Project Engineer (WMS3)

Salary: $103,632.00 - $132,936.00 Annually

Location: Skagit County - Other, WA

Job Type: Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number: 26DOT-NWR-1W198

Department: Dept. of Transportation

Division: Northwest Region

Opening Date: 02/04/2026

Closing Date: 2/24/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

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 currently seeking a Project Engineer to support the successful delivery of transportation projects that improve safety, mobility, and economic vitality across Washington State. This position provides licensed professional engineering oversight for design and construction projects, including contract preparation and administration, to ensure work is completed safely, on time, and within budget while minimizing impacts to the traveling public. The Project Engineer prioritizes personal, coworker, and public safety in all work activities and integrates sustainable transportation practices into project delivery. This role also helps foster a culture of belonging, access, and respect, supporting WSDOT's commitment to an inclusive workplace and a resilient transportation system.

What to Expect

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

• Certify design documents, plans, specifications, and construction changes using a Professional Engineer's stamp to ensure compliance with all applicable standards and policies.
• Plan project budgets, schedules, and staffing strategies to effectively deliver Capital Improvement Projects (CIPP).
• Lead professional and technical staff, including engineers, technicians, interns, temporary employees, and consultants, through design development and contract administration.
• Manage multiple transportation improvement, preservation, safety, and fish passage projects to meet defined scope, schedule, budget, and documentation requirements.
• Evaluate project risks and ensure designs are constructible, maintainable, multimodal, and cost-effective for stakeholders and customers.
• Collaborate with staff, contractors, consultants, agencies, elected officials, media, and the public to plan and deliver transportation projects.
• Coordinate input and resolve conflicts among internal teams and external partners while engaging in virtual, office, field, and construction site meetings.
• Report project status, progress, and risks to regional and statewide executive leadership to support accountability and informed decision-making.

Qualifications

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

Civil Engineering Technical Knowledge & Application:

• In-depth knowledge of highway design, Plan, Specification, and Estimate (PS&E) preparation.
• In-depth knowledge of project delivery methods, including design-bid-build and design-build.
• Understanding of highway construction principles and practices, including field operations and contractor coordination.
• Proficient in surveying techniques and practices applicable to transportation projects.
• Knowledge of transportation design principles, common transportation issues, and methods for analyzing and resolving transportation problems.
• Understanding of programming, budgeting procedures, and legislative processes as they relate to transportation project planning and execution.

Project Management & Scheduling:

• Demonstrated experience managing complex capital transportation projects to meet established scope, schedule, budget, quality, and documentation requirements while managing risks.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and prioritize limited resources amongst competing priorities.

Regulatory, Policy & Environmental Compliance:

• Familiarity with applicable laws, regulations, permits, and agency policies, including environmental requirements, throughout project development and construction.
• Ability to integrate compliance requirements into project delivery.

Strategic Planning & Resource Management:

• Demonstrated ability to plan and manage project budgets, schedules, staffing, and consultant resources to deliver capital programs effectively and efficiently.

Leadership and Team Development

• Experience leading and supervising professional and technical staff, including providing direction, performance feedback, fostering a culture of accountability and performance, and addressing personnel matters.

Stakeholder Engagement & Partnership Building:

• Ability to collaborate effectively with internal staff, external agencies, consultants, contractors, elected officials, and the public to define and deliver project requirements.

Communication & Executive Reporting:

• Demonstrated ability to communicate technical, financial, and schedule information clearly and effectively, including reporting project status to executive leadership.

Problem Solving, Decision-Making & Conflict Resolution:

• Proven ability to identify issues, evaluate options, and implement practical solutions. Skilled in conflict resolution and facilitating constructive dialogue.

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, the following are also required:

• Registered as a Professional Engineer in Civil Engineering within the State of Washington.
• Ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain.
• Available outside of standard business hours to address emergent issues.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Consultant & Construction Contract Management: Experience managing engineering consultants and administering construction contracts.
• Project Delivery Methods: Experience designing, procuring, and administering transportation projects through design-bid-build and design-build methodologies.
• FHWA Process Knowledge: Familiarity with Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) processes, procedures, and requirements for delivering federally funded transportation projects. Ability to ensure compliance with federal stewardship obligations, documentation, and reporting standards.
• Change Management: Demonstrated knowledge and experience managing organizational or project-level changes. Ability to lead teams through transitions in scope, structure, policy, or project delivery approach using effective change management strategies.
• Public Sector Transportation Skills: Experience delivering capital transportation projects within a public-sector environment.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• 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 Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in 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

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.
• 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 for more information.

Check out this video to learn more:

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 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 Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Please be sure to reference 26DOT-NWR-1W198 in the subject line.

More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pa...