Project Engineer

About the Role

Otak is seeking a Civil Project Engineer to apply design expertise across a wide range of projects, including municipal roadways, soft- and hard-surface trails, bridges/structures, site/civil projects in national parks and on corporate campuses, and utility improvements for municipal, state, federal, and private clients. You’ll have the opportunity to take projects from concept through construction documentation and construction. This position is ideal for an experienced civil engineer ready to advance toward project management.

You’ll lead complex design efforts, coordinate multidisciplinary teams, engage directly with clients and agencies, and help deliver safe, sustainable, and community-focused transportation and infrastructure solutions. You’ll also support business development efforts, mentor junior staff, and play a key role in strengthening Otak’s reputation as a trusted partner in transportation/transit and site infrastructure design.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate the technical design and delivery of transportation and transit projects, and build and maintain relationships with public agencies, including local cities, counties, and transit agencies.
• Lead and coordinate the technical design of site infrastructure projects for municipal, state, federal, and private clients.
• Collaborate with project managers on scopes, schedules, and budgets to ensure projects meet client goals and contract requirements.
• Apply a strong understanding of AASHTO, ADA, MUTCD, and WSDOT standards to ensure regulatory compliance and design quality.
• Mentor junior staff and promote collaboration, technical growth, and knowledge sharing.
• Support project management activities, including progress tracking, task leadership, and client coordination, with a clear path toward a Project Manager role.
• Assist in preparing proposals and developing project scopes, schedules, and budgets.
• Contribute to business development efforts through strong client relationships.
• Provide construction-phase support, including submittal reviews, RFIs, and site visits to verify design intent and technical accuracy.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from an accredited institution or equivalent education.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• 5 - 10 years of progressive experience in civil engineering, with emphasis on transportation, public infrastructure, drainage, utilities, site development, or civic projects for municipal and private clients.
• Proven experience coordinating with public agencies, including local cities, counties, and transit agencies.
• Demonstrated proficiency with AutoCAD Civil 3D, MicroStation/OpenRoads, or similar design software.
• Strong technical background in roadway/transit and site civil infrastructure design.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and collaborate effectively with clients.

Pay

Salary Range: $103,000 - $130,000

Benefits

• Competitive salaries and discretionary performance bonuses.
• No-cost medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, plus HRA/HSA options.
• 401(k)-retirement match.
• Hybrid work schedule.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual based on industry experience, plus 9 paid holidays per year.
• Commuter allowance (based on office location).
• Support for professional registration and/or certification fees.
• Relocation assistance may be provided for out-of-area candidates.

About Otak

We believe our best work happens in a culture of collaboration and inclusion, where the expertise of diverse individuals can thrive in a foundation of teamwork. The work environment we create is built on a simple concept: working on interesting projects with interesting people. We’re committed to enriching the communities around us with smart, creative solutions.

We invest in our employees by encouraging personal growth and skill development at all experience levels. Seasoned experts and young professionals work together to foster an environment of continuous learning and professional advancement.