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
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 . Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in of the Washington Administrative Code.

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.

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 (