Bridge Engineer 7 - Washington State Ferries

State of Washington; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible/hybrid remote work options

Job summary

Washington State Ferries (WSF), a division of WSDOT, is seeking a Structures Manager to lead the Structural Engineering Group and keep terminal structures safe, reliable, and resilient for the traveling public.

You will guide a team of engineering professionals, oversee analyses, load ratings, PS&E development, and QA for terminal capital and maintenance projects, while managing staffing and consultant resources. This leadership role supports WSF’s mission and public service values.

Qualifications

• Licensed Civil Engineer and Structural Engineer in Washington state
• Experience leading structural engineering groups
• Experience with terminal structures and bridge engineering
• Knowledge of NBIS and AASHTO standards
• Ability to manage staffing, scheduling, and consultant work

Responsibilities

• Lead the Structural Engineering Group in evaluating and maintaining safety, reliability, and resilience of WSF terminal structures
• Oversee structural analyses, load ratings, PS&E development, and QA for terminal projects
• Manage group staffing, project assignments, scheduling, consultant utilization, and staff development
• Establish policies, design criteria, and resilience strategies for seismic, tsunami, and sea level rise
• Direct structural engineering programs and ensure compliance with standards and regulatory requirements
• Manage consultant contracts, scopes of work, budgets, schedules, and deliverables
• Evaluate structural capacity and provide technical oversight for terminal projects
• Uphold WSF priorities and values in leadership actions

Skills

Leadership

Structural Engineering

Project Management

Staff Development

Regulatory Compliance

Communication

Problem Solving

Bridge Engineering

NBIS Knowledge

Job 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 world's longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

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

• 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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.