Transportation Engineer 2 - Washington State Ferries

State of Washington Dept. of Transportation; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays

Vacation days

Tuition assistance

State benefits

Hybrid remote options

Job summary

Washington State Ferries (WSF), part of the Washington State Department of Transportation, seeks a Transportation Engineer 2 to support ferry-terminal materials engineering and contract compliance. This role ensures contractor materials meet plans, supports documentation, and contributes to safe, reliable facilities.

Join a team focused on quality, regulatory adherence, and continuous improvement while maintaining public transportation for Washington communities.

Qualifications

• Engineering and mathematical principles applied to construction inspection and design.
• Reading plans and translating requirements into actionable tasks.
• Clear written and oral communication for diverse audiences.
• Experience with Windows and basic MS Office apps.
• Ability to learn and operate field equipment and testing tools.
• Experience with material tests and regulatory compliance.
• Team collaboration and adaptability in changing priorities.
• Familiarity with safety procedures and Pre-Activity Safety Plans (PASP).
• Skill in preparing daily field reports and inspections.
• Growth mindset and service-oriented approach.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate marine construction submittals and materials documentation for contract conformance.
• Maintain Materials Tracking records and submittal reviews.
• Ensure Materials Manual compliance via databases and coordination with staff and contractors.
• Review IDRs and paynotes to verify materials documentation and prepare closeout memos.
• Coordinate sampling/testing and maintain certifications.
• Perform QC checks on field calculations and pay entries; verify wage compliance.
• Assist with as-built drawings, plans, specs, and change orders.
• Coordinate contractor meetings; organize assignments and agendas.
• Uphold WSF priorities and values in leadership actions.

Skills

Engineering Principles

Reading & Instructions

Clear Communication

MS Office

Field Testing

Material Testing

Team Collaboration

Safety Compliance

Field Reporting

Growth Mindset

Service Orientation

Tools

MS Office

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 Transportation Engineer 2 to serve as a Materials Engineer supporting safe, reliable ferry terminal infrastructure. This position helps ensure contractor-proposed construction materials conform to contract plans and specifications while supporting project documentation compliance. Through this work, the Materials Engineer contributes to the quality and long-term reliability of facilities that keep Washington’s ferry system moving. Join a team dedicated to maintaining safe terminals and dependable public transportation for 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

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you/the Transportation Engineer 2 will:

• Coordinate marine construction submittals and materials documentation for compliance with contract requirements, WSDOT standards, and state and federal regulations; elevate critical engineering issues to the Project Engineer.
• Maintain the Record of Materials in the Materials Tracking Program, track submittal reviews, and provide materials status reports.
• Use Aggregate Source Approval and Statistical Analysis of Materials databases; coordinate with project staff, contractors, laboratories, and fabrication inspectors to ensure Materials Manual compliance.
• Review IDRs, Materials Field Verification reports, and paynotes to verify materials documentation before payment; prepare materials closeout memoranda and checklists.
• Coordinate materials sampling and testing, distribute results, and maintain required WSDOT certifications.
• Perform quality control checks on Field Note Record calculations and electronic payment entries; verify contract wage compliance.
• Support As-Built drawings, review plans, specifications, and estimates, assist with change orders, and prepare final records for archiving.
• Coordinate contractor meetings, prepare agendas and minutes, and independently organize and track assignments, and other duties as assigned.
• 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:

• Engineering Knowledge & Technical Application: Ability to apply engineering and mathematical principles (e.g., algebra, geometry, construction math), ability to understand and use measurements (length, area, volume), and ability to use rulers and simple measurement tools, in support of tasks such as construction inspection, drafting, surveying, plan development, design or data collection to ensure compliance with applicable regulatory standards and specifications.
• Reading Comprehension & Following Instructions: Ability to interpret plan details, engineering tables, or visual information such as graphs, and ability to complete written forms and maintain basic records.
• Communication Skills: Skills to communicate technical information effectively and professionally to a diverse audience, including those with non-technical backgrounds.
• Software & Technical Proficiency: Experience using Windows-based computers and basic MS Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Equipment Proficiency: Ability to learn, effectively operate, and maintain proficiency in the tools, technology, equipment, and systems necessary to perform the essential functions of the position, including adapting to updates or new equipment and/or technologies as operational needs evolve.
• Material Testing & Analysis: Experience with multiple types of material tests, reviewing results, and ensuring compliance with project and regulatory standards and requirements.
• Collaboration & Adaptability: Experience contributing to team tasks, following instructions, and learning to adapt to changing priorities.
• Safety Planning & Compliance: Experience following workplace safety procedures and participating in Pre-Activity Safety Plans (PASP).
• Field Reporting & Communication: Skills to prepare accurate and timely daily field reports based on direct field observations and inspection activities.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Field Operations & Equipment Handling: Experience performing a wide range of field operations independently, applying technical judgment to ensure efficient, safe, and correct use of equipment and materials.
• Ability to independently understand the interpret the results of field inspections on public works construction projects, including interpreting drawings and identifying discrepancies without direct supervision.
• Ability to understand, interpret and/or conduct a full range of materials tests, including concrete slump/air/temperature tests, HMA sampling, grout cube preparation, and aggregate testing.
• Ability to prepare or update As-Built drawings, assist with change order documentation, or support project finalization
• Ability to navigate marine or terminal environments, including familiarity with ferry operations, vessel movements, and facility access protocols.
• Ability to coordinate with multiple stakeholders simultaneously, such as contractors, consultants, operations staff, and regulatory partners

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 mayearn 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 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-90933 in the subject line.