Senior Automotive Engineer

Full Job Description

The City of Seattle is seeking a motivated Senior Automotive Engineer to lead complex projects and support the planning, design, and procurement of the City’s fleet.

The Fleet Management Division oversees a fleet of over 4,000 pieces of equipment used by multiple City departments to deliver critical public services.

Reporting to the Design and Procurement Manager, this role is responsible for advanced planning, vehicle and equipment design, procurement, and in-depth research and analysis to inform key fleet decisions.

This position offers a unique opportunity to advance the City’s commitment to environmentally responsible and cost-effective fleet solutions.

ABOUT US

FAS is often the public's first interaction with the City of Seattle, operating as a customer-focused front door that assists with everything from paying utilities or reporting a pothole to requesting public information or even adopting a new pet.

The 500-plus employees of FAS span across 10 divisions and work behind-the-scenes providing critical functions, like managing 120 City facilities—including police and fire stations—overseeing the City's neighborhood customer service centers and Customer Service Bureau and making sure minority-owned businesses can equitably compete for City contracts.

No matter the need, FAS is here—at your service.

Requirements

• Lead evaluation of vehicles, equipment, and alternative fuels to support data-driven fleet decisions.
• Develop and write technical specifications for complex fleet vehicles and specialized equipment (e.g., cranes, fire apparatus, heavy-duty and alternative-fuel vehicles).
• Review and approve vehicle and equipment specifications requested by City departments to ensure compliance with standards and operational needs.
• Manage procurement activities in coordination with purchasing and accounting teams, including bid development, vendor selection, and contract administration.
• Oversee vendor performance and maintain strong relationships with manufacturers, upfitters, and service providers.
• Assess fleet needs in partnership with user departments; recommend equipment solutions aligned with operational, budgetary, and sustainability goals.
• Analyze maintenance, lifecycle, and utilization data to identify trends, optimize performance, and recommend repair or replacement strategies.
• Support the annual replacement program for over 300 vehicles, including costing and prioritization.
• Design and oversee modifications or upfitting of specialized vehicles and equipment to meet unique operational requirements.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulations, safety standards, and environmental policies (e.g., emissions, electrification initiatives).
• Monitor industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices to inform fleet innovation and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a closely related field, or at least three years of professional experience in fleet or automotive engineering, vehicle design, or equipment maintenance.

Additionally, requires a minimum of two years of supervisory or project leadership experience.

(Or a combination of education and/or training and/or experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class.)

The most successful candidates will possess the following:

• Demonstrated ability to provide excellent customer service with sound professional judgment.
• Ability to evaluate and resolve a wide range of engineering and fleet-related challenges.
• Proven ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Experience interpreting and developing technical specifications, plans, and drawings.
• Proficiency with design and drafting tools such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, or similar software is a plus.
• Knowledge of alternative fuel vehicles, electrification, and sustainability practices.
• A Professional Engineer (PE) license.

Current Washington State driver's license.


Work Environment
This position requires a minimum of three days per week of onsite work. Alternative Work Arrangements and hybrid telework schedules for work conducted in a normal office environment may be considered and will be based on operational needs and consistency with City policies.

Additional Information

This position is classified as a Senior Automotive Engineer. It is Civil Service represented, FLSA non-exempt and is eligible for overtime. The full range for this step-progression position is $53.14 - $61.96 per hour.

Application Process
Applications are reviewed after the posting closes. You must submit the following items to be considered for this position no later than 4:00pm Pacific Time on the scheduled closed date.

1. Completed NEOGOV online application.
2. Cover letter describing how your skills and experience align with the stated job responsibilities and qualifications.
3. Current resume indicating relevant experience, knowledge, skills, and education.
4. A current “FULL” driving abstract from the Department of Licensing.

Your application may be rejected as incomplete if you do not include the relevant information in the application. Cover letters and/or resumes are not accepted in lieu of a completed application.

Applications and/or Supplemental Questionnaires that state “see my resume” or “see my personnel file” are considered incomplete and will not be accepted.

PLEASE NOTE: This job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Background Check: Applicants must successfully pass a background check, which will be conducted in accordance with Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17.

Applicants will be given a chance to explain or correct background information and provide verifiable information of good conduct and rehabilitation.

Driving Record: A current, “FULL” driving abstract from the Department of Licensing is required to be submitted upon offer of employment.

Candidates with driving history that does not meet our current safety standards will be disqualified from consideration.

Current City of Seattle Employees in a driving position may be required to submit an updated abstract.

Why work at the City of Seattle? The City of Seattle recognizes every City employee must play a role in ending institutional and structural racism.

Our culture is the result of our behavior, our personal commitments, and the ways that we courageously share our perspectives and encourage others to do the same.

To cultivate an antiracist culture, we seek employees who will engage in the Race and Social Justice Initiative by working to dismantle racist policies and procedures, unlearn the way things have always been done, and provide equitable processes and services.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans

Who May Apply: The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences.

Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, medical condition, or pregnancy.

The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.

If you have questions regarding this bulletin or employment at Finance and Administrative Services, please send an email to john.blackmore@seattle.gov.

FAS promotes diversity and inclusion in employment. If accommodations are needed during the selection process, please contact us.

CANDIDATE NOTIFICATION:

Many important notifications including interview or test invitations, result notices, and status updates will be sent electronically to the email address provided on the application.

It is important that you provide a valid email address.

Please add john.blackmore@seattle.gov to your email address book and to the list of approved senders to prevent email notifications from being filtered as spam/junk/clutter mail.

Candidates can also check for notifications by logging into governmentjobs.com and viewing their profile inbox, which saves a copy of all emailed notices.

It is the applicant's responsibility to take the above steps to view correspondence.