TSD Application Developer - Lead (Senior/Specialist) | Two Positions

Salary : $99,300.00 - $133,608.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Lacey, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 26DOT-HQ-04768m
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Division: Headquarters
Opening Date: 10/01/2026
Closing Date: 10/12/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
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 Technology Service Division (TSD) is seeking two Senior/Specialist Application Developers to lead technical teams and oversee the development, modernization, and maintenance of enterprise applications that support agency operations and statewide transportation programs. These positions will provide technical leadership and direction for application design, development, testing, deployment, security, and ongoing maintenance across cloud and other platforms. Responsibilities include managing application portfolios, prioritizing projects and resources, establishing development standards, and implementing automated deployment processes using Continuous Integration (CI) and Infrastructure as Code (IaC). Both positions play a key role in advancing application modernization, ensuring compliance with security and technology standards, and delivering reliable, cost-effective solutions that meet business needs. Strong candidates will possess application development and project management expertise, problem-solving, and team development skills, along with the ability to lead complex technology initiatives and foster collaboration across diverse teams.
What to Expect

Within TSD, Enterprise Applications develops, supports, modernizes, and maintains enterprise-wide applications across mainframe, client/server, cloud, content management, and vendor platforms. The division provides application development expertise, technical leadership, and ongoing support to business partners and users throughout WSDOT and the public. These positions are part of the Cloud and Vendor Modernization Team and support enterprise application portfolios across multiple business areas, including Traffic, Accounting, Aviation, and Transportation Data, GIS, and Modeling. Enterprise Applications advances TSD's strategic priorities of continuous modernization, cybersecurity, and data privacy through secure, reliable technology solutions and established project management practices.
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the TSD Application Developers may:

• Develop, enhance, and maintain applications, interfaces, and application programming interfaces (API).
• Perform analysis tasks of application performance and stability.
• Implement the technical roadmap of projects.
• Develop long-range, inter-agency, strategic plans with Traffic Office staff to accommodate changes in business needs of the Traffic Safety community.
• Assist WSDOT's crash, travel, and roadway business areas in defining a biennial plan for the development of new, and maintenance of their existing applications.
• Implement and improve application security.
• Work closely with customers to assure business requirements are being met.
• Research and learn to quickly and correctly implement new technologies and programming languages under tight project timelines.
• Investigate and recommend solutions to improve business flow and accountability.
• Perform lead responsibilities and provide technical leadership for all aspects of software development.

Qualifications

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

• Application Development & Programming: Advanced expertise in the full software development lifecycle including requirements analysis, technical design, coding, configuration, testing, deployment and maintenance of enterprise applications across cloud-first, on-premises and other development environments. Ability to independently develop complex application functionality.
• Technical Design & Standards: Ability to design maintainable technical solutions, establish development standards, and lead application modifications that support mission-critical WSDOT business needs.
• Proficiency in C# & .NET Frameworks: Advanced experience developing, maintaining, and modernizing software solutions using current versions of the C# language and supported .NET frameworks, including the implementation of Web API, ASP.NET Webforms and ASP.NET MVC architectures.
• Database Design & Development: Advanced expertise in developing, optimizing, and maintaining database components within Microsoft SQL Server environments, including stored procedures, queries, data transformations, schemas, and views.
• Information Technology Architecture & Standards: Knowledge and understanding of information technology architecture, standards, and practices and the ability to apply them to application development and maintenance.
• Communication Skills: Ability to communicate effectively with senior and executive management, diverse customers, and peers to exchange technical information, address business needs, and support collaborative solutions.
• Supervisory & Collaboration Skills: Demonstrated capability to supervise teams of technical resources, collaborate with colleagues, customers and vendors through supervision, and leadership.
• Growth Mindset & Service-Oriented: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth. Takes action to meet the needs of others.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Cloud Application Development: Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain applications using Microsoft Azure cloud technologies and services.
• IaC & CI: Demonstrated ability to use IaC and CI to automate application development, configuration, and deployment processes.
• Azure DevOps: Demonstrated ability to use Azure DevOps to support application development, source control, build, testing, and deployment processes.
• Secure Application Development: Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain secure code in compliance with applicable information security standards and practices.
• System Integration: Demonstrated ability to integrate application components and systems to support business and technical requirements.
• Customer Service Skills: Ability to identify customer problems and needs, analyze application issues, develop and test solutions, and verify results to ensure effective resolution.
• Application Analysis & Development: Ability to independently analyze, design, program, and implement system components and functions to meet business and technical requirements.
• Technical Adaptability: Ability to learn, evaluate, and apply new technologies to support application development, modernization, and maintenance.

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

• 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 Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in of the Washington Administrative Code.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• 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 ;/li>

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. As such, there are a number of flexible schedule options available, including telework options for eligible positions.
• 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.

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.
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 ;br>
Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at . Please be sure to reference 26DOT-HQ-04768m in the subject line.
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 (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 application development and/or programming role and responsibilities. If you do not have this experience. Please enter N/A.
02

Application Development & Programming: Select the option that best describes your experience with the full software development lifecycle.

• Advanced experience independently developing complex application functionality across multiple enterprise applications and environments, including cloud-first and on-premises solutions, throughout the full software development lifecycle.
• Extensive experience performing most phases of the software development lifecycle, including developing and maintaining complex application functionality across multiple environments.
• Experience developing and maintaining applications, with responsibility for several phases of the software development lifecycle.
• Limited or no experience developing or maintaining applications, with responsibility for individual development tasks or components.

03

Technical Design & Standards: Please briefly describe your experience designing maintainable technical solutions, establishing development standards, and leading application modifications. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A.
04

Proficiency in C# & .NET Frameworks: Select the option that best describes your experience independently developing, maintaining, and modernizing software solutions using C# and .NET frameworks.

• Extensive experience developing and maintaining applications using C# and .NET frameworks, including implementing and modifying multiple application architectures.
• Experience developing and maintaining applications using C# and .NET frameworks, with responsibility for individual components or features.
• Limited experience using C# or .NET frameworks to modify or maintain existing applications.
• No experience using C# or .NET frameworks to modify or maintain existing applications

05

Database Design & Development: Select the option that best describes your experience designing, developing, optimizing, and maintaining database components in Microsoft SQL Server environments.

• Advanced experience independently designing, developing, optimizing, and maintaining complex SQL Server database components, including stored procedures, queries, data transformations, schemas, and views.
• Extensive experience developing and maintaining SQL Server database components, including stored procedures, queries, schemas, and views, and optimizing database performance.
• Experience developing and maintaining SQL Server database components, including queries, stored procedures, or views.
• Limited or no experience modifying existing SQL Server database components or writing basic queries.

06

Information Technology Architecture & Standards: Please briefly describe your knowledge and/or experience applying information technology architecture, standards, and practices to application development and maintenance. If you do not have this experience, please enter N/A.
07

Supervisory & Collaboration Skills: Select the option that best describes your experience supervising and leading technical teams and collaborating with colleagues, customers, and vendors.

• Extensive experience supervising technical teams, providing direction and mentorship, managing work priorities, and leading collaboration with customers, colleagues, and vendors to deliver complex technology solutions.
• Experience supervising technical staff, assigning work, providing guidance, and coordinating with customers, colleagues, and vendors to meet project objectives.
• Experience leading technical projects or teams and coordinating work with colleagues, customers, or vendors without formal supervisory responsibility.
• Experience collaborating with technical colleagues, customers, or vendors to complete assigned work.
• No experience supervising or leading technical teams.

08

Cloud Application Development: Select the option that best describes your knowledge and experience developing and maintaining applications using Microsoft Azure cloud technologies and services.

• Advanced knowledge and extensive experience independently developing, deploying, maintaining, and modernizing enterprise applications using Microsoft Azure cloud technologies and services.
• Working knowledge and experience developing, deploying, and maintaining applications using Microsoft Azure cloud technologies and services.
• Basic knowledge and some experience supporting or modifying applications hosted in Microsoft Azure.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Azure cloud technologies and services without direct application development experience.
• No knowledge or experience with Microsoft Azure cloud technologies and services.

09

Infrastructure as Code & Continuous Integration: Select the option that best describes your knowledge and experience using Infrastructure as Code (IaC) and Continuous Integration (CI) to automate application development, configuration, and deployment.

• Advanced knowledge and extensive experience designing, implementing, and maintaining automated development and deployment processes using IaC and CI.
• Working knowledge and experience implementing and maintaining automated application development and deployment processes using IaC and CI.
• Basic knowledge and some experience using existing IaC configurations and CI pipelines to support application development and deployment.
• Knowledge of IaC and CI concepts and practices without direct implementation experience.
• No knowledge or experience with IaC or CI.

10

Azure DevOps: Select the option that best describes your knowledge and experience using Azure DevOps to support application development and deployment.

• Advanced knowledge and extensive experience configuring, managing, and optimizing Azure DevOps projects, repositories, build pipelines, testing, and automated deployment processes.
• Working knowledge and experience using Azure DevOps to manage source control, build pipelines, testing, and application deployment.
• Basic knowledge and some experience using Azure DevOps repositories, pipelines, or other tools to support application development and deployment.
• Knowledge of Azure DevOps tools and processes without direct experience using them.
• No knowledge or experience with Azure DevOps.

11

Secure Application Development: Select the option that best describes your knowledge and experience developing and maintaining secure application code in accordance with information security standards and practices.

• Advanced knowledge and extensive experience designing and implementing secure application development practices, identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities, and ensuring compliance with applicable information security standards.
• Working knowledge and experience implementing secure coding practices, identifying vulnerabilities, and addressing application security issues.
• Basic knowledge and some experience applying established secure coding practices and resolving identified application security issues.
• Knowledge of secure coding practices and information security standards without direct application development experience.
• No knowledge or experience with secure application development.

12

System Integration: Select the option that best describes your knowledge and experience integrating application components and systems to support business and technical requirements.

• Advanced knowledge and extensive experience designing, developing, and implementing complex system integrations across multiple applications and platforms.
• Working knowledge and experience designing, developing, and maintaining application integrations using APIs, services, or other integration methods.
• Basic knowledge and some experience implementing, maintaining, or troubleshooting existing application integrations.
• Knowledge of system integration concepts and methods without direct implementation experience.
• No knowledge or experience with system integration.

13

Application Analysis & Development: Select the option that best describes your knowledge and experience analyzing, designing, programming, and implementing system components and functions.

• Advanced knowledge and extensive experience independently performing complex system analysis, design, programming, and implementation across multiple applications to meet business and technical requirements.
• Working knowledge and experience independently analyzing, designing, programming, and implementing application components and functions.
• Basic knowledge and some experience performing application analysis, programming, or implementation with established technical specifications or guidance.
• Knowledge of application analysis and development concepts without direct implementation experience.
• No knowledge or experience with application analysis and development.

14

Technical Adaptability: Select the option that best describes your knowledge and experience learning, evaluating, and applying new technologies to support application development, modernization, and maintenance.

• Advanced knowledge and extensive experience independently evaluating, learning, and implementing new technologies to address complex technical and business needs.
• Working knowledge and experience learning and applying new technologies to support application development, modernization, and maintenance.
• Basic knowledge and some experience learning or applying new technologies with established guidance or support.
• Knowledge of emerging technologies and development practices without direct experience applying them.
• No knowledge or experience learning and applying new technologies.

15

Please select the response that best describes your highest level of completed education.

• I have a master's degree or higher.
• I have a bachelor's degree.
• I have an associate's degree.
• I have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• None of the above

16

If you indicated completion of a degree, please list your degree and field of study. Otherwise, enter N/A.
17

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)

18

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