Senior Structural Engineer (Civil Engineer, Senior)

Position Description

Join us in shaping Seattle’s streets!

At the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), we don’t just move people—we connect communities, build safer streets, and create a more sustainable city.

With a bold vision for the future, we’re tackling big challenges: making travel safer, cutting carbon emissions, and ensuring reliable, affordable transportation for everyone—no matter who they are or where they live.

Seattle is growing fast, and we’re growing with it. Thanks to a historic voter-approved $1.55 billion investment in transportation in 2024, we’re building sidewalks, fixing bridges, and improving transit connections to keep our city moving.

We’re a team of problem solvers, planners, engineers, communicators, and field crews—bringing purpose-driven work to life. Now, we need passionate, innovative talent like you. Let’s build a Seattle that works for everyone—together!

Come join our team of highly capable and dedicated engineers in the Engineering Services Group within the Capital Projects Division of SDOT!

This position will serve in a lead role in the engineering and construction document preparation for the planned New Levy projects, and to support with the delivery of non-Levy based engineering work. This position will support an extensive bridge preservation program which will include: Bridge Seismic Retrofit Program (BSRP), Bridge Structural Preservation Program, and the Bridge Painting Program. Additionally, the staff in this position will provide in-house design support for bridge design, retaining wall design, traffic signal pole foundation design, reimbursable structural design work for other City Departments (SPU and SCL), and the Areaway Hazard Mitigation Program. Finally, this position is expected to provide support with the Bridge Load Rating Program and provide assessments and analysis of existing structures in accordance with AASHTO and FHWA requirements.

Job Responsibilities

• You will employ your extensive knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures of civil and structural engineering.
• Supervise and guide junior engineering staff and consultant engineers.
• Provide senior-level structural engineering design, cost estimating, drafting, calculations, as well as read and interpret plans, specifications, and construction documents.
• Serve as a Project Engineer and coordinate the technical design efforts of a multi-discipline internal and consultant lead design teams to complete construction documents for Capital Improvement Projects.
• Interact with inter and intra departmental, administrative, engineering and construction personnel, elected officials and their staff, other government agencies, contractors, and the public to exchange information coordinate work, answer questions, and to respond to complaints.
• Provide design support during construction phase of projects, which includes review and preparation of submittals, attending weekly construction meetings, review of change orders and preparing design clarification sketches and responses to requests for information.
• Serve as a Department technical expert for areas of bridge or structural engineering.
  
  

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

Education

• Bachelor Degree in Civil Engineering or Civil Engineering Technology
  
  

Experience

• Five (5) or more years professional civil engineering experience
  
  

OR: An equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the position duties

License, Certification

• Registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of Washington.
• Current Washington State driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility.
  
  

Though not requirements, strong candidates will have some of the following experience or are able to describe comparable experience:

• Registration as a Structural Engineer in the state of Washington
• Experience with bridge and roadway structure engineering for public works projects
• Experience leading design teams and supervising the work of other engineers and designers Knowledge and experience with AutoCAD and Civil3D.
• Experience with City of Seattle Standard Plans and Specifications
• Extensive experience with the WSDOT Bridge Design Manual
• Technical expertise in, WSDOT Standard Plans and Specification, WSDOT Bridge Design Manual, FHWA guidance, and AASHTO Bridge and Structural design standards
• Ability to actively manage the design of multiple projects and monitor and maintain the progress of schedules to meet milestones.
• Experience communicating, verbally and written, with government entities, contractors, and the public
  
  

Work Environment / Physical Demands

• Work is typically performed in a hybrid work environment in which a minimum of 3 days of work is completed in a City office, and 2 days of work is completed remotely in a regular 40-hour work week.
• May be required to work nights, evenings, weekends, and holidays and in field assignments with exposure to all types of weather, traffic conditions, hazardous/toxic substances, and construction sites.
  
  

Additional Information

Your application will not be reviewed if these items are missing or incomplete.

Hiring Process

Applications are reviewed after the posting closes. Qualified candidates must submit the following to be considered:

• Completed NEOGOV online application.
• Cover letter describing how your skills and experience align with the stated job responsibilities and qualifications.
• Current résumé indicating relevant experience and education.
• Supplemental questionnaire responses.
  
  

Job offer is contingent upon verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process and may include a criminal history background check, a review of driving history, and reference information.

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

The full salary range for this position is $74.99 - $87.31 per hour.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans

Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The Department encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ people, people with disabilities, veterans and those with diverse life experiences.

Accommodations for people with disabilities are provided upon request.

The City is a Drug Free Workplace.