Published date: March 10, 2026
Job Title: Engineering & Architectural Services Program Manager (WMS BAND 3)
Organization: Washington State Department of Enterprise Services (DES)
Address: 1500 Jefferson St. SE, Washington
Job Website Link: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/5252511/engineering-architectural-services-eas-program-manager
Short Description: As an Engineering & Architectural Services (EAS) Program Manager, you will lead a team of professionals in delivering capital construction projects for state agencies and colleges. You’ll serve as a strategic advocate and technical expert, overseeing everything from minor renovations to major new builds. All applicants must apply directly on our website to be considered.
Job Category: Program Management
Job Type: Full Time – Permanent
Job Ref Code: 2026-FPS-006
Salary and Benefits Information: $130,000.00 – $140,000.00 annually
Full Description: About the Opportunity:
As an Engineering & Architectural Services (EAS) Program Manager, you will serve as a high-level advocate for client agencies and a recognized expert in public works delivery. You will lead a dedicated team of professionals in managing capital facility construction projects, ranging from minor renovations to major new builds, for State Agencies and Community & Technical Colleges. Your role is both strategic and operational: you will mentor Assistant Program Managers to ensure workload balance and staff development, while also holding the delegated authority to make critical decisions on design and construction projects. By partnering with industry leaders and continuously improving contract procedures, you will ensure that the Engineering and Architectural Services (EAS) program delivers world-class, cost-effective results that meet the biennial budget goals and long-term facility needs of our clients.
Some of What You’ll Enjoy Doing Includes:
– Provide direction to Assistant Program Managers (APMs) to ensure efficient project delivery and optimal resource allocation.
– Ensure all design and construction projects comply with state laws, agency policies, and ethical standards.
– Oversee staff development through timely appraisals, professional training, and proactive management of personnel issues.
– Deliver capital projects on time and within budget while managing the program’s internal project management staffing funds.
– Maintain and update statewide contract documents, policies, and procedures to ensure fair and effective public works administration.
– Review and authorize complex agreements, contracts, and change orders that exceed the authority of subordinate managers.
– Prioritize and balance assignments across the EAS program to align with client needs and division performance goals.
– Investigate and resolve performance complaints involving staff, consultants, and contractors using negotiation and HR tools.
– Participate in legislative reviews and Capital Projects Advisory Review Board (CPARB) committees to influence public works policy and industry best practices.
– Provide expert advice to state agencies and Community & Technical Colleges on A/E selection, fee schedules, specialized planning services, and public work construction.
Required Qualifications:
> Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in public works contracting, construction, design, and capital construction project management.
> Knowledge of departmental missions, state government mandates for public works, and the legal statutes governing architecture, engineering, and construction contracting.
> Knowledge of engineering and architectural principles, including planning, budgeting, and design systems, complemented by specialized technical expertise in a specific design field.
> Skills to expertly manage complex relationships and negotiations across a spectrum of stakeholders, including technical professionals, senior executives, regulatory agencies, and the media.
> Skills to lead several teams of managers, architects, engineers, and project managers to deliver a large-scale statewide capital construction program and the long-term strategic objectives of the division.