Electrical Engineer 4 - Washington State Ferries

State of Washington Dept. of Transportation; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hybrid remote work options

Competitive benefits package including

Job summary

Washington State Ferries (WSF), a division of the Washington State Department of Transportation, is seeking an Electrical Engineer 4 with maritime experience to support vessel electrical systems, modifications, repairs, and new construction. You will work under the Chief Naval Architect to ensure safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance for ferry operations.

This role emphasizes applying first-principles engineering, designing and analyzing power, lighting, communications, and navigation

Qualifications

• Must be a Professional Engineer in electrical engineering in Washington State, or eligible to obtain licensure within six months.
• Experience in shipyard or naval architecture and marine engineering design office dealing with shipboard electrical systems.
• Ability to apply first-principles engineering methods to support vessel systems and equipment analyses.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to follow complex technical direction and coordinate with teams.

Responsibilities

• Apply maritime electrical engineering to design ferry vessel modifications, repairs, and new construction.
• Prepare calculations, specifications, and drawings for vessel power, lighting, communications, and navigation systems, including short-circuit and power analyses.
• Verify vessel-specific compliance with USCG, ABS, IMO/SOLAS, IEEE, and NEC requirements.
• Lead electrical installation design and coordinate engineering support for complex vessel projects.
• Conduct ship checks, verify drawings and calculations, confirm As-Built conditions, and prepare regulatory and stakeholder reports.
• Develop technical and cost information and specifications for equipment, materials, and shipyard installations and removals.
• Review vendor, consultant, contractor, and design work for accuracy and contract compliance.
• Troubleshoot vessel electrical and electronic systems; provide technical assistance and training to vessel engineering and Eagle Harbor staff.
• Uphold WSF’s priorities and values in leadership actions.

Skills

Service-Oriented

Growth Mindset

Respect & Equal Opportunity

Maritime Electrical Engineering

Shipyard/Naval Architecture

Professional Engineer WA

First-Principles Analysis

Engineering Drawing Interpretation

Technical Reporting

Communication Skills

Electrical & Electronic Systems (Marin

Education

Professional Engineer license (WA)

Tools

SKM

Rhino3D

Ship Constructor

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!

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.

The Opportunity

WSF, a division of WSDOT, is currently seeking an engineering professional with maritime experience to support the electrical systems that keep Washington's ferry fleet operating safely and reliably. Working under the direction of the Chief Naval Architect, this position contributes to vessel modifications, repairs, and new construction that sustain essential ferry service. Maritime experience is critical to developing designs that address vessel operating conditions and meet applicable marine regulatory and electrical standards. Join a team dedicated to strengthening fleet reliability and serving the communities that depend on Washington State Ferries.

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:

• Apply maritime electrical engineering expertise to design ferry vessel modifications, repairs, and new construction.
• Prepare calculations, specifications, and drawings for vessel power, lighting, communications, and navigation systems, including short-circuit and power analyses.
• Verify vessel-specific compliance with USCG, ABS, IMO/SOLAS, IEEE, and NEC requirements.
• Lead electrical installation design and coordinate engineering support for complex vessel projects.
• Conduct ship checks, verify drawings and calculations, confirm As-Built conditions, and prepare regulatory and stakeholder reports.
• Develop technical and cost information and specifications for equipment, materials, and shipyard installations and removals.
• Review vendor, consultant, contractor, and design work for accuracy and compliance with calculations, specifications, and contract requirements.
• Troubleshoot vessel electrical and electronic systems; provide technical assistance and training to vessel engineering and Eagle Harbor staff.
• 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:

• Service-Oriented – Demonstrates a willingness to take action to meet the needs of others.
• Growth Mindset – Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Experience contributing to a work environment that fosters a culture of respect and equal opportunity.
• Experience in shipyard or consulting Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering Design Office dealing with shipboard electrical systems.
• Registered as a Professional Engineer in electrical engineering in Washington State, or registration in another state with the ability to obtain Washington State licensure within six months of appointment.
• Ability to apply first-principles engineering methods to perform calculations and technical analyses in support of vessel systems and equipment.
• Ability to critically interpret and verify engineering drawings and technical specifications, and to develop accurate, well-structured reports and documentation in support of vessel equipment modification, correction, and installation.
• Ability to demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to follow complex technical direction and effectively coordinate with team members, contractors, and fleet personnel.
• Experience with the analysis and design of electrical & electronic systems used in marine applications.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Experience working in a marine environment. Knowledge of public sector rules and regulations.
• Experience learning and using specialty software such as SKM, Rhino3d, Ship Constructor, etc.
• Ability to understand and apply detailed instructions and scheduling requirements to plan and execute work, manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and perform assignments independently.

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 357-28 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 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 individual's 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.

Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?

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.

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

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at [e-mail]. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-WSF-91016r.2 in the subject line.