Automotive Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $109,230.00 - $121,367.00 Annually
Location : Shoreline College, WA
Job Type: Administrative Exempt
Job Number: 00943
Department: Automotive Program
Opening Date: 08/13/2026
Position Summary
Date of First Consideration: September 9, 2026
Applications received by the date of consideration will have priority in the review process, noting the position will remain open until a final hire is made in the event a return for review of late applications is needed.
Salary Range: $109,30 - $121,367 annually, depending on qualifications and experience
Welcome! Learn More AND
Professional Automotive Training Center
The Director of Automotive Programs provides visionary leadership for Shoreline College's nationally recognized Professional Automotive Training Center (PATC), one of the Pacific Northwest's premier automotive workforce education programs.
Working at the intersection of education and industry, the Director reports to the Dean of STEM-CTE, leads faculty, develops strategic partnerships with automotive manufacturers and employers, and advances innovative workforce pathways to prepare the next generation of highly skilled automotive technicians.
As the College's lead representative for automotive education, the Director provides strategic leadership in program planning, industry engagement, accreditation, enrollment growth, workforce development, customized training, and continuous improvement. The Director works collaboratively with faculty, staff, employers, K-12 partners, workforce agencies, and community organizations to ensure programs remain responsive to evolving technologies and employer needs.
The successful candidate combines technical credibility, collaborative leadership, and business acumen. Equally comfortable in the classroom, the shop, the boardroom, and the dealership, the Director is passionate about developing people, building partnerships, and shaping the future of automotive workforce education.
Why Join Shoreline?
Shoreline College has built one of the Pacific Northwest's most respected automotive workforce education programs through decades of strong partnerships with manufacturers, outstanding faculty, and a commitment to student success. The next Director will have the opportunity to build on this foundation while leading innovations in advanced vehicle technologies, electrification, workforce development, and industry partnerships. This is an opportunity to shape the future of automotive education and develop the skilled workforce that shapes the future of technician education.
Qualifications
Required Education & Experience:

• Five years of progressive responsible leadership experience in one or more of the following:
  1. Automotive technical education
  2. Automotive service operations
  3. Manufacturer technical training
  4. Workforce development
  5. Apprenticeship programs
  6. Technical training
  7. Community or technical college education
• Bachelor's degree in automotive technology, Engineering Technology, Business, Workforce Development, or closely related field
• OR equivalent combination of education, industry certifications, and progressively responsible leadership experience

Preferred Education & Experience:

• Leadership experience within an automotive manufacturer (OEM), dealership group, technical training organization, or community/technical college.
• ASE certifications or equivalent professional credentials.
• Experience managing ASE Education Foundation accreditation or manufacturer certification programs.
• Experience developing industry partnerships, customized training, apprenticeships, or workforce initiatives.
• Experience securing grants, sponsorships, or external funding.
• Experience supervising union-represented employees.

Knowledge Of:

• Principles, trends, and emerging technologies within the automotive service industry, including manufacturer training systems and workforce development.
• Leadership principles, organizational management, and employee supervision
• Strategic planning, program development, assessment, and continuous improvement.
• Career and Technical Education (CTE), community college operations, and workforce training.
• Accreditation processes, manufacturer program standards, and quality assurance practices.
• Student recruitment, enrollment management, and workforce pathway development.
• Equity-centered leadership and practices that promote student success and inclusive learning environments.
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, and SharePoint) and enterprise software used for program administration.

Skilled In:

• Providing collaborative, student-centered leadership while fostering an inclusive and equitable learning and work environment.
• Building and sustaining productive relationships with automotive manufacturers, dealerships, workforce agencies, K-12 partners, community organizations, and other external stakeholders.
• Leading organizational change, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Developing and implementing strategic initiatives that strengthen workforce education and respond to industry needs.
• Managing multiple priorities, complex projects, budgets, grants, and competing deadlines.
• Analyzing data and using evidence to support planning, decision-making, and program improvement.
• Communicating effectively-both orally and in writing-with individuals at all organizational levels and from diverse cultural, educational, and professional backgrounds.
• Navigating complex or sensitive situations using sound judgment, diplomacy, and applicable laws, regulations, and College policies.
• Collaborating effectively as a member of the College's leadership team while also working independently.
• Representing the College professionally with industry partners, government agencies, accrediting organizations, and the public.

Conditions of Employment
Physical Work Environment:
The College provides services both online and in-person. Administrators are assigned to work on campus, noting there may be some opportunities to work remotely based on program or area needs. If authorized for limited remote work, employees will need to provide their own workspace and internet access, noting the College will provide technical equipment and support for online work needs. When working on campus, this position will perform work in a standard office setting, classroom, or shop using standard office equipment and industry-specific tools & machines. You must physically attend meetings both on and off campus. This position also requires work on weekends and evenings when appropriate and needed.
Terms Of Employment/Salary:

• This is a full-time administrative/exempt contracted position
• Initial salary placement determined by the College dependent upon education/experience.
• Hiring of this position is contingent upon available funding as determined by the College President.

Required Materials
To be considered for this position, please submit the following:

• NEOGOV online application
• Cover letter describing relevant knowledge, skills, and characteristics that align with the needs of the position
• Current resume

Please Note:

• Once application materials have been submitted, you may not modify the application
• If you are chosen to move forward in this recruitment, you will be notified via email to the address listed in your application

Other Conditions:
Shoreline College is committed to providing equal opportunity in education and employment for all students, employees, and applicants, and does not allow discrimination or harassment on the basis of race or ethnicity, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, creed, religion, status as an honorably discharged veteran or military status, political affiliation or belief, citizenship/status as a lawfully admitted immigrant authorized to work in the United States, or presence of any physical, sensory, or mental disability. For our full non-discrimination statement and contact information, visit:
Persons with disabilities have the right to reasonable accommodation in all aspects of employment with the College. This includes, but is not limited to recruitment, application, hiring, training, termination, conditions of employment, and any other employer-supported activities. Applicants requesting accommodation should contact the Office of Human Resources at .
In accordance with RCW 28B.112.080, applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current or past places of employment.
In compliance with the Immigration and Nationality Act, proof of authorization to work in the United States will be required at the time of hire.
Shoreline College does not currently sponsor HB-1 visas. Other conditions that may apply will be detailed upon the offer of employment.
Applicants considered for positions at the College may be required to submit to a background check as a condition of employment. Adverse information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability for the position.
Faculty positions are represented by the American Federation of Teachers Local #1950.
Classified positions are represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees.
ADMINISTRATIVE EXEMPT, CLASSIFIED, AND FULL-TIME FACULTY POSITIONS
*See bottom for Part-Time Faculty Benefits Information
Comprehensive Benefits Packages

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Long-term Disability Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Optional Flexible Medical Spending Account (FSA)
• Optional Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP)
• Optional SRA Tax Annuities
• Optional Deferred Compensation Plan
• Optional Home/Auto Insurance with Liberty Mutual
• Optional Credit Union participation
• Optional GET (Guaranteed Education Tuition) Program
• Tuition Waiver
• Various Professional Development & Wellness Programs

Health Insurance
Employee premiums for health insurance range depending on the plan and dependents covered.

• Two options for standard managed-care plans
• One value managed-care plan
• Three preferred provider options
• Two CDHP options

Dental Insurance
Employees have three dental plans to choose from.

• Two managed-care dental plan
• One preferred provider dental plan

Life Insurance
Life Insurance overview:

• $35,000 basic coverage and $5,000 accidental death and dismemberment coverage at no cost to the employee
• Optional coverage for spouse, children, supplemental, optional, and additional accidental death and dismemberment coverage - all at additional cost to the employee

Long-term Disability Insurance
Long-term Disability Insurance overview:

• Basic Coverage: 90 day waiting period, $240 per month maximum
• Optional Coverage: 90+ day waiting period, 60% of gross pay - tax free (retirement plan still continues)

Retirement Plans

• Public Employees Retirement System Plan 2 or Plan 3. Classified and civil service positions eligible to participate.
• Teacher's Retirement System (TRS) - Plan 3. Available for those who have been enrolled and vested in the past
• State Board Retirement Plan administered through TIAA-CREF - full time faculty and administrative/exempt positions eligible to participate.

The Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) manages health, dental, life, and long term disability insurance. The Washington State Department of Enterprise Services administers Shoreline's Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
PART-TIME FACULTY POSITIONS
A part time faculty member becomes eligible for benefits at the beginning of the second consecutive quarter of half time or more employment at one or more Washington state institutions of higher education. Spring and fall quarters are considered consecutive quarters for benefits eligibility. Half time is determined based on each institution's definition of full time.
A part time faculty member must qualify each quarter they teach to maintain eligibility. Once eligible, part time faculty will be notified of their benefit and retirement options.
01
Describe your experience and/or background with any of the following (max. 500 words):• Teaching or mentoring students/trainees from historically underrepresented or underserved communities• Integrating materials or teaching/training practices that reflect a variety of cultural perspectives and experiences• Identifying and addressing barriers that impact learning or engagement• Creating a learning environment where all students/trainees feel respected, included, and supported
Required Question