Vessel Project Engineer - Washington State Ferries

Vessel Project Engineer

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 world's longest floating bridge, 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.

WSF, a division of WSDOT, is currently seeking a Vessel Project Engineer to support the safe, reliable operation of the nation's largest ferry system through the oversight of critical vessel preservation and repair projects. This position plays a key role in coordinating shipyard repair contracts, managing project scope, schedule, and cost, and helping minimize vessel downtime to maintain dependable service for the traveling public. Working closely with internal teams and contractors, the Vessel Project Engineer helps ensure repair work is completed to high technical and safety standards while supporting efficient ferry operations. This role contributes directly to WSF's mission by applying sound engineering judgment, collaboration, and continuous improvement to help keep vessels operating safely and reliably for the communities we serve.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you/the Vessel Project Engineer will:

• Direct vessel repair and overhaul projects in contractor shipyards to support ferry preservation and reliability.
• Provide technical direction to WSF Inspectors and oversee contractor performance, schedules, and work quality.
• Negotiate and approve contract change orders, design revisions, and new work scope.
• Manage contract administration activities including invoicing, reporting, compliance documentation, logistics, and close-out.
• Develop technical specifications and repair plans for vessel preservation and maintenance projects.
• Coordinate pre-contract activities, design development, and stakeholder communication for scheduled maintenance availabilities.
• Provide engineering guidance to resolve vessel system deficiencies and warranty-related issues.
• Serve as the primary liaison between WSF, contractors, and regulatory agencies to ensure inspection, compliance, and contract standards are met.
• 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

To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required :

• Construction Management and Contract Administration
  • Knowledge of construction contract administration principles, change order processes, and project controls applicable to marine repair and overhaul work. Demonstrated proficiency in managing contractor performance, evaluating progress against schedule and budget, and approving change orders within delegated authority.
  • Ability to actively manage cost, scope, and schedule across concurrent preservation projects to deliver assigned work within contract terms and operational windows.
• Marine Engineering and Vessel Systems
  • Knowledge of marine vessel systems including propulsion, auxiliary machinery, hull, electrical, and shipboard mechanical systems. Demonstrated proficiency in interpreting engineering drawings, technical specifications, and condition reports for marine vessels. Ability to assess vessel material condition, diagnose system deficiencies, and recommend repair approaches that align with operational requirements and industry standards.
• Technical Specification Development
  • Knowledge and ability to develop contract specifications and standards to be used in marine repair and shipyard work. Demonstrated proficiency in synthesizing input from work orders, planned maintenance schedules, lessons learned, and stakeholder feedback into clear technical scope documents. Ability to write specifications that are biddable, defensible, and aligned with regulatory and operational requirements.
• Quality Assurance and Inspection Oversight
  • Knowledge of marine quality assurance practices, inspection protocols, and acceptance standards for shipyard work. Demonstrated proficiency in directing inspection staff, evaluating contractor-furnished material and workmanship, and processing condition deficiency reports. Ability to identify noncompliant work and require corrective action consistent with contract terms.
• Regulatory Compliance and Coordination
  • Knowledge of marine regulatory requirements applicable to vessel preservation work, including United States Coast Guard, Environmental Protection Agency, and state-level requirements. Demonstrated proficiency in coordinating with regulatory agencies during active shipyard work. Ability to interpret regulations, apply them to in progress repair activity, and communicate compliance expectations to contractors and inspection staff.
• Independent Judgment and Stakeholder Communication
  • Knowledge of effective communication practices across technical and non-technical audiences. Demonstrated proficiency in facilitating discussions among internal departments, contractors, and regulatory agencies to align on technical direction. Ability to exercise sound independent judgment, manage workflow without direct supervision, and seek technical guidance when appropriate.
• Service-Oriented
  • Demonstrates a willingness to take action to meet the needs of others. Proven success in fostering and developing constructive and collaborative organization-wide relationships, with the ability to lead through communication and trust-building, seeking and welcoming different perspectives toward shared outcomes.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Growth Mindset
  • Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth. Demonstrated ability to self-reflect, identify personal and professional strengths and growth areas, and adapt to new challenges through innovative solutions.
• Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) Eligibility
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) within six months of hire as required for access to secure maritime and transportation facilities

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Marine Engineering Credentialing
  • Demonstrated knowledge of marine vessel machinery operation and oversight at a level typically reflected by a United States Coast Guard license as Chief Engineer (Limited-Near Coastal), Second Assistant Engineer Steam, Second Assistant Engineer Motor Vessel Unlimited, or equivalent demonstrated experience overseeing marine vessel machinery systems.
• Owner's Representative Experience
  • Demonstrated proficiency serving as an owner's representative or shipyard project supervisor responsible for repair, overhaul, or renovation of steam or motor vessels in a commercial or governmental shipyard, with the ability to advocate for the owner's technical and contractual interests during active work.
• Public Sector Contracting Familiarity
  • Familiarity with Washington State contracting rules, public works procurement, or comparable city, county, state, or federal procurement frameworks applied to construction or repair work.
• Ferry System Operations
  • Familiarity with ferry system maintenance environments, fleet preservation cycles, or comparable marine repair operations supporting a recurring service schedule.

This position is eligible for flexible/hybrid telework arrangements, with approximately 30% telework and 70% onsite work at Puget Sound shipyard locations or WSF headquarters at 2901 as assigned. 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). For more information, please visit

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