Salary : $128,612.00 - $172,897.00 Annually
Location : King County - Seattle - Belltown, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 26DOT-WSF-90949
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Division: Washington State Ferries
Opening Date: 08/11/2026
Closing Date: 8/25/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
The Opportunity

WSF, a division of WSDOT, is currently seeking a Structures Manager to lead the Structural Engineering Group in ensuring Washington State Ferries' terminal structures remain safe, resilient, and reliable for the traveling public. In this leadership role, you will guide a team of engineering professionals, provide sound technical direction, and support the long-term stewardship of critical transportation infrastructure. By fostering collaboration, continuous improvement, and transparent decision-making, you will help advance WSF's core values of Serve, Grow, Trust, Respect, and Navigate while supporting safe, dependable ferry operations. Your leadership will play a vital role in maintaining public confidence and delivering reliable ferry service to the communities we serve.

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 Bridge Engineer will:

• Lead the Structural Engineering Group in evaluating, maintaining, and improving the safety, reliability, and resilience of WSF terminal structures.
• Oversee structural engineering analyses, load ratings, PS&E development, and quality assurance for terminal capital and maintenance projects.
• Manage group staffing, project assignments, scheduling, consultant utilization, and employee development.
• Establish structural engineering policies, design criteria, and resilience strategies for seismic, tsunami, and sea level rise considerations.
• Direct structural engineering programs and ensure compliance with applicable engineering standards and regulatory requirements.
• Manage structural engineering consultant contracts, including scopes of work, budgets, schedules, and deliverables.
• Evaluate structural capacity, implement operational restrictions as needed, and provide technical oversight for terminal engineering initiatives.
• 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:

Growth Mindset

• Actively demonstrates a commitment to continuous learning, professional growth, and adapting to new challenges through innovation and continuous improvement.

Service-Oriented

• Demonstrates a willingness to take action to meet the needs of others while fostering collaborative relationships built on trust, communication, and shared success.

Leadership and Talent Development

• Demonstrated ability to provide leadership and direction to structural engineering staff while hiring, training, mentoring, coaching, and developing employees to achieve organizational goals.

Communication

• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex structural analysis, engineering, and design concepts in clear, understandable language, both verbally and in writing, to technical and non-technical audiences.

Problem Solving and Decision Making

• Demonstrated ability to anticipate project challenges, evaluate complex engineering issues, and develop practical, effective solutions that support project delivery and operational objectives.

Structural Engineering Expertise

• Demonstrated knowledge of structural engineering principles, bridge engineering practices, and emerging technologies, including new products, engineering methodologies, industry standards, and applicable bridge engineering codes.
• Demonstrated ability to serve as a technical resource in structural engineering by conducting research, making technical presentations, interpreting and implementing new technologies, codes, and engineering practices, assisting in the development of engineering standards, and designing and analyzing complex engineering problems.

Structural Inspection and Regulatory Compliance

• Demonstrated knowledge of the National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS), AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications, AASHTO Seismic Design Guide Specifications, the Washington State Building Code, and the International Building Code, including wind, seismic, and tsunami loading requirements.

Professional Credential

• Current registration as a Licensed Civil Engineer and Structural Engineer in the State of Washington.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

Project Delivery and Management

• Demonstrated experience in the design and/or project management of civil engineering projects, including coordinating project activities, managing schedules, and supporting successful project delivery.

Construction and Inspection

• Demonstrated experience in the construction and/or inspection of transportation structures, with the ability to evaluate work for compliance with engineering standards, specifications, and project requirements.

Transportation Engineering Standards

• Demonstrated knowledge of and experience applying the WSF Terminal Design Manual, WSDOT Bridge Design Manual, Standard Specifications, and Special Provisions in the design, construction, and inspection of transportation infrastructure.

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 Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in of 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

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 for more information.

Check out this video to learn more:
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.
Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Please be sure to reference 26DOT-WSF-90949 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. That's 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