Engineering Manager (WMS3) | Two Positions

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 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 seeking two dynamic and strategic leaders to lead construction and design & development activities across the Eastern Region (ER). One position will serve as Engineering Manager – Construction, and the other as Engineering Manager – Design & Development. Working strategically with the Assistant Regional Administrators (ARA), these positions play a critical role in achieving the agency’s two-year, six-year, and 20-year transportation plans. With responsibility for more than 3,600 lane miles of highway, 440 bridge structures, 10 safety rest areas, and complex infrastructure projects in and around Spokane, the state’s second-largest city, these roles require advanced management skills, deep engineering knowledge, and proven ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams. Successful candidates will possess strong project delivery expertise, strategic planning acumen, a commitment to safety and workforce development, and the ability to drive cross-organizational coordination and performance in a complex regulatory and political environment. What to Expect Among the varied range of responsibilities held within these roles, the Engineering Manager will: • Plan, lead, strategize, organize, and control the construction and design & development work performed by the organization. • Assure appropriate and optimum use of the organization's resources and enhance the effectiveness of employees through timely appraisal and professional development opportunities. • Act for the ARA in their respective area in their absence. • Provide leadership for all engineering activities. • Coach, mentor, and guide the managers of the offices engaged in Construction and Design & Development, including the Project Engineering Office, Design Plans, Environmental, Utilities, Lab and Traffic offices in the ER. • Ensure that proper documentation is processed and appropriately submitted for all design decisions in accordance with WSDOT policy and procedures. • Ensure all construction documentation is processed and appropriately submitted for all projects in accordance with WSDOT policy and procedures. • Coordinate activities that are involved in the development and delivery of Eastern Region projects. • Recommend and review region policy and serve on statewide task force or steering teams to develop recommendations for agency policies and procedures. • Represent WSDOT on various committees, city, county meetings, task forces and other agencies and citizen groups. • Develop and implement strategies for safety throughout the organization, and facilitate safety to the travelling public, State and contractor workforce. Qualifications To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required: Professional Engineering Expertise • A strong background in project construction and/or project design & project development. • Demonstrated competency in civil engineering construction and/or design & development, with specialized knowledge in highway and bridge design, WSDOT design standards, PS&E processes, and federally funded project delivery requirements. • Ability to analyze and resolve complex design, construction, and delivery challenges while ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. Leadership and Personnel Management • Proven ability to lead, coach, mentor, and evaluate staff, fostering a collaborative and engaged work environment. • Skilled in workforce planning, interviewing, and making hiring recommendations, while applying knowledge of labor agreements, merit system rules, and affirmative action policies. Workforce Development and Leadership • Experience in mentoring staff and promoting workforce development initiatives, fostering an inclusive, resilient, and values-driven workplace culture. Program and Project Management • Proficiency in organizing, planning, and managing large-scale project construction and/or design & development programs, balancing efficiency in use of staff, budget, and resources. • Experience in managing change and minimizing risks to project delivery while maintaining accountability for outcomes. Technical and Analytical Skills • Ability to review and evaluate complex technical documents, interpret rules, policies, and directives, and apply sound judgment in decision-making. • Competence in using standard PC desktop applications to store, retrieve, analyze, and produce information. Communication and Collaboration • Ability to successfully negotiate with contractors and skilled in dispute resolution. • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to engage effectively with citizens, stakeholders, partner agencies, and internal teams. • Skilled in public speaking, conflict resolution, and contract partnering to build and maintain productive relationships. • Capacity to work independently and collaboratively, exercising discretion, maintaining confidentiality, and demonstrating consistent reliability. Respect and Equity • Demonstrated ability to contribute to a work environment that fosters respect, inclusion, and equal opportunity for all. 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. • Ability to travel throughout the state, traverse slopes, and climb ladders to inspect project sites. • Ability to respond to emergencies and emergent issues 24/7. It is preferred that qualified candidates also have: Operational Knowledge • Familiarity with WSDOT organization and processes across design, construction, traffic, environmental, and program management offices. • Knowledge of FHWA processes and stewardship obligations related to federally funded projects. Workforce and Organizational Management • Experience in procuring and delivering projects through design-build and design-bid-build processes. • Knowledge and experience managing a WSDOT workforce and utilizing current human resource systems. • Demonstrated ability to lead through organizational change while minimizing risks to WSDOT. • Experience in coaching, mentoring, and developing employees to support career growth and agency goals. • To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting. Important Notes • This recruitment will be used to fill two Engineering Manager (WMS3) vacancies: one for Construction and one for Design & Development. • These positions require a Professional Engineers License issued by the State of Washington. License holders from other states will be expected to obtain a WA State PE license within six (6) months of hire. • 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 Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code. • These positions offer flexible/hybrid remote work options. • These positions are expected to attend work in person at key meetings and/or event/activities or as dictated by business needs for accessibility and mentoring. Some occasional trips to various Regional offices and HQ in Olympia. Some trips to other portions of the state for statewide training and coordination meetings. • 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 www.uscis.gov. 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. • 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 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 about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Daisha. Jordan@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 25DOT-ER-6W052m in the subject line. Apply tot his job Apply To this Job