Project Development Engineer

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 worlds widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity

WSDOT is seeking a dynamic Project Development Engineer to lead and oversee project development functions within the Regions capital program. This senior-level role focuses primarily on project management and plays a critical part in ensuring projects are delivered in alignment with agency policies, customer service standards, and accountability expectations.

The successful candidate will provide strategic direction, engineering expertise, and leadership in managing project scope, schedule, budget, quality, safety, and overall program stewardship. This position requires sound judgment, independent decision-making, and a results-oriented approach. Additionally, the Project Development Engineer will contribute to key staffing recommendations to support the successful delivery of the Regions capital program.

What to Expect

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

• Lead and provide senior-level management, engineering oversight, and strategic direction for the delivery of the Regions capital program.
• Oversee technical, scheduling, and financial aspects of project development, ensuring alignment with program goals and funding requirements.
• Review and approve project documentation, including key design decisions and development milestones.
• Coordinate with internal departments and regional offices to address project programming, funding, scoping, and scheduling issues.
• Represent WSDOT on multi-agency teams, task forces, and external stakeholder groups.
• Foster collaboration and build strong working relationships with internal staff, external partners, and stakeholders to achieve program objectives.
• Develop and implement strategies that optimize staff and resource allocation for efficient project delivery.
• Demonstrate leadership through integrity, accountability, professionalism, and a strong commitment to public stewardship.

Qualifications

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

Technical Engineering Expertise

• Demonstrated knowledge of civil engineering principles, design standards, and WSDOT design processes.
• Professional Engineers (PE) License (License holders from other states will be required to obtain a WA State PE license within 6 months of appointment)
• Five (5) years of engineering background

Project & Program Management

• Proven experience managing complex transportation projects, including scope, budget, and schedule control.
• Skilled in long-range planning, strategic direction, and resource allocation.

Leadership & Supervision

• Experience leading and managing diverse teams, including coaching, mentoring, staff development, and workforce engagement.
• Demonstrated ability to promote inclusion and support employee performance.

Communication & Stakeholder Engagement

• Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to present at public meetings and facilitate cross-agency collaboration.
• Effective in negotiation and building consensus across competing interests.

Policy & Regulatory Knowledge

• Working knowledge of transportation policy, legislative process, contract law, tort liability, and budget oversight.
• Experience developing and applying agency policies and procedures.

Analytical & Decision-Making Skills

• Ability to assess complex problems, develop alternatives, and make sound, timely decisions in the public interest.
• Skilled in reviewing technical documents and synthesizing information.

Technology & Information Management

• Proficient in standard office software for documentation, planning, and communication tasks.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

Project & Workforce Management

• Demonstrated experience in project management and leading a diverse team.

WSDOT Program Knowledge

• Familiarity with WSDOTs programming structure, including funding, scheduling, and planning processes.

Real Estate & Environmental Process Knowledge

• Understanding of WSDOTs real estate services, environmental review, utilities coordination, and plan development procedures.

Operational Understanding of WSDOT Functions

• Knowledge of WSDOT construction, maintenance, local programs, and transportation planning activities.

Regulatory & Administrative Knowledge

• Familiarity with merit system rules, WACs, and WSDOT purchasing procedures.

Political & Strategic Awareness

• Understanding of state/local political environments, transportation policy issues, and alignment with WSDOTs strategic goals and objectives.

Important Notes

• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• Position requires travel within the Olympic Region, WSDOT project and/or headquarters offices, and around project work sites. Occasional overnight travel may be necessary.
• 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.
• 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 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 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

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