Electrical Engineer 4 - Washington State Ferries

State of Washington; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work options

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Washington State Ferries, a division of the Washington State Department of Transportation, is seeking a Marine Electrical Engineer to design and modernize ferry vessel electrical systems. You will support repairs, modifications, and new construction to ensure safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance for the nation’s largest ferry system.

You will collaborate with engineers and project teams, perform inspections, prepare cost estimates and procurement documents, and ensure as‑built

Qualifications

• Customer Focus: Demonstrates a commitment to providing responsive, high‑quality service to customers and stakeholders.
• Continuous Learning: Actively seeks opportunities to learn, adapt, and apply new knowledge to improve performance.
• Respect and Inclusion: Values a workplace that respects collaboration, equity, and opportunity for all.
• Marine Electrical Engineering: Designs, analyzes, and supports shipboard electrical systems in marine contexts.
• Engineering Expertise: Applies sound engineering principles to support vessel systems and equipment.
• Technical Documentation: Interprets drawings, specs, and standards to develop reports and design docs.
• Communication and Collaboration: Clearly communicates technical info and collaborates with teams and regulators.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensures designs meet safety and regulatory requirements.
• Professional Registration: PE license in Electrical Engineering in WA or ability to obtain WA licensure within six months.
• Security Requirements: Ability to obtain and maintain TWIC.

Responsibilities

• Design electrical systems, calculations, and drawings for ferry modifications, repairs, and new construction.
• Ensure compliance with USCG, ABS, IMO/SOLAS, IEEE, and NEC standards.
• Lead or support electrical engineering for vessel capital improvement and maintenance projects.
• Conduct vessel inspections to verify conditions and support designs.
• Prepare reports, cost estimates, specifications, and procurement documents.
• Coordinate with engineers, designers, and project teams for accurate design and as‑built docs.
• Review vendor submittals for technical accuracy and regulatory compliance.
• Provide technical guidance, troubleshooting, and training on marine electrical systems.
• Align work with WSF priorities and values in leadership actions.

Skills

Marine electrical engineering

Engineering expertise

Technical documentation

Communication & collaboration

Regulatory compliance

Professional registration

Security requirements

Customer focus

Continuous learning

Respect & inclusion

Tools

SKM

Rhino3D

ShipConstructor

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 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 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 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.


• PlanFor 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