Electrical Engineer 4 - Washington State Ferries

Washington State Department of Transportation; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible/Hybrid remote work

Job summary

Washington State Ferries seeks an engineering professional with maritime experience to support electrical systems for ferry vessels. You will contribute to modifications, repairs, and new construction under the Chief Naval Architect, ensuring compliance with marine standards and regulations.

The role involves preparing calculations and drawings for vessel power, lighting, communications, and navigation, and coordinating with shipyards, vendors, and fleet personnel to deliver reliable ferry

Qualifications

• Experience with shipboard electrical systems and marine engineering.
• Ability to apply first-principles methods to vessel systems calculations.
• Ability to interpret and verify engineering drawings and prepare reports.
• Strong written and verbal communication and coordination with teams and fleet personnel.
• Experience in naval architecture or marine engineering design offices handling electrical systems.

Responsibilities

• Apply maritime electrical engineering to design ferry vessel modifications, repairs, and new construction.
• Prepare calculations, specifications, and drawings for power, lighting, comms, and navigation systems.
• Verify vessel compliance with USCG, ABS, IMO/SOLAS, IEEE, NEC.
• Lead electrical installation design and coordinate engineering support for complex projects.
• Conduct ship checks, verify drawings and calculations, confirm as-built conditions.
• Develop technical and cost information for equipment and shipyard installations/removals.
• Review vendor/contractor work for calculations, specs, and contract requirements.
• Troubleshoot vessel electrical/electronic systems and train staff.

Skills

Electrical engineering

Maritime experience

Naval Architecture

Electrical system design

Regulatory compliance (USCG/ABS/IMO/S

Education

Professional Engineer (Electrical) license – WA

Tools

SKM

Rhino3D

Ship Constructor

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.2

Department: Dept. of Transportation

Division: Washington State Ferries

Opening Date: 10/19/2026

Closing Date: 11/2/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

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

• 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

• 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 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

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 for more information.

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‑rated 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. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

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 (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 (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 , 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.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

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.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026