Bituminous Testing Engineer

WSDOT is seeking a Transportation Engineer 2 to serve as a lead Bituminous Testing Engineer in the Bituminous Mixtures Laboratory, which is responsible for supporting statewide WSDOT capitol construction projects and local jurisdictions with bituminous mixture design verification, conformation, and forensic testing. In this role, you will be responsible for overseeing testing, assisting in the scheduling, and training the technical staff within the laboratory. The Bituminous Testing Engineer will prepare, analyze and correct data entries performed by all laboratory technicians and maintain equipment calibration, maintenance, and associated records. Our top candidate will demonstrate strong technical expertise, effective problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to support laboratory operations, equipment, and quality assurance in a highly regulated environment. What to Expect

The Bituminous Materials Section is part of the Construction Division State Materials Laboratory which provides materials testing, technical support and technology development for bituminous materials used by all Regions in the WSDOT construction program. This position performs materials testing in a laboratory environment; this includes exposure to chemicals, elevated temperatures, working with materials exceeding 325 degrees F, and working with various chemicals. Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Bituminous Testing Engineer will:

• Serve as lead, responsible for complex bituminous mixtures testing, hands-on training, instructing, and inspecting the work of other employees working in the Bituminous Mixtures Laboratory.
• Perform the most complex materials testing in the Bituminous Mixtures Laboratory in accordance with AASHTO, ASTM, WAQTC and WSDOT test procedures.
• Assist in preparation, analysis, verification and reporting of Quality Product List (QPL) asphalt mixtures which incorporate volumetric design of asphalt mixtures and all other asphalt mixture design types as requested.
• Perform all test methods assigned to the Bituminous Mixtures Laboratory.
• Maintain qualification and WAQTC AsTT-II accreditation in all Bituminous Mixture laboratory tests.
• Prepare, analyze and correct data entries performed by all laboratory technicians and maintain equipment calibrations, verifications, maintenance and associated records.
• Maintain, adjust, and verify laboratory testing equipment.
• Represent the Department in meetings with outside Agencies and consultants for specific projects as needed.
• Be responsible for testing AASHTO re:source Proficiency Samples and participation in AASHTO re:source onsite inspections., * This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• In addition to the salary range listed, a general wage increase of 2% will be applied for all state employees on July 1, 2026.
• This position offers infrequent ad-hoc remote work options.
• 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 Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in 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 ;/li>, 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., Please select the response that best describes your experience with engineering data analysis, including statistical methods for interpreting complex material test results.

• Routinely applies statistical analysis to validate test data and support engineering decisions.
• Performs basic statistical analysis; requires assistance for complex cases.
• Limited statistical knowledge; minimal application experience.
• No experience.

06

Have you participated in quality assurance and accreditation activities, including proficiency sample programs or external audits?

• Yes
• No

07

Laboratory Operations & Management: Please select the response that best describes your experience performing and overseeing complex materials tests while ensuring procedural compliance.

• Regularly supervises and conducts complex tests, ensures strict compliance and accuracy.
• Performs tests independently; occasionally oversees others under guidance.
• Limited test experience; requires supervision.
• No experience.

08

Please select the response that best describes your experience managing laboratory operations, workflow, and quality control.

• Leads all aspects of lab operations, implements process improvements, manages multiple staff.
• Coordinates workflow and quality control; may manage small teams or projects.
• Assists with lab operations; limited management responsibility.
• No experience.

09

Personnel Leadership & Development: Have you led, mentored, or trained technical personnel in laboratory methods, equipment uses, or data analysis?

• Yes
• No

10

Please briefly describe your experience in leading, mentoring or training technical personnel in laboratory methods, equipment uses, or data analysis. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A. 11

Communication & Collaboration: Please select the response that best describes your experience preparing and presenting technical reports or findings to varied audiences.

• Prepares detailed reports and presents findings to engineers, contractors, and external stakeholders independently.
• Prepares reports with guidance; occasionally presents findings.
• Limited experience in report preparation; rarely presents.
• No experience.

12

Technical Problem Solving & Analysis: Please select the response that best describes your experience analyzing and validating test data to support engineering decisions and specification compliance.

• Routinely performs complex data analysis to inform engineering decisions.
• Performs basic data analysis independently; complex cases may need guidance.
• Limited data analysis skills.
• No experience.

13

Have you maintained and calibrated specialized laboratory instruments to ensure accuracy of results?

• Yes
• No

14

Are you able and willing to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing up to 40 pounds?

• Yes
• No

15

Are you a Qualified Tester in all tests associated with the Bituminous Mixtures Laboratory?

• Yes
• No

16

Are you proficient in specialized laboratory computer programs related to bituminous testing?

• Yes
• No

17

Please list the specialized laboratory computer programs related to bituminous testing you are proficient in using below. If you are not proficient in this, please enter N/A. 18

How did you learn of this employment opportunity?

• Indeed
• LinkedIn
• Direct Email Notification
• WSDOT social media (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, etc)
• Career Fair
• Monster
• WorkSource
• Handshake
• AASHTO
• NACTO
• COMTO
• APWA
• "NOW HIRING" banner/sign
• Radio advertisement
• WSDOT Employment Site
• Careers.wa.gov
• governmentjobs.com
• Other (specify below)

19

If you selected 'Other' on the previous question, please specify how you learned of this employment opportunity in the space provided: Required Question

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

Technical Bituminous Mixtures

• Experience interpreting and validating materials test data for use in engineering design, specification compliance, or performance evaluation.
• Knowledge of applicable testing methodologies and industry standards (AASHTO, ASTM, WAQTC, or equivalent).
• Experience with calibration, maintenance, and verification procedures for specialized laboratory instruments.
• Knowledge of safety regulations, risk mitigation practices, and environmental considerations in materials testing laboratories.
• Knowledge of engineering data analysis, including statistical methods for interpreting and validating complex material test results.
• Knowledge of quality assurance and accreditation processes related to laboratory testing, including proficiency sample programs and external audits.

Laboratory Operations & Management

• Experience performing and overseeing complex materials tests, ensuring data accuracy and procedural compliance.
• Skilled in laboratory management practices, including workflow coordination, quality control, and test standardization and organization including tracking test data, sample log-in, equipment maintenance, and calibrations.
• Experience adapting to and implementing new technologies, testing methods, and data systems to improve laboratory performance.

Personnel Leadership & Development

• Experience leading, mentoring, or training technical personnel in laboratory methods, equipment uses, and data analysis.
• Ability to lead quality assurance activities including proficiency testing, audit preparation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Skills to exercise professional judgment in evaluating material performance and test results.

Communication & Collaboration

• Experience preparing and presenting technical reports or findings to internal and external audiences.
• Knowledge of project coordination principles, including communication and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders such as engineers, consultants, and contractors.
• Skills to prepare detailed engineering reports, summaries, and presentations that convey technical findings clearly to varied audiences.
• Skills to represent the organization in technical meetings, reviews, or collaborative engineering projects.

Technical Problem Solving & Analysis

• Experience maintaining and calibrating specialized laboratory instruments and ensuring accuracy of results.
• Skills to analyze and validate test data to support engineering decisions, mixture design verification, and specification development.
• Ability to identify and resolve technical, procedural, or equipment issues through critical thinking and root cause analysis.

Growth Mindset

• Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.

Service-Oriented

• Takes action to meet the needs of others.

The following qualifications are also required:

• Ability to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to obtain and maintain qualifications in assigned test procedures.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also obtain:

• Status as a Qualified Tester in all tests associated with the Bituminous Mixtures Laboratory and proficiency in related specialized computer programs., How familiar are you with applicable testing methodologies and standards (AASHTO, ASTM, WAQTC, or equivalent)?
• Expert in multiple standards and applies them consistently in lab testing.
• Knowledgeable of standards and occasionally applies them independently.
• Some awareness of standards; requires guidance to apply.
• Not familiar with these standards.

04

Do you have experience performing calibration, maintenance, or verification of specialized laboratory instruments?

• 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 for more information., 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 (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 (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 , 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

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 01

Please briefly describe your most recent materials testing role and responsibilities. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A. 02

Technical Bituminous Mixtures: Please select the response that best describes your experience interpreting and validating bituminous mixture test data for use in engineering design or specification compliance.

• Regularly interprets and validates complex test data to guide engineering decisions and mixture design verification.
• Occasionally interprets and validates test data; may require guidance for complex analyses.
• Limited experience interpreting or validating test data.
• No experience.

03

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!, 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.