Senior Civil/Senior Marine Engineer - Washington State Ferries

Senior Civil/Senior Marine Engineer - Washington State Ferries

Salary

$93,277.00 - $125,433.00 Annually

Location

King County - Seattle - Belltown, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

26DOT-WSF-90064r.1

Department

Dept. of Transportation

Division

Washington State Ferries

Opening Date

09/01/2026

Closing Date

9/15/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

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 leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the worlds longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

Washington State Ferries (WSF) is an essential part of Washingtons 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 Senior Civil Engineer / Senior Marine Engineer to provide project management and technical leadership for the design and delivery of ferry terminal projects. This position guides projects from initial scoping through design and construction contract award, helping ensure terminal infrastructure continues to support safe, reliable, and efficient ferry operations. Through collaboration, innovation, and technical excellence, this role advances critical infrastructure improvements that serve communities, businesses, and the traveling public throughout the Puget Sound region. The position also supports WSF's commitment to Service Excellence, Improved Communication, and Empowered People while contributing to a resilient and high-performing ferry system.

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 Civil / Senior Marine Engineer will:

• Prepare and review complex PS&E bid packages, including civil plans, specifications, quantities, cost estimates, and design documentation.
• Develop civil and terminal designs, including grading, paving, drainage, traffic control, signing, striping, and horizontal and vertical alignments.
• Review designs and approvals for compliance with WSDOT standards, Terminal Design Manual requirements, and engineering criteria.
• Lead design for complex terminal preservation and improvement projects, supporting scope, schedule, budget, constructability, and risk management.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary design activities and ensure alignment with NEPA/SEPA requirements and WSF operational needs.
• Support project management and delivery, including consultant scopes, schedules, risk documentation, status reporting, and spending plans.
• Coordinate design and construction activities and represent the design team in cross-functional project meetings.
• Provide construction-phase design support, including review of submittals, RFIs, and change orders.
• 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:

Knowledge Of:

• Engineering & Design: Civil/structural design, mechanical/electrical design, architectural design, hydraulic and sanitary sewer design, and geotechnical engineering.
• Marine & Terminal Operations: Marine construction methods and ferry system operations.
• Project Delivery Methods: Design-Bid-Build (DBB), Design-Build (DB), and General Contractor/Construction Manager (GC/CM).
• Project Administration: Consultant agreement management, construction engineering, workplace safety practices, and public involvement processes.
• Permitting & Environmental Regulations: Environmental laws, environmental permit applications, and construction permitting.
• Codes & Standards: Uniform Building Code (UBC), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), AASHTO publications, WSDOT design standards, and the Terminal Design Manual (TDM).

Ability To:

• Project & Team Leadership: Manage complex terminal projects and lead multi-disciplinary design teams.
• Engineering Execution: Plan, supervise, coordinate, analyze, and review engineering plans, technical reports, and multi-faceted work.
• Risk & Problem Solving: Document and manage project risks while exercising independent professional judgment to solve complex engineering challenges.
• Permitting & Negotiations: Negotiate effectively with municipalities and external entities during project permitting processes.
• Standards Application: Rigorously apply WSDOT and Terminal Design Manual (TDM) standards.
• Communication & Collaboration: Communicate clearly and persuasively, both orally and in writing, with management, internal teams, and external customers.
• Workplace Culture: Actively contribute to an environment that fosters respect, equity, and equal opportunity.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

Technical and Engineering Mastery

• Marine & Waterfront Experience: Demonstrated expertise in civil engineering principles with applied experience in the marine design, construction, and maintenance of ferry terminal or waterfront infrastructure.
• Multi-Disciplinary Integration: Proven ability to integrate multi-disciplinary design elements-civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, and geotechnical-into cohesive, constructible solutions.
• Standards & Compliance: Competence in applying engineering standards, safety codes, and industry best practices to ensure quality, regulatory compliance, and system reliability in design and construction.

Strategic and Operational Leadership

• Program Leadership: Demonstrated success leading large, complex engineering programs that support safe, reliable, and efficient ferry system operations.
• Asset Sustainability: Ability to balance technical, environmental, and operational priorities in decision-making to achieve long-term asset sustainability and performance outcomes.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Experience to foster collaboration among design teams, contractors, operations, and stakeholders to deliver capital and preservation projects on schedule and within budget.

Program and Risk Management

• Project Delivery & Controls: Skilled in applying structured project management methods to deliver Plans, Specifications, and Estimates (PS&E) and Design-Build packages, including risk assessment, cost estimation, and schedule control.
• Contract Administration: Demonstrated competency in negotiating and managing consultant contracts, service agreements, and construction partnerships.

Communication and Relationship Management

• Stakeholder Engagement: Proven ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences, including executive leadership, regulatory agencies, and the public.
• Public Process: Demonstrated effectiveness in leading or participating in public engagement processes to gather input, build trust, and strengthen project outcomes.

Education and Professional Credentials

• Professional Credentials: Professional registration as a Civil Engineer in Washington State, or approved equivalent.

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 26DOT-WSF-90064r.1 in the subject line.

More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. Thats why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

01

Please identify your current Professional Engineer (PE) registration status, including the state or jurisdiction, engineering discipline, and license number. If your registration is outside Washington State, indicate whether you are eligible to obtain Washington State registration through comity.

02

Describe your professional engineering experience planning, designing, coordinating, or reviewing complex civil or infrastructure projects. Include your role, level of responsibility, types of projects, and experience preparing or reviewing engineering plans, specifications, estimates, and technical reports.

03

Describe your experience leading complex engineering projects and multidisciplinary design teams. Include the size and complexity of the projects, disciplines involved, your leadership responsibilities, and your responsibility for scope, schedule, budget, risk, and design deliverables.

04

Which statement best describes your engineering experience with marine, ferry terminal, waterfront, or comparable transportation infrastructure?

• I have led the design and/or construction of multiple complex ferry terminal or marine infrastructure projects, including responsibility for major civil engineering elements and coordination with marine operations.
• I have led or performed significant engineering work on multiple marine, waterfront, port, ferry terminal, or comparable transportation infrastructure projects.
• I have performed engineering work on at least one marine, waterfront, port, ferry terminal, or comparable transportation infrastructure project.
• I have civil or infrastructure engineering experience but limited or no direct marine or waterfront project experience.
• I do not have professional civil or infrastructure engineering experience applicable to marine or waterfront projects.

05

Which statement best describes your experience coordinating multidisciplinary engineering design?

• I have served as the design lead for multiple complex projects integrating civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, architectural, and/or geotechnical disciplines and was responsible for overall design coordination and constructability.
• I have led multidisciplinary design coordination on complex projects involving four or more engineering or technical disciplines.
• I have coordinated design activities involving two or three engineering or technical disciplines and resolved interdisciplinary design issues.
• I have participated in multidisciplinary design teams but have not had primary responsibility for coordinating the work of other disciplines.
• I do not have professional experience working on multidisciplinary engineering design projects.

06

Which statement best describes your experience delivering engineering projects using PS&E, Design-Build, or other formal project delivery methods?

• I have led multiple complex projects from scoping through final design and construction using two or more delivery methods, such as Design-Bid-Build (DBB), Design-Build (DB), or GC/CM, including responsibility for PS&E or Design-Build packages, cost estimates, schedules, and risk management.
• I have led projects through final design using at least one formal project delivery method and had significant responsibility for PS&E or Design-Build documents, cost estimates, schedules, and project risks.
• I have independently prepared or reviewed significant portions of PS&E, Design-Build, or comparable contract packages and supported cost, schedule, or risk management.
• I have contributed to PS&E, Design-Build, or comparable project delivery packages under the direction of a project or design lead.
• I do not have professional experience preparing or reviewing engineering contract packages.

07

Which statement best describes your experience applying engineering codes, design standards, and regulatory requirements?

• I have led complex engineering projects requiring interpretation and application of multiple design standards and regulatory requirements, such as WSDOT standards, ADA requirements, AASHTO publications, building codes, agency design manuals, and comparable engineering standards.
• I routinely interpret and independently apply multiple engineering codes, design manuals, and regulatory standards and review the work of others for compliance.
• I independently apply established engineering codes and design standards to project designs and technical documentation.
• I have applied limited engineering codes and standards under the guidance or review of senior engineering staff.
• I have no professional experience applying engineering codes and design standards.

08

Which statement best describes your experience with environmental and construction permitting for infrastructure projects?

• I have led permitting strategy for multiple complex infrastructure projects, including negotiations with municipalities, regulatory agencies, and other external entities to resolve significant permitting or environmental issues.
• I have independently managed environmental and/or construction permitting for complex projects and regularly coordinated or negotiated with regulatory agencies or municipalities.
• I have prepared or coordinated permit applications and worked directly with regulatory agencies or municipalities to address project requirements.
• I have supported environmental or construction permitting activities by preparing technical information or documentation under the direction of others.
• I do not have experience with projects which involve environmental or construction permitting.

09

Which statement best describes your experience managing engineering consultants and supporting projects through construction?

• I have managed multiple complex consultant agreements and provided senior engineering oversight during construction, including contract scope, performance, technical issues, change management, and resolution of significant construction challenges.
• I have independently managed consultant agreements and provided engineering support during construction, including submittals, RFIs, change orders, or design revisions.
• I have managed portions of consultant scopes or agreements and regularly provided engineering support during construction.
• I have supported consultant management or construction engineering activities under the direction of a project or engineering manager.
• I do not have professional experience working with consultant agreement management or construction engineering.

10

Which statement best describes your experience resolving complex engineering issues involving project risks and multiple stakeholders?

• I have led resolution of significant engineering or project risks on multiple complex projects, exercising independent professional judgment and communicating recommendations to executives, regulatory agencies, contractors, operations, and/or the public.
• I have independently resolved complex engineering or project issues involving multiple internal and external stakeholders and communicated technical recommendations to senior leadership.
• I have identified and managed engineering or project risks and coordinated with project teams and stakeholders to develop and implement solutions.
• I have assisted senior-level engineers or project managers with risk identification, technical problem-solving, or stakeholder coordination.
• I have no professional experience working with complex engineering risks or coordinating technical solutions with multiple stakeholders.

11

How did you learn of this employment opportunity?

• Indeed
• LinkedIn
• Direct Email Notification
• WSDOT social media (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, etc)
• Career Fair
• Monster
• WorkSource
• Handshake
• AASHTO
• NACTO
• COMTO
• APWA
• "NOW HIRING" banner/sign
• Radio advertisement
• WSDOT Employment Site
• Careers.wa.gov
• governmentjobs.com
• Other (specify below)

12

If you selected Other on the previous question, please specify how you learned of this employment opportunity in the space provided:

Required Question

Employer State of Washington

Address View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

Website http://www.careers.wa.gov