Washington State ESD
Vessel Project Engineer - Washington Stae Ferries
Washington State ESD, Seattle, Washington, us, 98127
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:
Direct and administer maintenance, repair, and overhaul of vessels
in contractor facilities, supporting preservation, improvement, and/or new construction. Supervise Washington State Ferry Inspector(s) ; approve payment for work accomplished; negotiate contract change orders; coordinate design revisions; and complete contract administrative documentation (invoicing, reporting, compliance, database administration, logistics). Manage execution of ferry preservation, improvement, and/or new construction programs
in commercial shipyards, including developing technical specifications, reviewing engineer’s estimates, and overseeing OMWBE goals. Monitor and support all pre-contract functions , including design development, gathering/distributing fleet and departmental information, incorporating feedback from previous contracts, and applying operational experience. Oversee warranty period and post-shipyard issue resolution , including shakedown of ship systems and addressing contractor work deficiencies. Act 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. Provide technical interpretation and approval
of contract specifications, working drawings, and construction procedures. Perform other duties as assigned
to 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 Experience with propulsion, auxiliary, and mechanical systems on steam or motor vessels. Shipyard Project Management Planning and executing vessel repair, overhaul, renovation, or construction with cost, schedule, and scope responsibility. Regulatory & Safety Compliance Knowledge of USCG, ABS, EPA, and other marine regulatory requirements. Technical Specifications & Drawing Interpretation Ability to develop, review, and apply engineering drawings, construction specs, and ship plans. Contract Administration & Negotiation Managing contracts, change orders, and invoicing with shipyards or contractors. Cost Estimating & Budget Oversight Preparing engineer’s estimates and tracking project budgets. Project Evaluation & Decision-Making Assessing production milestones, progress metrics, and making sound technical and financial decisions. Reporting & Documentation Preparing inspection, compliance, and progress reports for capital vessel projects. Stakeholder Communication Coordinating with contractors, inspectors, regulators, and internal leadership; clear written and verbal skills. Credentialing & Licensing 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. WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). Why WSDOT Work-Life Balance
– We are committed to ensuring that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individual’s 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. Plan For Your Future
– WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. 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.
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in contractor facilities, supporting preservation, improvement, and/or new construction. Supervise Washington State Ferry Inspector(s) ; approve payment for work accomplished; negotiate contract change orders; coordinate design revisions; and complete contract administrative documentation (invoicing, reporting, compliance, database administration, logistics). Manage execution of ferry preservation, improvement, and/or new construction programs
in commercial shipyards, including developing technical specifications, reviewing engineer’s estimates, and overseeing OMWBE goals. Monitor and support all pre-contract functions , including design development, gathering/distributing fleet and departmental information, incorporating feedback from previous contracts, and applying operational experience. Oversee warranty period and post-shipyard issue resolution , including shakedown of ship systems and addressing contractor work deficiencies. Act 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. Provide technical interpretation and approval
of contract specifications, working drawings, and construction procedures. Perform other duties as assigned
to 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 Experience with propulsion, auxiliary, and mechanical systems on steam or motor vessels. Shipyard Project Management Planning and executing vessel repair, overhaul, renovation, or construction with cost, schedule, and scope responsibility. Regulatory & Safety Compliance Knowledge of USCG, ABS, EPA, and other marine regulatory requirements. Technical Specifications & Drawing Interpretation Ability to develop, review, and apply engineering drawings, construction specs, and ship plans. Contract Administration & Negotiation Managing contracts, change orders, and invoicing with shipyards or contractors. Cost Estimating & Budget Oversight Preparing engineer’s estimates and tracking project budgets. Project Evaluation & Decision-Making Assessing production milestones, progress metrics, and making sound technical and financial decisions. Reporting & Documentation Preparing inspection, compliance, and progress reports for capital vessel projects. Stakeholder Communication Coordinating with contractors, inspectors, regulators, and internal leadership; clear written and verbal skills. Credentialing & Licensing 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. WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). Why WSDOT Work-Life Balance
– We are committed to ensuring that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individual’s 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. Plan For Your Future
– WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr