Senior Marine Engineer - 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

WSDOT is currently seeking a Senior Marine Engineer to join our Terminal Engineering team.

In this role, you will manage the development of PS&E and/or Design-Build project packages—from initial scoping through contract award—and provide design support during construction.

Your work will directly support the safe and reliable operation of ferry terminals throughout the Puget Sound region, helping maintain critical infrastructure that serves the public, communities, and businesses.

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 Senior marine Engineer will:

• Prepare and review complex PS&E plans, specifications, and estimates for terminal projects.
• Apply terminal civil design standards and provide technical review of design documentation and approvals.
• Draft geometric design elements and finalize horizontal/vertical alignments using approved software.
• Develop coordinated quantity calculations and cost estimates across multiple disciplines.
• Lead design efforts for terminal preservation and improvement projects, managing scope, schedule, and deliverables.
• Ensure compliance with WSDOT design criteria, environmental requirements, and WSF operational needs.
• Coordinate design activities with civil, electrical, mechanical/vessel, architectural, and security/IT teams.
• Support construction phase coordination and perform other duties as assigned.
• 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:

• Technical Engineering Expertise
  • Applied knowledge of civil and/or structural engineering principles, including experience preparing or reviewing engineering plans, reports, and design documents.
  • Demonstrated familiarity with transportation engineering, terminal or site design, and related multi-discipline elements (mechanical, electrical, architectural, hydraulic, sanitary, and geotechnical).
  • Working knowledge of marine construction methods and waterfront infrastructure.
  • Ability to interpret and apply engineering standards and codes such as ADA, UBC, AASHTO, TDM, and WSDOT design standards.
• Environmental & Regulatory Compliance
  • Experience working with environmental laws, permit applications, and construction/environmental compliance processes (NEPA, SEPA, local permitting, etc.).
  • Ability to coordinate with municipalities and regulatory agencies during project review and approval.
• Project & Risk Management
  • Demonstrated experience managing complex engineering projects (scope, schedule, budget, deliverables).
  • Ability to document, assess, and manage project risks using established tools and standards.
  • Experience leading or coordinating multi-discipline project teams.
• Contracting & Procurement Knowledge
  • Applied knowledge of DBB, DB, and GC/CM delivery methods.
  • Experience working with consultant agreements, construction documents, and engineering administration tasks.
• Analytical & Professional Judgment
  • Ability to solve complex engineering problems using independent, professional judgment.
  • Skill in analyzing technical data, engineering plans, cost estimates, and reports.
• Communication & Collaboration
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with experience engaging internal teams, external partners, or management.
  • Demonstrated ability to contribute to a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative work environment.
• Safety Awareness
  • Knowledge of workplace safety principles and ability to integrate safety considerations into engineering work.
• Licensure
  • Professional Engineer (PE) registration in Washington State (or approved equivalent).

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Advanced Technical & Engineering Mastery
  • Significant experience applying civil engineering principles in marine, ferry terminal, or waterfront environments.
  • Proven ability to integrate civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, and geotechnical design elements into coordinated, buildable solutions.
  • Demonstrated application of engineering standards, safety codes, and industry best practices to ensure quality and compliance.
• Strategic Leadership & Operational Alignment
  • Experience leading complex engineering programs that support safe and reliable transportation or ferry system operations.
  • Ability to balance technical, environmental, and operational priorities to support long-term asset performance.
  • Experience coordinating with contractors, design teams, and operational groups to deliver capital or preservation projects.
• Program, Contract, and Risk Management
  • Demonstrated experience preparing PS&E or design-build packages with strong scope, schedule, cost, and risk controls.
  • Skill in negotiating, managing, and administering consultant contracts or construction partnerships.
• Communication, Public Engagement & Stakeholder Relations
  • Ability to convey complex technical concepts to executives, regulatory agencies, or community stakeholders.
  • Experience participating in or leading public involvement activities to support project understanding and acceptance.
• Education & Professional Development
  • Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a closely related technical field.
  • Master’s degree in civil, structural, transportation, or a related engineering discipline.

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 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 25DOT-WSF-90064 in the subject line.