Structural Materials Engineer (TTE)

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 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 knowledgeable and dedicated Transportation Technical Engineer to serve as the Structural Materials Engineer within the Construction Divisions State Materials Laboratory. This position will lead the Structural Materials Section provide statewide materials testing technical support and innovation for aggregate soil and structural materials used in WSDOTs construction and geotechnical programs. The Structural Materials Engineer will oversee laboratory operations ensure compliance with state and national testing standards and provide expert guidance on materials quality and performance. A strong candidate will bring proven leadership and organizational skills deep technical expertise in materials testing and standards the ability to manage complex laboratory operations and budgets and a collaborative approach to supporting WSDOTs mission of delivering safe high-quality transportation infrastructure.

What to Expect

The Structural Materials Section which consists of the Physical Testing and Soils Testing laboratories are part of the Construction Division State Materials Laboratory which provides materials testing technical support and technology development for aggregate soil and structural materials used by all Regions in the WSDOT statewide construction program as well as testing of rock and soil in support of the Geotechnical Engineering Section

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role theStructural Materials Engineer will:

• Supervise the Structural Materials Section consisting of the Physical Testing and Soils Testing laboratories to ensure accurate timely testing of materials.
• Provide accurate test reports of materials in support of the WSDOT construction program.
• Maintain the Physical Testing and Soils Testing laboratories AASHTO resource accreditations by ensuring all testers are qualified and equipment is calibrated and maintained.
• Ensure that AASHTO resource materials proficiency samples are tested and reported out in an accurate and timely manner.
• Develop and implement yearly and biennial budgets including FTE allocation overtime consumable laboratory supplies testing equipment maintenance and replacement costs purchasing of new technology and testing equipment.
• Manage the fiscal year budget to ensure staff testing charges are accurate and monitor monthly testing charges to ensure the planned Direct Project Support (DPS) and Direct Project Charges (DPC) are met.
• Communicate with laboratory supervisors on DPS and DPC issues.
• Be responsible for being onsite at the State Materials Laboratory to provide troubleshooting on laboratory testing issues assist staff with questions regarding materials samples and testing procedures.
• Ensure adherence to established standards and provide technical guidance to maintain laboratory testing accuracy and quality.
• Responsible for laboratory testing equipment and tools required to test materials and maintain equipment.

Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity the following are required:

• Structural Materials Expertise: Comprehensive understanding of the theory principles and practices of structural materials testing construction methods and quality assurance processes.
• Leadership and Supervision: Proven ability to lead and develop staff through coaching training mentoring and performance management while fostering teamwork and accountability.
• Communication and Collaboration:Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to effectively coordinate work deliver presentations and training and make informed decisions that support organizational goals.
• Research and Innovation:Skilled in conducting research analyzing technical data and developing or implementing new material standards and testing methods to improve quality and efficiency.
• Technical Interpretation and Application:Ability to read and interpret engineering documents such as contract plans specifications and standard plans and to assess the short- and long-term engineering impacts of material standards and design decisions.
• Respectful Workplace:Demonstrated commitment to learning and growth. The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Structural Materials Testing Expertise: Demonstrated experience performing structural materials testing and evaluating construction materials with the ability to ensure accuracy compliance with standards and quality control.
• Laboratory Supervision and Management:Experience supervising staff in a materials testing laboratory including coordinating workflow mentoring personnel and managing laboratory operations efficiently.
• Advanced Materials Knowledge and Research: Extensive knowledge of structural materials and the ability to conduct research to evaluate develop and implement improved testing methods or material standards.
• A valid drivers license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.

*To review the full Position Description please follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• 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 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code.
• This position is not eligible for regularly scheduled remote work; majority of work is hands on in State Materials Laboratory building/office.
• 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 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 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.
• 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. NOTE: This information may 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.

Contact Us

For inquiries aboutthis posting you may contact the assigned Recruiter at.Please be sure to reference25DOT-HQ-00809in the subject line.