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 20000 lane miles of state highway and 4100 bridges WSDOT manages the worlds 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 arerequired:

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 applicableCollective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found inChapter 357-28of 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. 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 mayearn 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.
• PlanFor 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 toState Benefitsfor 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

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