Design Team Leader (TE3)

About the Department

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 seeking a skilled and motivated Transportation Engineer 3 to serve as a Team Leader in Burlington, WA. Reporting to the Assistant/Project Engineer, this position plays a key role in delivering the design phases of multiple transportation projects, ensuring quality, efficiency, and successful project outcomes. The Team Leader provides direct supervision, leadership, and mentorship to a team of up to eight Engineers and Technicians while keeping management informed of project progress, risks, and accomplishments.

This position serves as a critical liaison among stakeholders, specialty groups, construction and maintenance personnel, local agencies, and consultants to coordinate project activities and resolve issues. Drawing upon advanced engineering knowledge and experience, the Team Leader reviews, analyzes, and evaluates contract plans and supporting documentation to ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance with WSDOT standards, specifications, and project requirements.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Design Team Leader will:

• Supervise a team of engineers and technicians that create and revise designs for highway and fish passage projects.
• Manage the scope, schedule, budget, quality, and risk for multiple preliminary engineering projects. 
• Oversee the development of design documentation, contract plan documents (PS&E), environmental documentation, Right of Way (R/W) revisions and hydraulic reports. 
• Administer consultant contracts. 
• Provide PS&E technical guidance and direction regarding WSDOT standards and procedures. 
• Review project documentation to ensure that designs meet standards or have been adequately documented and conduct constructability reviews of design work. 
• Perform direct supervision, training, assignment of duties, and evaluation of a team of up to eight engineers and technicians. 
• Communicate and coordinate design activities with stakeholders, including specialty groups, construction and maintenance personnel, local governments, consultants, utility companies, regulatory agencies, transit authority, impacted property owners and other concerned citizens, to ensure an integrated design that satisfies the purpose and need of the project to the greatest extent practicable. 
• Prepare and maintain critical path schedules for all assigned projects. 
• Provide schedule analysis and reporting with respect to job progress, effects of changes, delays, or impacts, and "what if" scenarios for contingency and risk planning. 
• Ensure that Project Management Plan schedules are developed, and schedules and cost estimates are maintained throughout the project. 
• Compile information for monthly Confidence Reports. 
• Develop and maintain risk management tools, track risk, identify new risks, and analyze impacts to scope, schedule, or budget. 
• Project Management Plans (PMPs), and Scope of Work (SOW) Agreements are endorsed.

Qualifications

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

• Foundational Engineering Knowledge: Demonstrated understanding of civil, structural, geotechnical, or transportation engineering principles. Ability to apply engineering principles, techniques, and procedures to the design of various transportation projects. 
• Project Management Knowledge: Demonstrated ability to develop, monitor, and update project schedules and plans; manage scope, time, and resources effectively; and deliver projects in compliance with applicable standards and milestones. 
• Design: Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principals involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models. 
• Construction: Knowledge of techniques, tools, and principals involved in construction of capital projects in compliance with Plans, specifications, and all applicable standards. 
• Leadership Skills: Ability to lead and coach subordinate staff, including evaluating performance, identifying training needs, and resolving personnel issues. 
• Technical Interpretation and Analysis: Skilled in reading, interpreting, analyzing, and producing contract plans, specifications, and cost estimates in accordance with project requirements and engineering standards. 
• Communication and Interpersonal Proficiency: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate technical information clearly to a variety of stakeholders including engineers, contractors, and the public. 
• Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of computer hardware and software applications, including Microsoft Suite products (e.g., SharePoint, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.). 
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth. 
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

In addition, the following is required:

• Ability to traverse different terrain during all weather conditions to perform field reviews. 
• Ability to travel to various locations throughout the state. 

It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

• Transportation Design and Construction Expertise: Advanced knowledge of transportation project design, construction inspection, and construction documentation practices. Ability to evaluate complex engineering issues, provide technical direction, and support the successful delivery of transportation improvement projects.
• Contract Administration and Technical Interpretation: Demonstrated ability to interpret, analyze, and apply contract plans, special provisions, standard specifications, standard plans, and engineering and construction manuals to support construction administration and decision-making. Ability to identify risks, resolve technical issues, ensure regulatory and contractual compliance, and provide guidance to project teams and stakeholders.

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 the salary range listed, a general wage increase of 2% will be applied for all state employees on July 1, 2026.
• To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the “Contact Us” section of this posting.
• 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 Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 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 www.uscis.gov.

Why WSDOT 

• Work-Life Balance – We offer flexible work schedules that allow you time for your life outside of this excellent opportunity.
• 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 State Benefits for more information. 

Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?

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 of 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 recruiter listed.

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Amanda Strebeck, at [email protected]. Please be sure to reference Design Team Leader #10328 in the subject line. 

Benefits

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 the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).  New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.  For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).  This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays 
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday. 

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave 
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave. 

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.  

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave 
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

Supplemental Questions

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Agency Information

EmployerState of WashingtonAddress View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504 Website http://www.careers.wa.gov