Marine Designer - Washington State Ferries

Full Job 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 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 skilled professional to support the ongoing reliability and safety of its vessel fleet through accurate and timely marine design documentation.

This role plays a critical part in maintaining and updating vessel drawings, specifications, and testing documentation that ensure compliance with regulatory and engineering standards.

Working both independently and collaboratively with engineers and operational staff, the position contributes to the development of installation designs that directly impact vessel performance and safety.

By partnering with vessel crews, port engineers, and maintenance teams, this work supports safe, efficient ferry operations and dependable service to the traveling 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 Marine Designer will:

• Prepares complex drawings, including material lists, notes, references, and title blocks
• Verifies equipment alignment with calculations and structural penetrations
• Ensures designs meet U.S. marine regulatory requirements
• Prepares equipment and shipyard specifications, including cost estimates
• Develops and reviews purchase specifications and test plans
• Supports shipyard work to resolve installation and testing issues
• Performs ship checks to verify work aligns with plans
• Documents field conditions to support stability and design updates
• 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:

• Service Orientation
  • Demonstrates responsiveness to stakeholder needs and takes action to support team, project, and operational objectives.
• Continuous Learning and Adaptability
  • Actively pursues learning and applies new knowledge, tools, and processes to improve work outcomes.
• Marine Systems Knowledge and Application
  • Demonstrated experience with the operation, design, and maintenance of marine systems.
• Engineering Specification Interpretation
  • Ability to read, interpret, and apply engineering specifications related to marine systems.
• Marine Drafting and Design Standards
  • Working knowledge of marine drafting standards, techniques, and procedures used to produce accurate technical drawings.
• Inspection and Compliance Verification
  • Experience performing shipboard and shipyard inspections to verify installation compliance with plans, specifications, and standards.
• Regulatory and Industry Standards Application
  • Ability to apply regulatory design standards and industry requirements to engineering work.
• AutoCAD Proficiency
  • Demonstrated experience using AutoCAD to produce or support engineering drawings and documentation.
• Regulatory Credential Compliance
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) within required timeframes.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Specialized Marine/Engineering Training
  • Additional training or experience in marine, mechanical, or electrical disciplines.
• Maritime Regulatory Knowledge
  • Experience applying requirements from regulatory bodies such as U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), International Maritime Organization (IMO), Det Norske Veritas (DNV), or American Bureau of Shipping (ABS).
• Public Sector Knowledge
  • Familiarity with public sector processes, policies, and regulatory environments.

Important Notes

• 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 to State Benefits for 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 26DOT-WSF-90263 in the subject line.