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Asphalt Laboratory Engineer (TE2)


Job Location:

Tumwater, WA - USA

Yearly Salary: $ 71472 - 96144
Posted: 31 May 2026 (30+ days ago)
Application Deadline: 28 August 2026
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy
The job posting is outdated and position may be filled

Job Summary

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 addition to maintaining over 20000 lane miles of state highway and 4100 bridges WSDOT leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan manages the worlds longest floating bridge and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!


The Opportunity

WSDOT is seeking a skilled and detail-oriented individual to serve as the lead Asphalt Laboratory Engineerwithin the Bituminous Materials Section Asphalt Testing Laboratory. This position will support statewide WSDOT capital construction projects and local jurisdictions by overseeing verification conformance and specification compliance testing for performance graded (PG) asphalt binders emulsified asphalt and flexible bituminous pavement marker adhesive materials. The Asphalt Laboratory Engineer will alsolead laboratory testing operations assist with scheduling and training technicians review and correct laboratory data entries and ensure laboratory equipment calibration maintenance and associated records are maintained in accordance with established standards and procedures.


What to Expect

This position performs materials testing duties in a laboratory environment that includes exposure to chemicals elevated temperatures working with materials exceeding 325 degrees F working with various chemicals and nuclear electronic gauges.


Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role theAsphalt Laboratory Engineer will:

  • Perform complex asphalt material testing hands-on training instructing and inspecting the work of all permanent and non-permanent employees.
  • Work with state-of-the-art equipment and test procedures.
  • Assist with the responsibility for all aspects of testing in the Liquid Asphalt Laboratory including organizing and tracking samples scheduling directing and reviewing the work of the technicians conducting testing.
  • Perform all test methods assigned to the Liquid Asphalt Laboratory.
  • Maintain qualifications in all PG Binder emulsified asphalt and flexible bituminous pavement marker adhesive.
  • Prepare analyze and correct data entries performed by all laboratory technicians.
  • Maintain equipment calibrations verifications maintenance and associated records for all laboratory testing equipment.
  • Represent meetings with outside Agencies and consultants for specific projects.
  • Be responsible for testing AASHTO re:source Proficiency Samples and participation in AASHTO re:source onsite inspections.
  • Manage multiple projects simultaneously balance competing priorities and deadlines and maintain organized laboratory records.


Qualifications

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

Materials Engineering and Laboratory Operations

  • Experience performing or supervising complex materials testing within an engineering or construction materials laboratory environment.
  • Knowledge of advanced principles of materials engineering including the design testing and performance evaluation of bituminous and related construction materials.
  • Knowledge of laboratory management practices workflow coordination quality control test standardization and applicable testing methodologies and industry standards including AASHTO ASTM WAQTC or equivalent.
  • Skill in leading and directing laboratory operations and staff to ensure efficient accurate and compliant materials testing.

Quality Assurance Data Analysis and Technical Compliance

  • Experience interpreting and validating materials test data for engineering design specification compliance or performance evaluation.
  • Experience maintaining and calibrating specialized laboratory instruments and ensuring accuracy of results.
  • Knowledge of engineering data analysis statistical methods quality assurance practices accreditation processes proficiency sample programs and external audits.
  • Skill in performing and overseeing complex materials tests analyzing and validating test data and ensuring procedural compliance to support engineering decisions mixture design verification and specification development.

Leadership Communication and Project Coordination

  • Experience leading mentoring or training technical personnel in laboratory methods equipment use and data analysis.
  • Experience preparing and presenting technical reports or findings to internal and external audiences.
  • Knowledge of project coordination principles including communication and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders such as engineers consultants contractors and external laboratories.
  • Skill in preparing detailed engineering reports summaries and presentations that clearly convey technical findings to varied audiences.
  • Ability to communicate effectively and diplomatically with staff engineers contractors and external stakeholders and represent the organization in technical meetings reviews and collaborative engineering projects.

Safety Adaptability and Technical Systems

  • Knowledge of safety regulations risk mitigation practices and environmental considerations in materials testing laboratories.
  • Skill in using specialized software and data acquisition systems for test control data analysis and reporting.
  • Ability to adapt to and implement new technologies testing methods and data systems to improve laboratory performance.

Growth Mindset and Service-Oriented

  • Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
  • Takes action to meet the needs of others.


The following qualifications are also required:

  • Ability to obtain and maintain qualifications in assigned test procedures.
  • Ability to be certified by the Troxler Corporation to calibrate repair and maintain nuclear density gauges.
  • Ability to work at elevated temperatures with materials exceeding 325 degrees F and with various chemicals and nuclear electronic gauges.
  • Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced laboratory environment.
  • Ability to stand for long periods of time and walk long distances.
  • Ability to work under time constraints using timers stopwatches etc.
  • Ability to work for periods of time which may exceed normal shifts.


It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

  • Status as a Qualified Tester in all tests associated with the Liquid Asphalt Laboratory and proficiency in related specialized computer programs.


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


Important Notes


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 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. 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 reference26DOT-HQ-00697in the subject line.


Required Experience:

IC