Enter a job title or keyword

Assistant Quality Assurance Bridge Engineer (BE5) In-Training


Job Location:

Tumwater, WA - USA

Monthly Salary: m 93288 - 138552
Posted: 17 September 2026 (8 days ago)
Application Deadline: 22 December 2026
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

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 currently seeking a talented Bridge Engineer 5 to support statewide bridge inspection quality assurance and help ensure the safety reliability and longevity of Washingtons bridges. Working alongside the State Quality Assurance Bridge Engineer this position reviews bridge inspection documentation and field practices provides engineering guidance to inspectors and supports accurate and consistent application of federal and state bridge inspection requirements. Bring your technical skills make an impact statewide and play a key role in maintaining the integrity of Washingtons critical transportation infrastructure.


What to Expect

Frequent statewide travel is an important part of this role. This position requires fieldwork including overnight travel and periods when you may be in travel status for most of the workweek. When not working in the field this position offers limited flexible/hybrid remote work options.


Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role you will:

  • Perform quality assurance reviews of bridge inspection documentation historical records field verification and supporting engineering information to identify compliance concerns and ensure technical accuracy.
  • Lead bridge site visits and comprehensive engineering reviews of inspection reports load ratings scour appraisals Plans of Action and other technical documents.
  • Make engineering determinations regarding inspection requirements reporting compliance and technical notifications and coordinate follow-up actions with bridge inspectors and program staff.
  • Serve as a technical resource on National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS) National Tunnel Inspection Standards (NTIS) the WSDOT Bridge Inspection Manual and applicable engineering standards.
  • Plan direct and complete in-service bridge inspections exercising engineering judgment to evaluate structural conditions and inspection findings.
  • Lead bridge inspection teams during field operations provide technical oversight assign inspection activities and mentor inspectors and other team members.
  • Perform inspections using specialized access methods and equipment including technical rope access under bridge inspection trucks bucket trucks scaffolding boats and climbing techniques.
  • Develop update and deliver technical content for statewide bridge inspection training programs and provide technical guidance through classroom instruction field demonstrations webinars and coaching.
  • Assist with development and revision of the WSDOT Bridge Inspection Manual by evaluating changes in regulations engineering practices and inspection procedures.


Qualifications

This is a Bridge Engineer 5 position. However the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at a lower level in theclassification seriesbased on candidate qualifications providing an opportunity for an individual to gain the required experience on the job as part of a formal in-training plan.


At minimum the following competencies are required:

  • Professional Engineer:Current registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in Civil engineering or Structural Engineer (SE) license in the State of Washington or ability to obtain within six (6) months of appointment through comity.
  • Bridge Structural Analysis: Demonstrated knowledge of structural engineering principles and the ability to interpret structural analysis bridge load ratings and engineering evaluations in accordance with AASHTO standards
  • Bridge Condition Inspection Training: Successful completion of FHWA-approved comprehensive bridge inspection training or ability to complete within (6) months of hire.
  • Bridge Inspection:Demonstrated basic bridge inspection experience under general supervision of a certified Team Leader including:
    • Accurately identifying and measuring structural defects;
    • Drafting bridge inspection report documentation;
    • And coordinating logistics equipment and traffic control for scheduled bridge inspection trips.
  • Engineering Judgement: Basic ability to apply engineering judgement to evaluate inspection findings propose repair or preservation actions and elevate complex issues to a senior engineer.
  • Technical Professional Knowledge: Working knowledge of 23 CFR 650 (NBIS/NTIS) and experience applying bridge and/or tunnel inspection standards in practice.
  • Quality Assurance and Quality Control: Some experience contributing to QA/QC review processes and technical bridge evaluations.
  • Effective Communication: Proficiency in verbal and written communication.
  • Respectful Workplace: Actively contributes to a work environment that fosters respect inclusion and equal opportunity for all.
  • Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
  • Service-Oriented: Demonstrates a willingness to take action to meet the needs of others.


In addition to the competencies above candidates at the Bridge Engineer 5 level must also demonstrate:

  • Certified Team Leader: Current certification as a Team Leader for bridge and tunnel inspection in accordance with NBIS and NTIS or ability to obtain within six months of appointment.
  • Bridge Inspection:Comprehensive experience as a Team Leader for bridge or tunnel inspections including all common material and span types NSTM complex features and multi-team inspections in accordance with NBIS NTIS and WSDOT policies and procedures.
  • Effective Training: Facilitates and delivers technical guidance and training to bridge engineers.
  • Technical Professional Knowledge: Comprehensive knowledge of NBIS NTIS and WSDOT inspection program policies and procedures with demonstrated application in inspection or training activities.
  • Effective Communication: Proficiency in verbal and written communication with proven ability to create and deliver presentations revise technical manuals or guides and represent the program in technical discussions with local and regulatory partners.


The following qualifications are also required:

  • A valid unrestricted Washington State drivers license.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) at the time of hire.
  • Ability to work at heights over waterways in confined spaces and outdoors in varying weather and terrain.
  • Ability to travel frequently including overnight travel of up to five days.
  • Ability to use specialized inspection equipment and perform technical climbing techniques.
  • Ability to respond to emergency situations on a rotation and report to the assigned duty station within40minutes.


It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

  • Engineering: Bachelors degree in engineering from an ABET accredited program.
  • WSDOT Bridge Experience: working knowledge of BridgeWorks application and the Washington State Bridge Inspection Manual (WSBIM).
  • Bridge Structural Analysis: Demonstrated knowledge of structural engineering principles and the ability to interpret structural analysis bridge load ratings and engineering evaluations in accordance with WSDOT standards.


Important Notes


Why WSDOT

  • Work-Life Balance We offer flexible work schedules that allow you time for your life outside of this excellent opportunity.
  • 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 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 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


Contact Us

For inquiries aboutthis posting you may contact the assigned Recruiter at. Please be sure to reference26DOT-HQ-05605in the subject line.


Required Experience:

Junior IC