Port Engineering Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $80,364.00 - $124,560.00 Annually
Location : South Harbor, Tacoma, WA
Job Type: Regular/Full-Time
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 742
Department: Contracts
Opening Date: 07/10/2026
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: POT NON
Anticipated Starting Salary: Anticipated starting salary is between $80,364 - $97,356 depending on qualifications.
Job Summary
Anticipated starting salary is between $80,364 - $97,356 depending on qualifications.
This position has responsibility for oversight, administration, and execution of the procurement (pre-award) phase of contracting; to include determination of appropriate procurement method, creation of solicitation documentation, pre-proposal/bid conferences, coordination, proposal and bid evaluation and contract award. Ensures all Port of Tacoma ("Port") and Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) procurements are accomplished in compliance with grants, policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
This position also supports the preparation and administration of contracting activities for the organization.
Essential Functions

• Facilitates the organization's procurement (pre-award) phase of contracting; including contract specifications, scope development, issuing solicitation documents, receive and respond to vendor questions, prepare and issue necessary addenda, schedule and host pre-proposal/bid conference, host bid openings, receive bid packages and proposals, distribute responsive bids to evaluators, coordinate the evaluation process including oral presentations, and review rates/fees to ensure best value. Conduct pre-award survey; recommend and send rejection letters and award letter to best value responsive and responsible bidder.
• Responsible for accurate and timely entering of contracts and procurement tasks into the system of record, perform system transactions, and monitor reports for accuracy and provide troubleshooting on errors. Initiate system contract process, and file procurement documentation. Departmental resource for contract and procurement technology. Drive KPI accountability, monitor in real time, and act swiftly to correct gaps.
• Responsible for ensuring contract activities comply with Port/NWSA resolutions, applicable administrative procedures and adhere to laws and grant requirements.
• Coordinates with Finance for reclassification of charges, audits, and asset booking. Oversee the contract and Labor & Industries closeout processes.
• Administration of small works roster and the award process for limited public works construction projects. Manages the vendor bidding pool and maintaining the Port's Small Works, Architect and Engineering (AE) and Personal Services Rosters on MRSCRosters.org, providing procurement information to interested vendors and ensuring fair, objective, and open solicitation. Engage with vendors at outreach events to support diversification of the vendor list.
• Provides support and guidance in functional areas of contract administration. Supports the management, oversight, negotiation, and administration of contracts while acting as a back up to the Sr. Contract Administrator in their absence. Supports organizational training/cross departmental knowledge sharing.

Required Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree in business, accounting, or related field required. An additional four (4) years of relevant experience may substitute for a bachelor's degree.
This position requires a minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in contract administration in the public or private sector and/or public procurement. Experienced with creation of solicitation documents for consulting services or purchased goods and materials.
Professional certification is highly desirable but not required.
Requires a valid driver's license and acceptable driving record, to operate Port/NWSA vehicles, travel between work sites, attend off-site meetings and/or events, and perform essential job functions.
Additional Requirements
For non-Public Works focus: Must have an excellent understanding of contract and service agreement processes, procedures, interpretation, scheduling, and cost factors. Must be knowledgeable of applicable RCW Codes, laws, insurance, and bonding requirements related to purchase agreements and contracts. Must have the ability to read and interpret contract language and possess a basic understanding of generally acceptable accounting principles. Must have proficient computer skills and effective verbal and written communication skills. Must have the ability to maintain positive working relationships while conducting sensitive internal reviews and audits.
For Public Works focus: Must have an excellent understanding of public works construction processes, procedures, specifications interpretation, scheduling, and cost factors. Must have a basic understanding of the concept of design flow and sequences and construction practices. Must be knowledgeable of applicable RCW Codes, laws, insurance, and bonding requirements related to major capital construction projects. Must have the ability to read and interpret contract language and possess a basic understanding of generally acceptable accounting principles. Must have proficient computer skills and effective verbal and written communication skills. Must have the ability to maintain positive working relationships while conducting sensitive internal reviews and audits.
This individual must demonstrate a caring customer service attitude, a strong commitment to operational excellence, and dedication to the organization's core values: Integrity & Transparency; Excellence; Adaptability; Stewardship; Teamwork & Partnerships; and Health & Safety. The Port seeks candidates who will embrace and model these values both internally and externally, and who understand what it means to carry out these values in their everyday work. We value individuals who also bring an impeccable work ethic, honesty, and integrity, and who consistently exhibit enthusiasm, energy, and a drive to succeed.
In accordance with the Immigration Control and Reform Act of 1986, all persons offered employment must provide acceptable proof of identity and authorization to work in the United States. Proof will be required prior to employment.
Candidate must be able to successfully complete a background investigation. Candidate must also be able to obtain/maintain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC), which is a program managed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Information on this program can be viewed .
Unless altered by an applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement or by a written employment agreement signed by an employee and the Executive Director, the conditions of employment for this position are 'at-will', which means that either the Port or an employee can terminate the employment relationship at any time and for any reason not prohibited by law. No supervisor, manager, or director of the Port, other than Executive Director, has the authority to alter these employment conditions.
THE PORT OF TACOMA IS COMMITTED TO PROVIDING A WORKPLACE THAT IS FREE FROM ILLEGAL DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT. WE ADHERE TO ALL APPLICABLE STATE AND FEDERAL ANTI-DISCRIMINATION LAWS.
As an employer of choice, the Port is proud to offer an excellent benefits package. This includes medical, prescription, vision and dental with no out-of-pocket premiums and full coverage for employee, spouse, and all eligible dependents. In addition, the Port offers vacation, paid holidays, sick leave, bereavement leave, paid parental leave, participation in the Washington State Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) and a Port-funded Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA) account for out-of-pocket health related expenses for employees and their eligible dependents. The Port's benefits package is valued between 45%-55% of base salary.
01
Do you have a minimum of a bachelor's degree in business, accounting, or a related field?

• Yes
• No

02
Do you have or are you able to obtain a valid Washington State driver's license?

• Yes
• No

03
How many years of progressively responsible experience in contract administration for public or private entities do you have?

• 0 to less than 1 year
• 1 year to less than 2 years
• 2 years to less than 4 years
• 4 years to less than 6 years
• 6 years or more

04
Explain your progressively responsible experience in contract administration for public or private entities and creation of solicitation documents for consulting services or purchased goods and materials:
Required Question