Assistant Structural Materials Testing Engineer

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 manages the world's longest floating bridge, leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds the record for the world's widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation

The Opportunity

WSDOT is seeking an experienced materials laboratory supervisor to direct the daily operations of assigned laboratories, ensuring testing activities are performed in compliance with American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), and WSDOT test procedures. This position will be responsible for maintaining laboratory accreditation through AASHTO resource and the Cement and Concrete Reference Laboratory (CCRL) by ensuring tester qualifications, equipment certification, and quality systems remain current and compliant. Successful candidates will bring demonstrated knowledge of materials testing standards, attention to quality assurance and regulatory compliance, strong organizational and leadership skills, and the ability to communicate effectively with technical staff and partners.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Assistant Structural Materials Testing Engineer will:

• Supervise a team of engineers and technicians in performing tests to evaluate the quality of a variety of roadway and structural materials to determine acceptability for use on WSDOT construction projects statewide.
• Oversee the Physical Testing and Soils Laboratories Employee Technical Training and Evaluation Program and ensure all testing equipment is calibrated/verified in conformance with prescribed procedures.
• Serve as a contact for project engineers, regional laboratories, and numerous federal, state, county, and city engineers with regards to sampling, submittals, testing requirements, and test results.
• Serve as the Structural Materials representative on laboratory review teams.
• Review regional and private laboratories and assist the Quality Systems Engineer in preparing review reports.
• Review test results prepared by subordinate employees for completeness, accuracy, and conformance to the WSDOT Standard Specifications.
• Prepare reports and communicate results with project offices and other customers.

Qualifications

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

• Materials Testing Oversight: Proficiency in supervising aggregate, concrete, steel, soils, rock, and geosynthetic testing and reporting activities.
• Laboratory Operations Coordination: Ability to schedule, prioritize, and coordinate multiple laboratory testing operations to meet operational and quality requirements.
• Laboratory Equipment Operation and Maintenance: Skill in operating, troubleshooting, maintaining, and ensuring proper use of laboratory testing equipment.
• Data Collection and Technical Reporting: Skills and ability to record, reduce, analyze, and interpret laboratory test data accurately and experience preparing clear, accurate, and timely technical reports and documentation.
• Leadership and Supervision: Demonstrated skill in supervising, training, and reviewing the work of technical staff and/or engineers.
• Organizational Management: Strong skills to effectively manage and coordinate the work of engineering and technical staff.
• Communication Skills: Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present technical information to diverse audiences.
• Laboratory Safety and Compliance: Ability to follow, enforce, and promote laboratory safety practices and procedures.
• Computer and Systems Proficiency: Demonstrated working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including spreadsheets and databases, and the ability to learn and use other relevant software programs.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

In addition to above, the following are also required:

• A valid driver's license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
• Ability to travel statewide or to other states for periods of time to perform job duties.
• Ability to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work with material exceeding 325 degrees Fahrenheit and work with a variety of chemicals in the laboratory setting.
• Ability to wear appropriate personal protective equipment and adequate clothing for specific work activities.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Advanced Materials Testing Methods: Extensive experience and proficiency in advanced testing methods related to hot mix asphalt (HMA), aggregate, concrete, steel, geosynthetics, rock cores, and soils obtained through certifications, formal education and/or experience.
• Equipment Calibration and Standardization: Experience performing or overseeing calibration, verification, and standardization of laboratory equipment.
• Laboratory Procedure and Materials Specification Development: Ability to develop, refine, improve and/or support laboratory testing procedures to enhance accuracy and efficiency and to coordinate effectively.
• Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills applied to complex technical and operational challenges.
• Cross-Disciplinary Flexibility: Flexibility and willingness to cross-train in additional materials testing disciplines.

• Leadership and Continuous Improvement: Leadership skills to foster teamwork, support staff development, and promote continuous improvement in laboratory operations.

• To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting.

Important Notes

• This position is not eligible for remote work. This position will be expected to report to the Materials Laboratory daily.
• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• 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 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, 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.
• Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees 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. NOTE: This information may 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 25DOT-HQ-03545 in the subject line.