Job Description

Description
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
This is a Bridge Engineer 6 position. However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at a lower level in the based on candidate qualifications, providing an opportunity for an individual to gain the required experience on the job as part of a formal "in-training" plan.
To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:

• Educational or Equivalent Professional Experience - Bachelor's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering OR 10+ years of progressive structural engineering responsibility under a licensed engineer. Washington State PE (Civil) for BE4; Washington State SE (Structural) for BE6. Valid WA driver's license.
• Progressive Structural Design Experience- Minimum 12 months at each step (BE4 ? BE5 ? BE6) with increasing responsibility in marine/bridge structural design, including pile/drilled shaft supported structures and full PS&E package preparation.
• Plans, Specifications & Estimates (PS&E) - Ability to independently produce complete structural PS&E packages for bridges, trestles, or marine structures.
• Structural Analysis & Load Modeling - Proficiency with finite element analysis, live load, seismic, and foundation design per AASHTO LRFD, ASCE/SEI 7, and IBC.
• Codes & Standards Application - Knowledge and use of WSDOT Bridge Design Manual, WSF Terminal Design Manual, Standard Specifications, Special Provisions, and related structural codes.
• CADD & Engineering Software - Competence in CADD (e.g., MicroStation) and structural design software for modeling and detailing.
• Construction Support & Field Experience - Experience reviewing submittals, providing design support during construction, and resolving field issues for bridges/marine structures.
• Project Planning & Delivery - Ability to scope, schedule, and manage structural design deliverables; coordinate with multi-disciplinary teams.
• Technical Leadership & Mentorship - Demonstrated ability to guide and mentor less experienced engineers in structural design principles and project execution.
• Communication & Documentation - Clear written and verbal communication; ability to document design decisions, prepare reports, and collaborate with contractors and internal stakeholders.
• Valid Driver's License - Holds a current and valid Washington State driver's license for field and site visits.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Advanced Structural Design & Analysis - Proficiency in finite element modeling, live load analysis, foundation and seismic design.
• AASHTO & Seismic Standards Expertise - Experience applying AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications and Guide Specifications for LRFD Seismic Bridge Design.
• Terminal & Waterfront Design Standards - Familiarity with WSF Terminal Design Manual and WSDOT Bridge Design Manual; experience incorporating Standard Specifications and Special Provisions.
• Building Codes Application - Experience using IBC and ASCE/SEI 7 for building/structure design and analysis.
• Civil Project Management Experience - Prior responsibility for design and/or management of civil or transportation infrastructure projects.
• Construction & Inspection Experience - Field exposure to construction methods, contractor coordination, and inspection of transportation or marine structures.
• CADD & Design Visualization - Advanced working knowledge of CAD software (e.g., MicroStation) for creating and reviewing complex structural drawings.
• Technology Proficiency - Skilled in Microsoft Office Suite (Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for collaboration, reporting, and design documentation.

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

. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in of the Washington Administrative Code * This is a Bridge Engineer 6 position. However, the hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at a lower level in the
based on candidate qualifications, providing an opportunity for an individual to gain the required experience on the job as part of a formal "in-training" plan. The base salaries for each level are: * Bridge Engineer 4: $96,037 - $129,238 - salary listed includes the legislative-approved 5% salary premium for positions with an assigned duty station in King County.

• Bridge Engineer 5: $106,029 - $142,632 - salary listed includes the legislative-approved 5% salary premium for positions with an assigned duty station in King County.
• Bridge Engineer 6: $117,079 - $157,399 - salary listed includes the legislative-approved 5% salary premium for positions with an assigned duty station in King County.
• 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

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 month...compare 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 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 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
Contact Us For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Renee Mason, at renee.mason@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 25DOT-WSF-91004mr.1 in the subject line.

Skills Required