See Electrical and Electronic Systems Specialist Trainee.

Leads and trains lower level Electrical and Electronic Systems Specialists or serves as a senior-level technical specialist performing work that requires application of advanced electrical and electronics technical knowledge.

As a designated lead, assigns, checks and corrects the work of lower-level specialists performing installation, maintenance or repair on highway and transportation electrical and electronic systems.

As a senior technical specialist, applies advanced technical knowledge to perform inspections on new transportation and highway construction, or devises methods and processes to resolve the most complex issues in the maintenance, installation and repair of systems found in the disciplines listed below:

• Roadside power supply and distribution systems.
• Traffic signals and warning beacon systems.
• Highway illumination and other transportation infrastructure lighting systems.
• Intelligent Transportation Systems including ramp meters, variable message signs, traffic cameras and traffic data collection equipment.
• Weigh-in-motion and roadside data collection systems.
• Electrical and electronic systems associated with tunnel operations.
• Fire and fire safety control systems in tunnel and associated transportation structures.
• Fiber optic and server-based security and building control systems.
• Electrical and electronic systems associated with movable and floating bridges.
• Navigation lights, aviation lights, foghorns and weather information systems associated with fixed bridges.
• Communication systems, highway advisory radios and associated equipment
• Tolling equipment and systems.

Assigns, instructs and check the work of lower-level specialists performing electrical and electronics maintenance, testing, installation, and repair on transportation and highway infrastructure;

Trains lower-level specialists in equipment usage, safety protocols, maintenance, installation, and repair of electrical and electronics equipment, components and systems;

Provides input for scheduling and planning of crews. Plans and prepares schedules; estimate of labor, materials and required equipment to accomplish assigned project work;

Conducts inspection of newly constructed electrical components to ensure compliance with applicable legal code requirements. Authorizes for acceptance and release for use or deny and determine corrections needed;

Provides interpretation and guidance of National Electrical Codes, National Fire Protection Association, state statutes and national, state and local regulations;

Directs and performs repair of malfunctioning traffic, bridge, tunnel, communications systems, ITS equipment and all electrical/electronic equipment within the state highway right of way on a 24-hour emergency call-out basis;

Communicates with Traffic Management Center regarding status of assigned projects, field problems, progress and future design work on ITS equipment;

Installs and maintains programmable logic controllers, network management, controller software and fiber networks;

Provides input and/or data for WSDOT standard specifications, standard plans, and preventative maintenance program, regional and/or statewide policies/procedures.

Trains and directs staff in work zone traffic control methods;

Serves as the agency subject-matter-expert with local agencies, project engineer offices, utility companies and contractors for construction or design of transportation electrical, electronic and communications projects;

Other duties as required.

Knowledge of: National Electrical Code, National Fire Protection Association codes, state and local electrical codes; electrical and electronics theory and principles, programming electrical network systems; programming security systems and roadway monitoring devices, electrical construction and mechanics; microwave, radio, Ethernet, fiber optic and cellular technology, building and roadway fire suppression systems, emergency phone systems, high voltage distribution systems, air monitoring systems, programmable logic controllers, uninterruptable power supplies and backup generator systems, electrical and work zone safety precautions, as well as industry specifications and manuals used in transportation systems.

Ability to: lead lower-level Electrical and Electronic Systems Specialists; perform electrical and electronic inspections of transportation and highway construction; devise methods and processes for complex electronic equipment, components and systems.

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.

High school graduation or GED.


Five (5) years (approximately 10,000 hours) of relevant professional experience performing technical electrical, fire system and/or electronic work;


Completion of equivalent, relevant professional formal training through an electrical apprenticeship program, or accredited electrical or electronics training program, or vocational or technical school, military-based electrical/electronics training; agency-specific in-training plan;


A Bachelor’s degree in electrical or electronics technology and two (2) years of relevant professional experience performing technical electrical, fire system and/or electronic work.

Possession of a valid Washington State journey or master-level electrical license (EL01, EL06, EL07, or ME01) may substitute for some education or experience.

Some positions may require the following: a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) without air brake restriction (Class A or Class B); radio operator license, Journey or Master Level Electrician (EL01, EL06, EL07, or ME01); and/or Electronics certification.

New class adopted March 9, 2001.
Revised minimum qualifications; adopted March 15, 2002.
Revised class codes (formerly 7284A-D), general revision; adopted May 10, 2007, effective July 1, 2007.
Revised title, class series concept, definition, distinguishing characteristics, typical work, desirable qualifications; added knowledge and abilities; adopted June 22, 2023, effective July 1, 2023.

Revised Legal Requirements; effective June 6, 2024, due to adopted legislative action.