Naval Architect - Washington State Ferries

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.

WSF, a division of WSDOT, is currently seeking a Naval Architect to support the design, preservation, and continuous improvement of Washington State Ferries’ vessels, helping ensure safe, reliable, and efficient ferry service for the traveling public. This position provides professional engineering expertise for vessel modifications, regulatory compliance, and new vessel design while supporting the long‑term reliability and performance of the nation’s largest ferry system.

Working collaboratively with engineering staff, regulatory agencies, and project partners, the Naval Architect develops innovative solutions that enhance fleet safety, operational readiness, and service to the communities we serve. This role also advances Washington State Ferries’ core values of Serve, Grow, Trust, Respect, and Navigate while contributing to the agency’s mission of providing safe, dependable transportation.

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.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you/the Naval Architect will:

• 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
• Plan, design, and execute naval architectural and structural engineering projects for WSF vessels and facilities.
• Prepare, review, sign, and seal engineering drawings, calculations, specifications, estimates, and technical reports.
• Analyze vessel performance and develop engineering solutions for structural modifications and improvements.
• Coordinate with engineering staff, operations, contractors, consultants, and regulatory agencies to support project delivery.
• Review designs, conduct ship checks, and ensure work complies with project specifications and regulatory requirements.
• Provide technical oversight and develop task statements and cost estimates for capital and maintenance projects.
• Review consultant work and evaluate structural installations and marine equipment.
• Mentor and train engineering staff and support the development of installation packages.

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

• Marine Engineering & Naval Architecture
  
  Experience:
  
  Experience supporting vessel design, repair, modification, or construction projects within a shipyard, marine engineering, or naval architecture environment.
• Engineering Software Proficiency:
  Experience using engineering software and standard computer applications to support engineering design, analysis, documentation, and project delivery.
• Engineering Analysis:
  Demonstrated ability to apply engineering principles to evaluate vessel structures, hydrostatics, stability, and shipboard systems, and develop technically sound engineering recommendations.
• Technical Documentation:
  Skill in interpreting and preparing engineering drawings, technical specifications, calculations, reports, and other engineering…