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Posted: January 15, 2026 (1 day ago)

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Transportation Engineer 2 (In-Training) | Multiple Positions

State of Washington

Dept. of Transportation

Fresh

Location

Washington, 98504

Salary

$64,776 - $96,144

per year

Closes

March 2, 2026More State jobs →

Job Description

Summary

This job involves working as a transportation engineer for Washington's Department of Transportation, helping to design, build, and inspect highways, bridges, and other infrastructure projects in the northwest region.

You'll support everything from planning and data collection to ensuring projects meet safety and environmental standards, often working both in offices and outdoors at construction sites.

It's a great fit for recent engineering graduates, entry-level professionals, or students nearing completion of their degree who enjoy problem-solving, teamwork, and hands-on work on impactful community projects.

Key Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a related field (or on track to graduate by June 2026)
  • Knowledge of engineering principles, standards, and guidelines for transportation projects
  • Experience or ability to perform field inspections, data collection, and survey work
  • Proficiency in using design software for calculations, drawings, and project development
  • Strong problem-solving skills to interpret data and develop solutions for complex projects
  • Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions and around construction hazards
  • Willingness to participate in in-training plans for career progression

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’s Northwest Region (NWR) is looking for motivated engineers who thrive on innovation, collaboration, and creative problem-solving!

With multiple positions available in Shoreline, Bellingham, Burlington, and Mt.

Vernon we are seeking entry-level and journey-level engineers, as well as college students on track to graduate from an engineering program by June 2026.

These roles offer a chance to help shape some of the most impactful infrastructure projects in Washington State.


The Northwest Region stretches from Seattle to the Canadian border, covering King through Whatcom counties.

As home to the state’s largest metropolitan area and one of the nation’s most dynamic economies, this region presents unique and exciting engineering challenges.

Our projects span Design & Construction, Scoping, Traffic, and Fish Passage Design, giving you opportunities to broaden your expertise while contributing to meaningful, community-focused work.


We are also offering “in-training” opportunities, which means that depending on your current qualifications, you may begin at a lower level with a formal, structured training plan tailored to your success.

Upon completing the plan, you’ll earn a promotion to the next job class level—along with at least a 5% pay increase!

Take the next step in your engineering career and join WSDOT in building safe, sustainable, and innovative transportation solutions for the communities we serve.


What to Expect

Bellingham and Mt. Vernon locations will require inspection of construction sites.

This work is performed outdoors and may be inclement weather in the daytime or nighttime; and may be exposed to hazards that include exhaust, high-speed traffic, steep or uneven terrain, and/or heavy construction equipment.

Depending on your assignment or experience level, you may perform or serve as a lead in performing the following work:

  • Support the development and administration of design work/submittals that are accurate, complete, and consistent with WSDOT standards and requirements for Design-Build and Design-Bid-Build projects.
  • General inspection in the field on highway construction projects including materials inspection and testing.
  • Documentation of construction inspections to ensure projects are in conformance with contract plans, permits, and regulations.
  • Data collection and/or survey work in the field.
  • Interpret data, identify problems, and develop solutions using sound engineering judgment and guidelines on complicated transportation projects.
  • Serve as a designer performing a variety of skilled project development work.
  • Assist with design and development of plans, specifications, and estimates working in both the office environment and doing field exploration.
  • Develop and check engineering design calculations and drawings.
  • Effectively utilize design software to complete designs.


Qualifications

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

To qualify for the Transportation Engineer 2 Level, the following are required:

  • Engineering knowledge and application: Demonstrated knowledge of civil engineering principles and ability to apply entry-level civil engineering practices to transportation-related projects.
  • CAD and design software proficiency: Experience using CAD software (e.g., MicroStation, AutoCAD) to develop transportation design plans, profiles, cross-sections, and estimates. Ability to perform quality control reviews at various project development stages.
  • Communication and Interpersonal Proficiency: Effective written and verbal communication skills to communicate technical information clearly to a variety of stakeholders including engineers, contractors, and the public.
  • Technical writing and documentation skills: Experience creating and reviewing design documentation, stormwater reports, environmental documentation, and right-of-way and access plans.
  • Data analysis skills: Experience reviewing, structuring, and interpreting qualitative and quantitative data to support sound engineering decisions.
  • Planning and organizational skills: Strong organizational skills to manage concurrent projects, schedules, and deliverables.
  • Technology and software use: Experience using Microsoft Office Suite and project scheduling tools to support documentation and planning tasks.
  • Growth-Minded: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
  • Service oriented: Demonstrates a willingness to take action to meet the needs of others.


To qualify for the Transportation Engineer 2 In-Training (TE1) Level, at least one of the following is required:

  • Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (BSCE) or Structural Engineering (BSSE) Certification as an Engineer-in-Training (EIT)

In addition to one of the above, the following competencies are required:

  • Engineering knowledge: Knowledge of basic engineering and mathematical principles (i.e. calculus, trigonometry, and construction related math) to solve routine technical problems.
  • Collection and Analysis: Skill in gathering, analyzing, and documenting data accurately to support engineering decisions.
  • Communication Skills: Demonstrated skill in communicating information effectively and professionally, both orally and in writing, to a diverse audience, including those with nontechnical backgrounds, both virtually and in-person.
  • Software Proficiency: Proficiency with computers and software applications, including Microsoft Office, and skills to learn and operate engineering design software (i.e., AutoCAD, MicroStation, or equivalent).
  • Standards and Procedures: Experience learning and applying standards, policies, and procedures related to transportation engineering projects.


It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

Transportation design skills: Demonstrated ability to perform transportation design, including experience preparing or reviewing design plans, specifications, and estimates.

Experience applying WSDOT design standards, methods, and processes to the development of project plans and design documentation.

  • Project management exposure: Experience supporting or performing project management tasks such as organizing resources, tracking process, and contributing to successful project delivery, with specific experience utilizing Primavera P6.

  • Important Notes

    • This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
    • This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
    • To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the “Contact Us” section of this posting.
    • The salary listed does not include the additional 5% premium pay included for the Transportation Engineer 2 positions based out of 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.

    • Application review will begin on February 11, 2026. Candidate selection may take place at any time thereafter. It is to your advantage to apply as soon as possible.
    • 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.
    • The official duty station for this position will be determined based on candidate preference and overall business needs.
    • This is a Transportation Engineer 2 position.

      However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at a lower level in the classification series based on candidate qualifications, providing an opportunity for an individual to gain the required experience on the job as part of a formal “in-training” plan.

      The base salaries for each level are:

    1. Transportation Engineer 1: $64,776 - $87,048
    2. Transportation Engineer 2: $71,472 - $96,144


    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:

    • 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 of 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 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 #25-26TE2Pool in the subject line.

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    Posted on NEOGOV: 1/15/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 1/16/2026

    Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-washington-5201761