratory/testing equipment associated with materials testing and data analysis.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the “Contact Us” section of this posting.

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 offer flexible work schedules that allow you time for your life outside of this excellent opportunity.
• 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.

Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?

How to Apply

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:

Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity.

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.

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Amanda Strebeck, at amanda.strebeck@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference Asphalt Testing Engineer #04584 in the subject line.