Electrical Engineer 4 - Washington State Ferries

State of Washington$100K — $135K *
US-AnywhereRemote in Seattle, WA
Transportation
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of marine electrical engineering experience.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license in Electrical Engineering, or ability to obtain Washington State licensure.
  • Background in shipboard electrical systems design and analysis.
  • Experience with regulatory compliance standards like USCG and IEEE.
  • Proficiency in interpreting technical drawings and specifications.
  • Strong communication skills for collaboration with cross-functional teams.
  • Commitment to workplace respect and continuous learning.

Responsibilities

  • Design electrical systems and specifications for ferry modifications and construction.
  • Ensure compliance with relevant regulations and standards.
  • Lead electrical engineering efforts for capital improvement projects.
  • Conduct inspections to inform engineering designs and modifications.
  • Prepare comprehensive engineering reports and cost estimates.
  • Coordinate with project teams to guarantee accurate design documentation.
  • Review engineering documents for compliance and technical accuracy.

Benefits

  • Flexible/hybrid remote work options.
  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Access to various retirement programs with employer contributions.
  • Eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
  • Annual paid holidays, including personal holidays.
  • Dependent care assistance and wellness program participation.
Full Job Description
Salary : $100,459.00 - $135,122.00 Annually
Location : King County - Seattle - Belltown, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 26DOT-WSF-91016r.1
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Division: Washington State Ferries
Opening Date: 09/10/2026
Closing Date: 9/24/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
The Opportunity

WSF, a division of WSDOT, is currently seeking a Marine Electrical Engineer to support the design and modernization of Washington State Ferries' fleet. In this role, you will contribute to the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the nation's largest ferry system by developing engineering solutions that enhance vessel performance and regulatory compliance. Your expertise will help ensure ferry vessels remain safe, dependable, and ready to serve the traveling public through repair, modification, and new construction projects. This is an opportunity to make a lasting impact on Washington's transportation system while advancing WSF's mission of providing safe, sustainable, and reliable ferry service.

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 Electrical Engineer 4 will:
  • Design electrical systems, calculations, specifications, and drawings for ferry vessel modifications, repairs, and new construction.
  • Ensure compliance with USCG, ABS, IMO/SOLAS, IEEE, and NEC regulations and standards.
  • Lead or support electrical engineering for vessel capital improvement and maintenance projects.
  • Conduct vessel inspections to verify existing conditions and support engineering designs and modifications.
  • Prepare engineering reports, cost estimates, specifications, and procurement documents.
  • Coordinate with engineers, designers, and project teams to ensure accurate design and as-built documentation.
  • Review engineering documents and vendor submittals for technical accuracy, quality, and regulatory compliance.
  • Provide technical guidance, troubleshooting, and training on marine electrical and electronic systems
  • 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:
  • Customer Focus: Demonstrates a commitment to providing responsive, high-quality service that supports internal and external customers and WSF's mission.
  • Continuous Learning: Demonstrates a growth mindset by actively seeking opportunities to learn, adapt, and apply new knowledge to improve performance.
  • Respect and Inclusion: Contributes to a workplace that values respect, collaboration, equity, and equal opportunity.
  • Marine Electrical Engineering: Demonstrates experience designing, analyzing, and supporting shipboard electrical and electronic systems in a shipyard, consulting, or marine engineering environment.
  • Engineering Expertise: Applies sound engineering principles to perform technical analyses, calculations, and develop engineering solutions that support vessel systems and equipment.
  • Technical Documentation: Interprets engineering drawings, specifications, and technical standards to develop accurate reports, calculations, and design documentation for vessel modifications, repairs, and new construction.
  • Communication and Collaboration: Effectively communicates technical information and collaborates with engineers, contractors, regulatory agencies, vessel personnel, and project teams to achieve project objectives.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Applies applicable engineering codes, standards, and regulatory requirements to ensure vessel designs meet operational and safety requirements.
  • Professional Registration: Holds a Professional Engineer (PE) license in Electrical Engineering in Washington State, or another state with the ability to obtain Washington State licensure within six months of appointment.
  • Security Requirements: Ability to obtain and maintain a valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) within three months of employment.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:
  • Marine Industry Knowledge: Experience applying engineering principles in a marine environment and working with applicable public sector policies and regulatory requirements.
  • Technical Proficiency: Demonstrates experience using engineering and design software such as SKM, Rhino3D, ShipConstructor, or similar applications.
  • Planning and Organization: Effectively plans, prioritizes, and manages multiple assignments while following detailed technical instructions, meeting deadlines, and working independently with minimal supervision.

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

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-91016 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 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. Pa

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