Transportation Engineer 2
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!
WSDOT is seeking a Transportation Engineer 2 to serve as a lead Bituminous Testing Engineer in the Bituminous Mixtures Laboratory, which is responsible for supporting statewide WSDOT capitol construction projects and local jurisdictions with bituminous mixture design verification, conformation, and forensic testing. In this role, you will be responsible for overseeing testing, assisting in the scheduling, and training the technical staff within the laboratory. The Bituminous Testing Engineer will prepare, analyze and correct data entries performed by all laboratory technicians and maintain equipment calibration, maintenance, and associated records. Our top candidate will demonstrate strong technical expertise, effective problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to support laboratory operations, equipment, and quality assurance in a highly regulated environment.
The Bituminous Materials Section is part of the Construction Division State Materials Laboratory which provides materials testing, technical support and technology development for bituminous materials used by all Regions in the WSDOT construction program. This position performs materials testing in a laboratory environment; this includes exposure to chemicals, elevated temperatures, working with materials exceeding 325 degrees F, and working with various chemicals.
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Bituminous Testing Engineer will :
• Serve as lead, responsible for complex bituminous mixtures testing, hands-on training, instructing, and inspecting the work of other employees working in the Bituminous Mixtures Laboratory.
• Perform the most complex materials testing in the Bituminous Mixtures Laboratory in accordance with AASHTO, ASTM, WAQTC and WSDOT test procedures.
• Assist in preparation, analysis, verification and reporting of Quality Product List (QPL) asphalt mixtures which incorporate volumetric design of asphalt mixtures and all other asphalt mixture design types as requested.
• Perform all test methods assigned to the Bituminous Mixtures Laboratory.
• Maintain qualification and WAQTC AsTT-II accreditation in all Bituminous Mixture laboratory tests.
• Prepare, analyze and correct data entries performed by all laboratory technicians and maintain equipment calibrations, verifications, maintenance and associated records.
• Maintain, adjust, and verify laboratory testing equipment.
• Represent the Department in meetings with outside Agencies and consultants for specific projects as needed.
• Be responsible for testing AASHTO re:source Proficiency Samples and participation in AASHTO re:source onsite inspections.
To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required :
Technical Bituminous Mixtures
• Experience interpreting and validating materials test data for use in engineering design, specification compliance, or performance evaluation.
• Knowledge of applicable testing methodologies and industry standards (AASHTO, ASTM, WAQTC, or equivalent).
• Experience with calibration, maintenance, and verification procedures for specialized laboratory instruments.
• Knowledge of safety regulations, risk mitigation practices, and environmental considerations in materials testing laboratories.
• Knowledge of engineering data analysis, including statistical methods for interpreting and validating complex material test results.
• Knowledge of quality assurance and accreditation processes related to laboratory testing, including proficiency sample programs and external audits.
Laboratory Operations & Management
• Experience performing and overseeing complex materials tests, ensuring data accuracy and procedural compliance.
• Skilled in laboratory management practices, including workflow coordination, quality control, and test standardization and organization including tracking test data, sample log-in, equipment maintenance, and calibrations.
• Experience adapting to and implementing new technologies, testing methods, and data systems to improve laboratory performance.
Personnel Leadership & Development
• Experience leading, mentoring, or training technical personnel in laboratory methods, equipment uses, and data analysis.
• Ability to lead quality assurance activities including proficiency testing, audit preparation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Skills to exercise professional judgment in evaluating material performance and test results.
Communication & Collaboration
• 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, and contractors.
• Skills to prepare detailed engineering reports, summaries, and presentations that convey technical findings clearly to varied audiences.
• Skills to represent the organization in technical meetings, reviews, or collaborative engineering projects.
Technical Problem Solving & Analysis
• Experience maintaining and calibrating specialized laboratory instruments and ensuring accuracy of results.
• Skills to analyze and validate test data to support engineering decisions, mixture design verification, and specification development.
• Ability to identify and resolve technical, procedural, or equipment issues through critical thinking and root cause analysis.
Growth Mindset
• Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
Service-Oriented
• Takes action to meet the needs of others.
The following qualifications are also required :
• Ability to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to obtain and maintain qualifications in assigned test procedures.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also obtain:
• Status as a Qualified Tester in all tests associated with the Bituminous Mixtures Laboratory and proficiency in related specialized computer programs.