Region Materials Engineer (WMS3) | Wenatchee

Full 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 seeking a Licensed Professional Engineer to lead the North Central Region (NCR) Materials office in Wenatchee, WA. This position oversees design investigations, materials testing, and field work, and provides recommendations to engineering and maintenance leadership on design standards, materials, and roadway preservation techniques. The Region Materials Engineer manages the development of PS&E projects, ensures technical standards and practical solutions are incorporated into contracts, and coordinates with Headquarters, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and other state and local agencies to deliver projects on time and within budget. The position supports the Capitol Improvement and Preservation Program, provides life-cycle cost-effective solutions for roadway rehabilitation and construction, assists with pavement maintenance in emergency situations, and coordinates with staff and stakeholders to deliver the North Central Region P1 subprogram. Our top candidate will demonstrate strong leadership, technical expertise, and the ability to guide projects and staff to successful outcomes.

What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Region Materials Engineer will:

• Certify, using a Professional Engineer stamp, that all WSDOT standards and policies are followed in design documents, plans, and specifications.
• Plan budgets, schedules, and workforce to deliver Capital Improvement and Preservation Program (CIPP) projects.
• Provide short- and long-range planning, in coordination with Program Management and Project Development, by identifying and selecting roadways for the P1 Preservation Program.
• Lead and manage the NCR Materials Office and Laboratory, including professional and technical staff.
• Review materials testing, reports, and lab deliverables for accuracy and completion within cost and schedule commitments.
• Provide technical expertise to Project Engineers, Construction, and Regional Administration on design, materials testing, inspection, and contract compliance, including federal documentation.
• Prepare Final Pavement Design Reports and Geotechnical memorandums, track milestones and expenditures, certify reports, and coordinate with Project Engineering Offices for timely delivery.
• Oversee Qualified Tester, construction training, inspector certification programs, and pit/quarry management while representing the region in meetings with HQ, the public, and officials, and supervising staff development, assignments, and performance.

Qualifications

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

Licensed Civil Engineering Expertise

• Extensive background in transportation engineering, highway design, and construction practices.
• Expert in pavement design, drainage systems, geotechnical evaluations, and infrastructure performance.

Strategic Leadership & Personnel Management

• Skilled in leading diverse, multi-disciplinary teams with adherence to federal, state, union, and agency policies.
• Demonstrated capacity to lead through change and uncertainty, maintaining team cohesion and morale during organizational transitions.
• Experience with promoting team empowerment, delegation, and a high-functioning work environment.
• Skilled in fostering workplace cultures that support employee engagement, development, and retention.

Advanced Project & Construction Management

• Experience managing elements of complex transportation projects from planning through construction.
• Proficient in budgeting, scheduling, resource allocation, and compliance with industry laws, regulations, and specifications.
• Experienced in cost control, construction inspection, slope analysis, and on-site evaluations.
• Ability to apply performance metrics and construction material testing standards for successful delivery.

Program & Portfolio Oversight

• Experience providing strategic leadership of multi-program portfolios aligned with legislation and executive priorities.
• Ability to manage transportation programming, workload balancing, and staffing optimization.
• Experience with overseeing technical support, environmental compliance, and materials sourcing (e.g., pits and quarries).
• Knowledge of mining regulations and sustainability standards.

Engineering Standards, Testing & Quality Assurance

• Comprehensive knowledge of AASHTO and ASTM materials standards and testing protocols.
• Experience with Tester Qualification and Certified Equipment Verification programs.
• Ability to evaluate design viability, material performance, and risk mitigation in lab and field environments.
• Knowledge of federal and state quality assurance requirements.

Executive Communication & Interagency Collaboration

• Skilled communicator with internal teams, external agencies, contractors, and the public.
• Ability to effectively provide strategic and technical information to executive leadership and legislative bodies.
• Ability to provide cross-functional collaboration, policy communication, and stakeholder engagement.
• Skilled with technical writing and timely dissemination of critical data
• Experience contributing to a work environment that fosters a culture of respect and equal opportunity.

Growth Mindset

• Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.

Service-Oriented

• Takes action to meet the needs of others.

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

• Possession of a Professional Civil Engineer License in the State of Washington or currently holding a PE license from another state with the ability to obtain Washington State licensure within two (2) months of hire.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

Agency Specifications

• Experience interpreting WSDOT Standard Specifications for Road, Bridge and Municipal Construction and experience writing project specific special provisions in accordance with WSDOT policy.

Materials Management

• Experience with material approval, acceptance and verification procedures for public works projects and familiarity with testing procedures related to heavy civil construction.

Agency Programming Framework

• Understanding of WSDOT programming framework.

Agency Computer Applications

• Experience with WSDOT computer applications such as SR View, MATS, SAM and the Washington State Pavement Management System (WSPMS).

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

Important Notes

• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• This position generally works in an office environment. Field visits and inspections are conducted outdoors, including during inclement weather and at construction sites.
• Travel is primarily in-state to jobsites and meetings, including day trips throughout the Region and overnight trips around the state, with car or truck travel exceeding 2 hours.

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.

• This position requires a Professional Engineers License issued by the State of Washington. License holders from other states will be expected to obtain a WA State PE license within six (6) weeks of hire.
• 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 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 ApplyApplications 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.

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 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 UsFor inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Daisha.Jordan@wsdot.wa.gov .

Please be sure to reference 26DOT-NCR-2W004 in the subject line.