Assist Project Engineer

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 is currently seeking two Assistant Project Engineers to support the Eastern Region Construction Offices in Spokane, WA. In these roles, you will help deliver highway construction projects that improve safety, mobility, and reliability for communities across Washington. As an Assistant Project Engineer, you will partner with the Project Engineer to lead multidisciplinary teams and oversee construction projects from planning through completion.

Your work ensures projects are delivered in alignment with scope, schedule, and budget while meeting state and federal requirements. By applying sound engineering judgment, resolving complex issues, and maintaining accountability throughout construction, you directly support WSDOT's mission to provide safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation systems that serve the public now and into the future. You will also serve as a key leader within the project office- coordinating with internal teams, contractors, and external partners.

This role combines office and field work and includes leadership responsibilities, technical decision-making, and coordination across a wide range of stakeholders.

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

• Plan and manage project budgets, schedules, and workforce needs to deliver construction programs.
• Lead and support engineers, technicians, interns, and consultants delivering multiple transportation projects.
• Communicate, negotiate, and resolve contract issues, disputes, and change orders.
• Coordinate with design teams during project development to ensure alignment and constructability.
• Ensure projects are delivered in compliance with WSDOT policies, environmental requirements, and contract standards.
• Report project status and key updates to regional and executive leadership.
• Coordinate with internal teams, external agencies, contractors, and the public to resolve issues and maintain progress.
• Review and approve construction changes and certify compliance with engineering standards using professional engineering judgment.

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

• Professional Engineering Licensure and Stamping Authority:
  Registration as a Licensed Professional Civil Engineer or the ability to obtain a Washinton State PE license within one year of the hiring date. Ability to demonstrate and apply licensed professional engineering judgment, including responsible use of stamping authority in compliance with established standards and policies.
• Transportation Engineering Knowledge:
  Understanding of transportation engineering practices and multiple disciplines, including design, construction, traffic, geotechnical, structural, hydraulics, environmental, and materials.
• Engineering Decision-Making:
  Ability to interpret plans, specifications, and contracts to make sound, defensible decisions in construction and project delivery.
• Project Delivery and Resource Management:
  Ability to manage teams, schedules, and resources to deliver projects within scope, schedule, and budget.
• Leadership and Team Development:
  Ability to lead, mentor, and support multidisciplinary teams, including guiding performance and development.
• Collaboration and Inclusion:
  Ability to build effective working relationships and contribute to a respectful, inclusive work environment.
• Growth Mindset:
  Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented:
  Takes action to meet the needs of others.

The following qualifications are also required:

• A valid driver's license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
• Ability to safely navigate active construction sites, including uneven terrain and exposure to hazards.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Complex Project Management:
  Experience managing highway construction projects, including contract administration, dispute resolution, and risk management.
• Advanced…