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 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!

Washington State Ferries (WSF) is an essential part of Washington's transportation network. Every year, we carry nearly 20 million passengers across Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands on more than 400 sailings a day. Our dedicated teams with over 2,100 people work together to serve our communities and shape the future of ferry travel.

The Opportunity

WSF a division of WSDOT is currently seeking a Vessel Project Engineer to support the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the largest ferry system in the United States. This position plays a critical role in the Marine Capital Construction Program, managing complex vessel maintenance, renovation, and overhaul projects that keep WSF’s fleet operational and ready to serve the public.

As we navigate a once-in-a-generation transformation to decarbonize our system — guided by our core values Serve, Respect, Trust, Grow Navigate— and bold strategic priorities Service Excellence, Improved Communication and Empowered People — there’s never been a more meaningful time to come aboard at Washington State Ferries.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you/the Vessel Project Engineer will:

• Directs and administers maintenance, repair, and overhaul of vessels in contractor facilities, supporting preservation, improvement, and/or new construction.
• Supervises Washington State Ferry Inspector(s); approves payment for work accomplished; negotiates contract change orders; coordinates design revisions; and completes contract administrative documentation (invoicing, reporting, compliance, database administration, logistics).
• Manages execution of ferry preservation, improvement, and/or new construction programsin commercial shipyards, including developing technical specifications, reviewing engineer’s estimates, and overseeing OMWBE goals.
• Monitors and supports all pre-contract functions, including design development, gathering/distributing fleet and departmental information, incorporating feedback from previous contracts, and applying operational experience.
• Oversees warranty period and post-shipyard issue resolution, including shakedown of ship systems and addressing contractor work deficiencies.
• Acts as liaison with contractors and regulatory agencies, administering pricing, material/equipment review, inspection and progress reports, and ensuring compliance with specifications, contracts, and applicable regulations.
• Provides technical interpretation and approval of contract specifications, working drawings, and construction procedures.
• Performs other duties as assignedto support the vessel preservation program.
• Uphold WSF’s strategic priorities (Service Excellence, Improved Communication, and Empowered People) and values (Serve, Grow, Trust, Respect, and Navigate), ensuring they are embedded in WSF’s culture through leadership actions

Qualifications

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

• Marine Engineering & Vessel Systems
  1. Experience with propulsion, auxiliary, and mechanical systems on steam or motor vessels.
• Shipyard Project Management
  1. Planning and executing vessel repair, overhaul, renovation, or construction with cost, schedule, and scope responsibility.
• Regulatory & Safety Compliance
  1. Knowledge of USCG, ABS, EPA, and other marine regulatory requirements.
• Technical Specifications & Drawing Interpretation
  1. Ability to develop, review, and apply engineering drawings, construction specs, and ship plans.
• Contract Administration & Negotiation
  1. Managing contracts, change orders, and invoicing with shipyards or contractors.
• Cost Estimating & Budget Oversight
  1. Preparing engineer’s estimates and tracking project budgets.
• Project Evaluation & Decision-Making
  1. Assessing production milestones, progress metrics, and making sound technical and financial decisions.
• Reporting & Documentation
  1. Preparing inspection, compliance, and progress reports for capital vessel projects.
• Stakeholder Communication
  1. Coordinating with contractors, inspectors, regulators, and internal leadership; clear written and verbal skills.
• Credentialing & Licensing
  1. Meets one of the qualifying pathways (e.g., USCG Chief/Assistant Engineer license, marine engineering degree + experience, or equivalent state/shipyard service) and able to obtain/maintain WA Driver’s License and TWIC.

Important Notes

• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County.
• 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 Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28of 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 www.uscis.gov

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.
• Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees may 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 toState Benefitsfor more information.

Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?

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 three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. This information can 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 www.uscis.gov

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Renee.mason@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 25DOT-WSF-90264 in the subject line.