Bridge Engineer 6 (In-Training) - Washington State Ferries

About WSDOT

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal organization with a global reputation for excellence! Our dedicated workforce is responsible to plan, design, build, and operate an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 18,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT manages the world's longest floating bridge, executes an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds a record for the world's widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Washington State Ferry (WSF) system is essential to Washington's transportation network, linking communities on both sides of Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands. There are over 400 sailings each day on 10 ferry routes. WSF transports nearly 17 million passengers a year and has more than 1,800 employees. Employees perform a variety of duties on vessels, in terminals, at the maintenance facility, and at the Seattle headquarters.

The Opportunity

WSF is seeking a Bridge Engineer 6 (In Training) to evaluate, design, and ensure the integrity of terminal structures, including bridges and buildings, within the WSF Terminal Engineering Structural Section. This position plays a critical role in maintaining the safety, reliability, and longevity of terminal infrastructure to support the secure movement of people and goods. By upholding structural standards and proactively addressing engineering needs, this role directly supports WSF's mission of delivering safe, dependable ferry service across Washington's waterways.

A successful candidate may be hired at any level between Bridge Engineer 4 and Bridge Engineer 6 if they can demonstrate the required work experience. See the Qualifications section for a brief summary of Bridge Engineer Qualifications. In addition to the qualifications, candidates for promotion will need to demonstrate engineering competence and growth through successful completion of assigned work tasks, in order to be qualified for advancement.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you/the Bridge Engineer 6 (In-Training) will:

• Serve as the lead structural engineer on complex WSF projects.
• Design and develop fixed and movable bridges, trestles, berthing structures (e.g., dolphins and wingwalls), pedestrian facilities, and buildings.
• Conduct detailed structural analyses including seismic vulnerability assessments.
• Develop and maintain design analysis documents, hand calculations, and spreadsheet-based worksheets.
• Prepare detailed structural design drawings using CADD software and coordinate with the CADD team.
• Collaborate with WSF terminal project team members to integrate structural designs into broader project plans, address design issues, coordinating schedules, and participating in peer reviews.
• Provide technical leadership and oversight in one of more specialized structural safety programs, including Load Rating, Commercial Overweight Truck Movement, Bridge Scour, and Seismic & Tsunami Retrofit.
• Develop, maintain, and manage the official WSF bridge and structure load restriction list.
• Prepare comprehensive cost estimates for structural components and overall project delivery, supporting budgeting and funding processes.

Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:

• Educational or Equivalent Professional Experience - Bachelor's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering or a minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in structural engineering under the supervision of a licensed structural engineer.
• Professional Licensure - Civil (for BE4 level)-Possesses a valid Washington State Professional Engineer (PE) license in Civil Engineering for hiring at the BE4 level.
• Professional Licensure - Structural (for BE6 level) - Possesses a valid Washington State Structural Engineer (SE) license.
• Regulatory Compliance & Mobility - Holds a valid Washington State Driver's license to support travel and site visits.

Qualifications are described in greater detail in the Training Plan associated with this Classified Position. Brief summary provided below:

Bridge Engineer 4 to Bridge Engineer 5

Licensure in Washington State as a Professional Engineer in Civil Engineering required.

Maximum of 24 months' experience as a Bridge Engineer 4. Experience includes preparation of specifications & estimates and construction support. Knowledge and use of CADD software.

Bridge Engineer 5 to Bridge Engineer 6

Certification as a Licensed Structural Engineer

Maximum of 24 months' experience as a Bridge Engineer 5. Experience includes design of pile or drilled shaft supported waterfront structures. Independently complete, a structures design PS&E package of a Bridge seat, trestle or a tower project. The ability to successfully mentor less experienced engineers in Structural Design

engineering.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Technical Software Proficiency - Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Reams, Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and has working knowledge of CAD software for design and documentation.
• Structural Design & Analysis Expertise: - Demonstrated experience in structural analysis and design, including finite element analysis, live load analysis, foundation design, and seismic analysis.
• Civil Project Design & Management: - Experience in the design and/or project management of civil infrastructure projects, preferably in a transportation or public works setting.
• Construction & Inspection Experience: - Practical experience in the construction and/or inspection of transportation-related structures.
• Code & Standards Knowledge: - Proficient in applying AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications, AASHTO Seismic Guide Specifications, IBC, ASCE/SEI 7, and relevant WSDOT and WSF manuals, specifications, and special provisions.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• The salary listed includes the legislative-approved 5% salary premium for positions with an assigned duty station 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 357-28of 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.wa.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 earn 12 to 25 paid time off (PTO) days per year!
• Sick Leave- Full-time employees earn 8 hours per monthcompare that to the minimum 1 hour per 40-hour week!
• 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.
• Healthcare - WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options.
• Plan For Your Future -Like the idea of a secure retirement income? Like the idea of the employer making matching contributions? Employees also have their choice of state retirement and savings programs. Go toState Benefitsfor more information.

Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?

How to Apply

Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine your salary. Therefore, it is very important that the "Work Experience" portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible.

In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:

• An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
• An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
• An example of Structural Calculations and/or Structural Drawings developed by the applicant.
• Contact details for a minimum of three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. This information can be entered in the "References" section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment.

Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application for this opportunity.

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.wa.gov

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Renee Mason, at .... Please be sure to reference 25DOT-WSF-91004m in the subject line.