IT Solutions Architect - Senior/Specialist | Vessel Electrification
Washington State Department of Transportation
Get a reply from this employer
Your resume and cover letter, tailored to exactly what they’re hiring for.
Job summary
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking an experienced IT Solutions Architect to lead architecture and integration for the WSF Electrification Program. The role focuses on hybrid electric vessel construction, charging infrastructure, cloud services, and OT/IT integration, with emphasis on cybersecurity, lifecycle costs, and operational readiness.
You will collaborate with engineering, operations, cybersecurity, vendors, and shipyards to translate project requirements
Qualifications
- Experience designing, integrating, administering, or supporting enterprise technology platforms.
- Ability to analyze requirements and develop actionable architecture recommendations.
- Ability to interpret technical diagrams, drawings, and vendor proposals; produce clear architecture, implementation, and support documentation.
- Knowledge of cybersecurity, OT security concepts, vendor remote access controls, and risk management.
- Knowledge of technology lifecycle management, testing, and operational readiness.
- Strong technical leadership and communication across teams.
Responsibilities
- Serve as the primary TSD technical lead for the WSF Electrification Program and lead development of architecture recommendations and technology requirements.
- Assess proposed infrastructure, communications, cloud, identity, and OT integration designs for compatibility with standards and operating conditions.
- Review engineering drawings, network diagrams, specs, vendor proposals, and implementation plans to identify dependencies and risks.
- Coordinate technology integration with engineering, system owners, enterprise teams, vendors, contractors, and shipyards with clear responsibilities for implementation and ongoing support.
- Work with the Cybersecurity Office and system owners to incorporate security requirements, segmentation, identity controls, and vendor remote access throughout the project lifecycle.
- Define testing and acceptance criteria including connectivity, failure recovery, security controls, and readiness for service.
- Develop operational transition requirements covering documentation, training, monitoring, licensing, warranties, and support agreements.
- Identify single points of failure and gaps in coverage; recommend improvements for availability and knowledge sharing.
- Present technical alternatives, risks, costs, and recommendations to project teams and leadership; document decisions and unresolved issues.
Skills
Job description
Salary :$109,519.00 - $147,281.00 Annually
Location :King County - Seattle - Belltown, WA
Job Type: Project (limited duration)
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 26DOT-HQ-0P435
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Division: Headquarters
Opening Date: 10/19/2026
Closing Date: 11/2/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
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!
WSDOT's Technology Services Division (TSD) is seeking an experienced IT Solutions Architect to lead technology architecture and integration for the Washington State Ferries (WSF) Electrification Program. This project position supports hybrid electric vessel construction, terminal charging infrastructure, and the technology needed to bring these investments into service. You will lead technical assessments, develop architecture recommendations, and guide integration from design through testing, acceptance, and transition to operations. The work includes infrastructure, communications, cloud services, identity and access management, and the connections between enterprise IT and operational technology (OT). Your recommendations will address cybersecurity, reliability, lifecycle costs, and the ability of WSF teams to maintain and support the solution. Working with engineering, operations, cybersecurity, vendors, contractors, shipyards, and enterprise technology teams, you will translate project requirements into practical technology designs and clear implementation requirements. You will provide technical leadership within TSD's scope and coordinate decisions with the engineering and operational teams responsible for vessel, charging, navigation, and other specialized systems.
WSF provides transportation and transit services across two countries and multiple counties throughout the Puget Sound region and San Juan Islands. As part of the broader TSD enterprise, the TSD Ferries team supports information technology systems, hardware, and software used by more than 2,000 WSF employees and manages technology assets and infrastructure, including end-user computing, servers and storage, data and voice networks, telecommunications, point-of-sale systems, physical security technologies, cloud services, cybersecurity, service management, application development, procurement, training, and technology consulting.
Electrification projects involve systems supplied by different vendors and delivered on vessel construction and terminal project schedules. You will identify dependencies early, explain risks and tradeoffs, and help teams resolve integration issues before they affect acceptance or operational support. The role requires both architectural judgment and the ability to work through technical details with implementation teams.
- Serve as the primary TSD technical lead for the WSF Electrification Program and lead development of architecture recommendations and technology requirements.
- Assess proposed infrastructure, communications, cloud, identity, and OT integration designs for compatibility with WSDOT standards, WSF operating conditions, and available support resources.
- Review engineering drawings, network diagrams, specifications, vendor proposals, and implementation plans to identify technology dependencies, design gaps, and integration risks.
- Coordinate technology integration with engineering, system owners, enterprise teams, vendors, contractors, and shipyards, with clear responsibilities for implementation and ongoing support.
- Work with the WSDOT Cybersecurity Office and system owners to incorporate security requirements, network segmentation, identity controls, vendor remote access, and applicable compliance obligations throughout the project lifecycle.
- Define technology testing and acceptance criteria with project teams and operational owners, including connectivity, failure recovery, security controls, and readiness for service.
- Develop operational transition requirements covering documentation, training, monitoring, access, licensing, warranties, support agreements, and lifecycle replacement needs.
- Identify single points of failure and gaps in support coverage, and recommend practical improvements to availability, recovery, and shared technical knowledge.
- Present technical alternatives, risks, costs, and recommendations to project teams and leadership, and document decisions and unresolved issues.
- Respond to emerging project needs and special assignments within the role's responsibilities.
To be considered for this opportunity, candidates must demonstrate the following:
- Enterprise Infrastructure and Systems Integration: Experience designing, integrating, administering, or supporting enterprise technology platforms, with knowledge of systems administration and integration practices across servers, networking, cloud services, telecommunications, identity and access management, OT, or related platforms.
- Architecture and Technical Analysis: Knowledge of enterprise architecture and technology design principles, and skill in analyzing complex requirements, comparing alternatives, identifying dependencies and risks, and developing practical recommendations that align with agency standards and operational needs.
- Design Review and Technical Documentation: Ability to interpret technical documentation, infrastructure diagrams, engineering drawings, network schematics, vendor proposals, and implementation plans; identify integration or support concerns; and develop clear architecture, implementation, and support documentation.
- Cybersecurity and Technology Risk: Knowledge of cybersecurity principles, OT security concepts, vendor remote access controls, and technology risk management sufficient to guide secure technology designs and coordinate security requirements with cybersecurity specialists and system owners.
- Lifecycle Management and Operational Readiness: Knowledge of technology lifecycle management, modernization, testing and acceptance, systems implementation, and operational support practices sufficient to plan a successful transition from project delivery to ongoing operations.
- Technical Leadership and Communication: Experience leading or providing technical direction for complex initiatives involving multiple teams, vendors, contractors, or technical disciplines; skill in coordinating work, communicating technical information to different audiences, and resolving issues collaboratively. Demonstrated commitment to learning, incorporating feedback, and meeting the needs of others.
- A valid driver's license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
- Ability to obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card within the first six (6) months of employment.
- Maritime, Transportation, or Operational Technology: Experience supporting maritime, transportation, industrial, OT, or other environments where technology availability is essential to operations.
- Marine Technology Systems: Experience supporting or integrating marine technology, such as vessel communications, shipboard infrastructure, navigation, radar, or related systems.
- Cybersecurity & Critical Infrastructure: Experience applying cybersecurity controls, managing vendor remote access, securing OT, or supporting regulatory compliance in critical infrastructure or industrial environments.
- Industry Credentials: Industry certifications related to systems administration, cloud services, networking, cybersecurity, or OT, such as Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, Security+, or Network+ certifications.
- This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
- This is a full-time project position scheduled to end June 30, 2028.
- 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.
- This position requires travel in support of project coordination, implementation oversight, operational readiness, testing, and support activities. This may include travel to various WSDOT and Washington State Ferries locations throughout the state, including terminals, vessels, project facilities, and maintenance sites.
- This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
- 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 ;
- 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. As such, there are a number of flexible schedule options available, including telework options for eligible positions.
- Paid Leave - In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees 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.
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at . Please be sure to reference 26DOT-HQ-0P435 in the subject line.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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‑ratio 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.
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.
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‑ratio 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.
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.
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
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.
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
'/%3e%3cpath%20d='M101.744%2012.4726L102.894%2016.1947L99.0021%2013.2201L101.744%2012.4726ZM105.3%208.40937H100.488L99.0026%203.59473L97.5116%208.41047L92.7%208.40385L96.5965%2011.3834L95.1055%2016.1942L99.0021%2013.2196L101.408%2011.3834L105.3%208.40992V8.40937Z'%20fill='white'/%3e%3cdefs%3e%3clinearGradient%20id='paint0_linear_5593_1381'%20x1='90'%20y1='9.44471'%20x2='99'%20y2='9.44471'%20gradientUnits='userSpaceOnUse'%3e%3cstop%20stop-color='%2300AD70'/%3e%3cstop%20offset='0.998594'%20stop-color='%2300B67A'/%3e%3cstop%20offset='1'%20stop-color='%23DCDCE6'/%3e%3c/linearGradient%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e){kind=small}
