Job Details
Development Branch Project Engineer (WMS3)
2026-01-15 State of Washington all cities,AK
Description:
To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:
In addition to the above, the following are also required:
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:
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 25DOT-ER-6W019 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 pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 01-07-2026
01
Select the option that best describes your current Professional Engineer (PE) licensure status:
02
If you indicated you have a PE license, please list your license number in the space below. Otherwise, enter N/A.
03
Select the option that best describes your experience applying highway engineering practices and technical procedures, including traffic engineering, geotechnical, structural, hydraulics, environmental, and materials applications.
04
Briefly describe your experience applying transportation engineering principles across different technical areas. If you do not have this experience, type "N/A".
05
Select the option that best describes your ability to interpret and apply engineering principles to complex transportation challenges in alignment with engineering standards and technical guidance.
06
Briefly describe a situation where you applied engineering judgment to resolve a complex or sensitive technical issue. If you do not have this experience, type "N/A".
07
Select the option that best describes your experience supervising, mentoring, or leading professional engineering staff.
08
Briefly describe your supervisory or leadership experience with engineering or technical staff, including how you supported their development. If you do not have this experience, type "N/A".
09
Select the option that best describes your experience applying engineering principles across varied responsibilities and technical areas.
10
Briefly describe your engineering experience across varied roles or technical areas. If you do not have this experience, type "N/A".
11
Select the option that best describes your highest level of education completed in Engineering or a closely related field:
12
Briefly describe the degree(s) you earned, including the field of study, and any relevant coursework. If this does not apply to you, type "N/A".
13
How did you learn of this employment opportunity?
14
If you selected 'Other' on the previous question, please specify how you learned of this employment opportunity in the space provided:
Required Question
Salary : $103,632.00 - $132,936.00 Annually
Location : Spokane County - Spokane, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 25DOT-ER-6W019
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Division: Eastern Region
Opening Date: 12/31/2025
Closing Date: 1/26/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
About WSDOT
The Washington State Departmentof 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 Development Branch Project Engineer to lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team of engineers, surveyors, and technicians. In this role, you will provide design expertise and technical guidance to elevate competency across the region through training, mentoring, andthorough design reviews. You will collaborate closely with Project Engineering Offices (PEOs) to ensure effective communication, early design coordination, and well-informed decision-making prior to the 30% review stage. This position also plays a key role in evaluating and refining development workflows to improve overall quality, consistency, and efficiency within the program.
What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Development Branch Project Engineer will:
- Empower and support a large, diverse staff while applying WSDOT personnel management policies, performance plans, and employee development practices.
- Model and uphold Agency and Regional core values in all leadership and operational activities.
- Communicate and collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders on a wide range of technical topics.
- Partner with management, project offices, and support groups to lead strategic change and promote continuous improvement.
- Evaluate and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, consistency, and workflow quality.
- Understand WSDOT contracts, policies, guidelines, and project delivery processes to support successful program outcomes.
- Deliver projects on time and within budget through effective PS&E reviews, coordination, and schedule tracking.
- Facilitate early design collaboration to ensure accurate design decisions and smooth project delivery.
To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:
- Transportation Engineering Expertise: Demonstrated ability to apply extensive knowledge of highway engineering practices and technical procedures, including traffic design, geotechnical, structural, hydraulics, environmental, and materials applications.
- Engineering Judgment & Technical Application: Proven ability to interpret and apply engineering principles to complex transportation challenges in alignment with established engineering standards and technical guidance.
- Supervisory Leadership Experience: Demonstrated ability to lead, guide, and develop professional engineering staff in delivering high-quality work.
- Progressive Engineering Experience: Demonstrated application of engineering principles across varied responsibilities and technical areas.
- 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:
- Licensed as a Professional Engineer in the state of Washington or licensed as a PE in another state with the ability to obtain licensure in Washington State within six (6) months of hire.
- Civil Engineering Fundamentals:Ability to apply essential civil engineering theory to evaluate issues and make informed technical decisions.
- Engineering Theory & Application Interest: Demonstrated capability to understand the technical basis of engineering tasks and apply that knowledge effectively.
- Construction Experience: Experience at the E-3 level or higher providing practical understanding of contract law, specification performance in the field, and standard construction practices.
- 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 .
- 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.
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 25DOT-ER-6W019 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 pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 01-07-2026
01
Select the option that best describes your current Professional Engineer (PE) licensure status:
- I am currently licensed as a Professional Engineer in the state of Washington.
- I am licensed as a Professional Engineer in another state and can obtain Washington licensure within six (6) months of hire.
- I am licensed as a Professional Engineer in another state and cannot obtain Washington licensure within six (6) months of hire.
- I am not licensed as a Professional Engineer.
02
If you indicated you have a PE license, please list your license number in the space below. Otherwise, enter N/A.
03
Select the option that best describes your experience applying highway engineering practices and technical procedures, including traffic engineering, geotechnical, structural, hydraulics, environmental, and materials applications.
- Advanced - Applies extensive, multidisciplinary engineering knowledge to complex transportation projects, independently producing or reviewing technical deliverables across multiple specialty areas (traffic, geotechnical, structural, hydraulics, environmental, materials).
- Intermediate - Applies engineering knowledge in one or more technical areas with some exposure to interdisciplinary applications; performs technical analyses with guidance from subject matter experts.
- Basic - Limited experience applying engineering concepts beyond a primary specialty area; works mostly on narrowly scoped tasks under supervision.
- None of the above
04
Briefly describe your experience applying transportation engineering principles across different technical areas. If you do not have this experience, type "N/A".
05
Select the option that best describes your ability to interpret and apply engineering principles to complex transportation challenges in alignment with engineering standards and technical guidance.
- Advanced - Routinely evaluates complex engineering problems, interprets standards, and develops technically sound solutions that balance design requirements, risk, cost, and constructability.
- Intermediate - Applies engineering principles to moderately complex issues and uses standards or guidance materials with occasional assistance.
- Basic - Applies engineering principles to routine or well-defined issues under direct supervision.
- None of the above
06
Briefly describe a situation where you applied engineering judgment to resolve a complex or sensitive technical issue. If you do not have this experience, type "N/A".
07
Select the option that best describes your experience supervising, mentoring, or leading professional engineering staff.
- Advanced - Independently supervises engineering staff; assigns work, sets expectations, evaluates performance, provides coaching, and supports staff development while ensuring high-quality project delivery.
- Intermediate - Leads or mentors staff in a team setting with some responsibility for guiding work activities or supporting development.
- Basic - Limited experience leading or mentoring engineering professionals in structured or informal situations.
- None of the above
08
Briefly describe your supervisory or leadership experience with engineering or technical staff, including how you supported their development. If you do not have this experience, type "N/A".
09
Select the option that best describes your experience applying engineering principles across varied responsibilities and technical areas.
- Advanced - Demonstrated engineering growth across multiple responsibility areas (e.g., design, project management, field investigations, construction support, multidisciplinary coordination) with increasing technical and decision-making responsibility.
- Intermediate - Experience in one primary responsibility or technical area with some exposure to broader engineering functions.
- Basic - Limited professional engineering experience or experience concentrated in a single narrow technical task area.
- None of the above
10
Briefly describe your engineering experience across varied roles or technical areas. If you do not have this experience, type "N/A".
11
Select the option that best describes your highest level of education completed in Engineering or a closely related field:
- I possess a master's degree or higher in Civil Engineering or a closely related engineering field.
- I possess a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related engineering field.
- I possess a degree in a related field (non-engineering).
- I have completed some college coursework but do not hold a degree.
- I possess a high school diploma or GED.
- None of the above
12
Briefly describe the degree(s) you earned, including the field of study, and any relevant coursework. If this does not apply to you, type "N/A".
13
How did you learn of this employment opportunity?
- Indeed
- Direct Email Notification
- WSDOT social media (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, etc)
- Career Fair
- Monster
- WorkSource
- Handshake
- AASHTO
- NACTO
- COMTO
- APWA
- "NOW HIRING" banner/sign
- Radio advertisement
- WSDOT Employment Site
- Careers.wa.gov
- governmentjobs.com
- Other (specify below)
14
If you selected 'Other' on the previous question, please specify how you learned of this employment opportunity in the space provided:
Required Question