Pavement Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $135,000.00 - $165,120.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Tumwater, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 26DOT-HQ-0W112-1
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Division: Headquarters
Opening Date: 07/16/2026
Closing Date: 8/6/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
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 state. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!
The Opportunity
WSDOT is currently seeking a State Pavement Engineer to serve as the department's statewide technical expert on pavement engineering and pavement asset management based in Tumwater, WA. As part of the HQ Construction Division, you will provide statewide leadership, technical expertise, and strategic direction for pavement design, rehabilitation, preservation, and performance across Washington's transportation system. In this role, you will establish statewide policies, standards, and technical guidance that shape how WSDOT designs, constructs, preserves, and manages its highway pavement network while advancing innovation, emerging technologies, and long-term system performance.
As WSDOT's final authority on pavement engineering, you will provide expert guidance on complex technical and policy issues, ensure consistent statewide application of pavement standards, and collaborate with state, federal, and industry partners to advance innovation and best practices in pavement engineering. Through strategic leadership, collaboration, and data-driven decision-making, you will help deliver a safe, durable, and cost-effective transportation system that supports Washington's long-term transportation needs.
What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you will:

• Lead the statewide pavement engineering program by developing, implementing, and maintaining pavement design policies, standards, and guidance to ensure consistency, quality, and compliance across WSDOT.
• Establish statewide standards, tools, and policies for pavement asset management, preservation, rehabilitation, pavement type selection, design criteria, construction practices, and material selection to support durable, cost-effective pavements.
• Provide professional engineering review and final approval of pavement designs, ensuring technical quality, cost effectiveness, and long-term system performance.
• Develop long-range strategies for the pavement program, including evaluating and implementing emerging technologies, materials, and practices to improve pavement design, construction, preservation, and asset management.
• Collaborate with state, regional, and national transportation partners and industry organizations to share expertise, advance innovation, and influence pavement engineering practices and policy.
• Lead pavement research and innovation efforts, including studies, pilot projects, and evaluations of new materials and methods, while determining adoption into WSDOT specifications and practices.
• Serve as WSDOT's final technical authority on pavement policy and practice by resolving complex technical issues and providing guidance on the interpretation and application of pavement standards.
• Provide legislative analysis and technical guidance by reviewing legislation, preparing reports and fiscal information, assessing impacts, and supporting pavement-related testimony as needed.
• Lead the Pavement Office team by directing workforce planning, staffing, resource allocation, and operational priorities to achieve program goals.
• Supervise, coach, and develop staff through hiring, training, performance management, and ongoing professional development.
• Provide strategic direction and oversight to ensure the Pavement Office fulfills its mission and aligns with WSDOT's statewide priorities.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with industry and professional organizations to identify and address emerging pavement policy and technical issues.
• Represent WSDOT in research and policy development forums to advance technology transfer, emerging best practices, and innovation in pavement engineering and asset management.

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

• Pavement Engineering Expertise: Demonstrated ability to design, evaluate, and manage asphalt and concrete pavement systems and rehabilitation strategies.
• Asset Management & Data Analysis: Skilled in using performance data, modeling, and life-cycle analysis to guide capital planning and preservation decisions.
• Technical Policy Leadership: Ability to develop, interpret, and implement engineering standards, manuals, and statewide technical policies.
• Program Strategy & Decision-Making: Proven capability to set long-range direction, prioritize investments, and resolve complex engineering problems.
• Strategic Budgeting & Resource Planning: Demonstrated ability to guide budget development, prioritize investments, allocate resources, and support long-range financial planning to achieve program objectives and maximize value.
• Innovation & Technology Integration: Experience evaluating and implementing new materials, construction methods, and pavement technologies.
• Organizational Leadership: Ability to lead technical teams, develop staff, and manage workload, performance, and resource allocation.
• Stakeholder Communication: Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to executives, legislators, industry partners, and national organizations.
• Professional Integrity: Demonstrated ethical judgment, accountability, and commitment to public service.
• Licensure: Washington State Professional Engineer (Civil) license.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• National Pavement Practices: Familiarity with national pavement engineering, pavement design, and asset management practices, including emerging trends, standards, and innovations.
• Statewide Program Leadership: Experience leading or managing a complex pavement engineering or transportation asset management program with broad organizational impact.
• Program Delivery & Strategic Coordination: Ability to evaluate technical recommendations, determine level of effort, and coordinate project scope, schedules, deliverables, and resources with consultants, customers, and partners.
• Policy Implementation & Technical Guidance: Experience providing oversight, guidance, and support for the implementation of engineering policies, standards, procedures, or emerging technologies across multiple teams or programs.
• Research & Innovation: Experience developing standards, conducting or overseeing applied research, pilot projects, or technical evaluations, and integrating findings into engineering practice.
• Pavement Data & Asset Management Systems: Demonstrated ability to support pavement condition data collection, coordination, reporting, and delivery for pavement management systems such as WSPMS or similar tools.
• Legislative & Executive Communication: Experience communicating technical and program information to leadership, elected officials, or through legislative processes.
• Partnership & Stakeholder Engagement: Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships and work effectively with internal teams, industry groups, consultants, and external stakeholders.
• Facilitation & Team Coordination: Ability to lead meetings, coordinate technical teams, and drive work to timely completion.
• Judgment & Decision-Making: Ability to make sound technical and operational decisions in complex or high-pressure situations.
• Technical Systems & Software: Experience using pavement management systems such as WSPMS and proficiency with Microsoft Office tools, including Excel, Access, and Word.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• 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 Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in of the Washington Administrative Code.
• 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

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. As such, there are a number of flexible schedule options available, including telework options for eligible positions.
• Paid Leave - In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees may 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 for more information.

Check out this video to learn more:
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.
Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Please be sure to reference 26DOT-HQ-0W112-1 in the subject line.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit