Bridge Engineer 6 - Mechanical

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 manages the world's longest floating bridge, leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds the record for the worlds widest tunneling project, 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

WSDOT is currently seeking a Bridge Engineer 6 Mechanical to perform advanced mechanical and hydraulic systems engineering work for ferry terminals and facilities projects including design, maintenance support, operational support, and construction support to provide safe, reliable, and cost-effective systems for ferry terminals. This position performs professional engineering work which constitutes the practice of engineering as defined by RCW 18.43.

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 theres never been a more meaningful time to join us.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you/the Bridge Engineer 6 - Mechanical will:

• Plan, organize, coordinate, and actively participate in the design, construction, and renovation of hydraulic, wire rope, and mechanical systems.
• Facilitate communication with WSF operations and maintenance teams to establish design criteria, develop construction documents, and prepare maintenance manuals and schedules.
• Oversee the development of scopes of work, detailed designs, engineering calculations, plans, specifications, and cost estimates for mechanical systems in new and existing movable bridges and related facilities.
• Support the scoping and cost estimation of consultant-led mechanical design efforts and reviews mechanical designs prepared by consultants for accuracy and compliance.
• Provide expert mechanical design guidance and inspection support to maintenance staff for modifications and upgrades to WSF mechanical systems.
• Plan, schedule, coordinate, and ensure the completion of accurate mechanical inspections for all WSF movable bridge structures.
• Offer diagnostic support and develop solutions for mechanical equipment malfunctions and failures.

Qualifications

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

Technical Knowledge Competencies

Competency

Relevance to Role

Material Science

Critical for selecting appropriate materials that withstand mechanical stress and marine conditions.

Manufacturing Methods & Procedures

Ensures feasibility in fabrication and maintenance of mechanical bridge components.

Hydraulics, Wire Rope & Machine Design

Core knowledge area for designing and maintaining movable bridges and related hydraulic systems.

Engineering Drafting Procedures

Required for creating and reviewing technical documentation, plans, and drawings.

Electrical & Structural Engineering Fundamentals

Supports cross-disciplinary integration and system performance in bridge and marine structures.

Construction & Maintenance in Marine Environments

Essential for addressing corrosion, durability, and serviceability of systems exposed to saltwater.

Mathematics (Geometry, Calculus, Engineering Formulas)

Needed for precise calculations and performance analysis.

Cost Estimation for Projects

Enables budgeting for capital and maintenance projects involving mechanical systems.

Basic Control Systems & Failure Mode Analysis

Supports troubleshooting and reliability analysis of mechanical systems.

Bridge Engineering Codes (e.g., AASHTO)

Ensures compliance with regulatory and safety standards.

Skills & Abilities

Competency

Relevance to Role

Written & Oral Communication

Needed for reporting, documentation, and stakeholder engagement.

Teamwork & Independent Work

Reflects flexibility and reliability in collaborative and solo assignments.

Sound Engineering Judgment

Crucial for decision-making in complex technical scenarios.

Specification Writing

Important for procurement and system design documentation.

Interpretation of Plans & Specifications

Required to accurately implement designs and conduct reviews.

Inspection Readiness (Ladder Climbing, Travel)

Necessary for hands-on site evaluations across WSF facilities.

Required Qualifications:

• Professional Engineer (PE) Registration in Mechanical Engineering in WA or equivalent state (with requirement to obtain WA license within 6 months if qualified via reciprocity).
• Demonstrated ability and experience in key engineering tasks as listed in the duties.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have :

Competency

Relevance to Role

Welding & Weld Inspection

Useful for overseeing fabrication quality and inspection processes.

Building Construction Knowledge

Enhances capability in system integration within existing or new structures.

HVAC & Plumbing Systems

Important work involving facility mechanical systems.

Fire & Building Codes

Supports compliance and safety in mechanical system designs.

Experience-Based Preferences:

Candidates should meet one of the following:

• 3+ years of current experience as a PE in mechanical engineering focused on hydraulics and machine design.
• Bachelors degree in mechanical engineering + 2+ years of relevant PE experience.
• Masters degree in mechanical engineering + 1+ year of relevant PE experience.

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
  • 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 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.

  Check out this video to learn more:

  How to Apply

  Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine 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.
  • 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 to 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

  For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at ... . Please be sure to reference 25DOT-WSF-90996 in the subject line.