System Integration Engineer (TE3) In-Training

About the role

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.

WSDOT is currently seeking a System Integration Engineer in Shoreline, WA to serve as a technical expert in Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) and ITS communications. In this role, you will lead system integration efforts to deploy new ITS devices, maintain existing technology, and ensure reliable system performance to support safe and efficient traffic operations. Your work in ITS will help improve highway network performance and safety across the Northwest Region.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and modify the programming for freeway ramp control systems for safe and efficient operation.
• Investigate and troubleshoot reported problems with ITS network devices.
• Provide ITS Punchlist for various Design Build, Design Bid Build, and maintenance build projects with ITS elements in construction.
• Perform field reviews to proof communication and ITS plans and as-builts with actual field conditions.
• Support WSDOT, local agencies, and developer project development and construction by providing technical review, operational input, and coordination on ITS-related needs.
• Coordinate and consult with construction offices on inspection of ITS installations during construction phase of projects.
• Recommend solutions to construction offices that deviate from plans or specifications to solve field problems.
• Consult and train ITS designers and construction engineers and technicians to resolve installation or equipment errors.

Qualifications

This is a Transportation Engineer 3 position. However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at a lower level based on candidate qualifications, providing an opportunity for an individual to gain the required experience on the job as part of a formal "in-training" plan.

Required Competencies — Transportation Engineer 3 (TE3) Level

• Advanced Engineering Knowledge & Application: Demonstrates advanced knowledge of civil engineering principles and applies high-level engineering practices to the operation of ITS devices and transportation projects, designs, and analyses. Applies a strong understanding of engineering methods, standards and analytical approaches to support technical decision-making and operational effectiveness.
• Technical Interpretation & Analysis: Experience reading, interpreting, and analyzing guidance documents in support of ITS integration and transportation engineering work. Ability to apply and translate this guidance into real world solutions including development of projects and recommendations about traffic operations.
• Leadership Skills: Strong communicator with proven ability to lead and coach subordinate staff, including evaluating performance, identifying training needs, and resolving personnel issues.

Required Competencies — Transportation Engineer 2 (TE2) Level (In-Training)

• Intermediate Engineering Knowledge & Application: Demonstrates foundational understanding of civil engineering principles and applies intermediate-level engineering practices to transportation projects, designs, and analyses.

Required Competencies — Transportation Engineer 1 (TE1) Level (In-Training)

• Foundational Engineering Knowledge & Application: Demonstrates foundational understanding of civil engineering principles supported by an engineering degree or certification as an Engineer-in-Training (EIT).

Required at Any Level

• Engineering Knowledge & Application: Demonstrates initiative in selecting resources and interpreting design guidance. Applies sound engineering judgment to organize findings and recommend actions based on design guidelines and supporting evidence.
• Data Analysis & Report Writing: Strong analytical skills with a solid understanding of data collection, analysis, and reporting practices. Ability to conduct research and interpret technical literature related to transportation.
• Communication & Interpersonal Proficiency: Strong written and verbal communication skills to communicate technical information clearly to a variety of stakeholders including engineers, contractors, and the public.
• Collaboration & Team Coordination: Works effectively with diverse teams, supporting engineers, and external stakeholders.
• Engineering Mathematics: Demonstrates sufficient mathematical proficiency to apply engineering equations accurately in traffic design and analysis.
• Technology & Software: Proficient in computer operations and associated engineering design software, including Microsoft Suite products (e.g., SharePoint, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.). Ability to rapidly multitask between multiple software applications in emergency situations.
• Support Focused: Ability to contribute to efficient daily operations by helping WSDOT staff and external partners, helping coordinate field activities, resolve routine operational issues, and ensure information and resources are delivered accurately and on time.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.
• A valid driver's license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
• Ability to travel and perform field work safely outdoors along highways and within active work zones, in inclement weather, during daytime or nighttime.
• Ability to navigate rough, steep, and uneven terrain and confined spaces such as communication vaults; perform duties low to the ground or at ground level; and stand for extended periods of time.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Engineering (PE) License
• Professional Traffic Operations Engineer (PTOE) certification
• Control Systems Programming: Experience with making modifications to the programming for control systems.
• Technology Integrations & Coordination: Experience with coordination and integration of new technology into existing systems.
• Fiber Optic Testing & Analysis: Experience performing fiber optic testing (power meter, OTDR) and interpreting test results from fiber optic testing.
• Data Communication Protocols: Experience working with data communication protocols (Ethernet, serial, telephony).
• Technical Documentation: Experience reading and understanding technical manuals and explaining technical information related to ITS and data communications.
• Technical Writing & Communication: Experience writing or reviewing technical ITS and communication specifications. Possesses the writing skills to clearly convey requests, findings, and proposals relating to engineering topics.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position is not eligible for remote work during the training period. Once the training period is complete, the position may be eligible for occasional remote work subject to supervisor approval.
• The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County.
• In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position.
• WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT).

Benefits

• Work-Life Balance: Flexible schedule options available.
• Paid Leave: 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: Comprehensive benefits package including a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs.

Pay

Base salary ranges by level (includes 5% King County premium):

• Transportation Engineer 3: $80,496 – $108,228 annually
• Transportation Engineer 2: $72,900 – $98,064 annually
• Transportation Engineer 1: $66,072 – $88,788 annually

Overall posted range: $69,375.00 – $113,639.00 annually.

Schedule

Full-time, permanent. Not eligible for remote work during training period; occasional remote work may be available after training with supervisor approval. Field work required along highways and in active work zones, day or night, in inclement weather.