Vessel Project 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

Washington State Ferries (WSF), a division of the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), is currently seeking a Vessel Project Engineer to serve as an On-Site Representative during new vessel construction under the System Electrification Program in Panama City, FL.

This position provides project-level engineering oversight at shipyards and contractor facilities, ensuring hybrid-electric vessels are built in compliance with contract requirements, regulatory standards, and WSF quality expectations.

The role supervises inspection staff, supports resolution of technical issues and contract changes, and plays a critical part in the acceptance and delivery of new vessels.

Through strong engineering leadership and quality management, this position directly supports WSF’s commitment to safe, reliable, and sustainable ferry service for 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 Vessel Project Engineer will:

• Serve as Lead Vessel Owner’s On-Site Representative, directing quality management and acceptance of new vessel construction in support of the Vessel Electrification Program.
• Organize and supervise WSF Inspectors to ensure contract and regulatory compliance; reject non-conforming work.
• Review and respond to contractor technical inquiries, quality reports, specifications, drawings, and procedures.
• Manage vessel construction activities at commercial shipyards; monitor contract performance, changes, and timely completion.
• Act as on-site liaison between WSF and contractors; provide project status and resource forecasts to WSF management.
• Oversee DBE and OJT goals; verify suitability and receipt of contractor- and owner-furnished materials and equipment.
• Lead implementation of the Quality Control and Assurance Plan; coordinate corrective actions and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Administer project documentation, capture lessons learned, and support additional Vessel Electrification Program initiatives 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:

• Owner’s Representative & Marine Construction Oversight
  • Demonstrated experience serving as an Owner’s Representative or project-level lead for marine vessel construction projects, providing technical oversight from contract award through vessel delivery and final acceptance.
• Shipyard Construction Compliance Management
  • Experience overseeing shipyard construction activities to verify compliance with contractual requirements, approved drawings, specifications, and applicable regulatory standards.
• Technical Documentation Review & Interpretation
  • Demonstrated ability to review, evaluate, and provide comments on technical documentation, including design drawings, material submittals, as-built drawings, test reports, inspection records, and operating manuals.
• Marine Systems Technical Knowledge
  • Strong working knowledge of marine vessel systems, including hull structure, propulsion, electrical, piping, HVAC, automation, and auxiliary systems, sufficient to support technical oversight and acceptance activities.
• Testing, Commissioning & Acceptance Oversight
  • Experience supporting and overseeing factory acceptance tests (FAT), harbor trials, sea trials, commissioning activities, and final Owner acceptance processes.
• Regulatory Compliance & Agency Coordination
  • Working knowledge of marine regulations and regulatory processes, with experience coordinating with regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal requirements.
• Contract Administration & Change Management
  • Experience assessing technical queries, non-conformances, and proposed change orders, including evaluation of impacts to cost, schedule, performance, and contractual obligations; knowledge of contract administration and negotiation principles.
• Cost, Schedule & Performance Monitoring
  • Experience evaluating project milestones, weekly production metrics, costing, pricing, and budgeting considerations within marine construction projects.
• Inspector & Team Oversight
  • Demonstrated ability to oversee inspection staff performing shipyard inspections and testing, ensuring adherence to quality standards and regulatory compliance.
• Written & Verbal Communication
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills demonstrated through preparation of formal reports, technical correspondence, and executive-level status updates.
• Independent Judgment & Project Leadership
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent activities, analyze complex technical issues, coordinate across stakeholders, and exercise sound professional judgment aligned with Owner objectives and risk tolerance.
• Service Orientation & Continuous Learning
  • Evidence of a service-oriented approach to supporting stakeholders and a demonstrated commitment to professional development and continuous improvement.
• Licenses
  • Possession of a valid state-issued driver’s license.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) within six (6) months of hire.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Shipyard Project-Level Leadership Experience
  • Experience serving as an Owner’s Representative or shipyard project-level supervisor responsible for vessel repair, overhaul, renovation, or new construction in a commercial, governmental, or military shipyard environment.
• Professional Engineering Application
  • Experience applying professional engineering principles in ship design, mechanical engineering, or electrical engineering within a marine construction environment.

Important Notes

• This position will work at WSF project office, Eastern Shipbuilding Group, onboard vessels and at industrial and manufacturing facilities.

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-9P023in the subject line.