Vessel Project Engineer

About WSDOT

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is the steward of an integrated, multimodal transportation system that helps to ensure people and goods move safely and efficiently throughout the state. In addition to building, maintaining, and operating the state highway system, WSDOT operates the largest ferry system in the nation, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and recently completed the world's widest tunneling project. 

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

WSDOT is currently seeking a Vessel Project Engineer to act as the vessel owner’s field representative at contractor & shipyard facilities to administer and supervise maintenance, overhaul, and repair projects as assigned for Washington State Ferries. This position supervises and direct those assigned from Washington State Ferry inspection program, approves payment for work accomplished, negotiates contract change orders as required, and direct design revisions as necessary. Actively manage cost, scope and schedule of assigned preservation projects and worklists to minimize vessel down time and maximize vessel reliability within limited time and resources. 

This position also manages construction, maintenance, renovation, and overhaul projects for Washington State Ferry vessels as part of the Marine Capitol Construction Program.  

 What to Expect

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

• Directs and administers maintenance, repair, and overhaul of vessel(s) in Contractor’s Facilities.
• Supervises WSF’s Inspector(s).
• Approves payment for work accomplished.
• Negotiates contract change orders. 
• Complete all contact administrative documentation. 
• Manages execution of all aspects of ferry preservation and improvement programs and/or new vessel construction programs. 
• Responsible for developing technical specifications and reviewing engineer’s estimates. 
• Act as Washington State Ferry’s liaison.
• Provides technical interpretation of contract specifications and drawings. 

Qualifications

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

• Valid USCG license as a Chief Engineer (Limited-near Coastal) or as Second Assistant Engineer Steam and/or Motor Vessel Unlimited. OR 
• Four (4) Years of experience in responsible charge of the machinery plant on an ocean-going governmental steam or motor vessel.  
• Five (5) years of experience as an employee of the shipyard or as an owner’s representative with project-level responsibility for repair, overhaul renovation, or construction of steam or motor vessels in a commercial or governmental shipyard. 

Or

• Bachelor’s degree in Naval Architecture Marine Engineering or allied field 
• Five (5) years of experience managing the planning and execution of repair overhaul or renovation of steam or motor vessels. 

Or

• Eight (8) years of experience as an owner’s representative or shipyard project-level supervisor responsible for the repair, overhaul, or renovation of steam or motor vessels in a commercial or governmental shipyard.

Or

• Four (4) years of State Service as a Vessel Construction Inspector Marine or three (3) years as a Marine Inspector Specialist. 

And

• Valid Washington State Driver’s License.
• Obtain and maintain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) no later than 6 months from the date of hire.
• Thorough working knowledge of:
  1. Marine engineering, marine vessel operations, marine construction principles, and marine mechanical systems.
  2. Marine Regulations and Regulatory process
  3. Costing, pricing, and budgeting
  4. Reading and interpreting technical specifications, drawings, and plans.
  5. Contract administration and negotiation.
• Conversant with modern marine construction equipment materials and techniques.
• Ability to:
  1. Evaluate project milestones and determine weekly production metrics.
  2. Exercise sound and independent professional judgment in making decisions and providing advice to the State Capital Program Managers and the contractor.
  3. Analyze the problems relating to the project and provide coordination between the various managers inspectors and officials to ensure effective and economic resolution.
  4. Understand and identify and interpret electronic and printed material.
  5. Operate office equipment associated with the job.
  6. Communicate with a diverse set of customers and peers.
  7. Create and complete regular reports related to assigned projects.

Important Notes 

• 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 357-28 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.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 a minimum of 14 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?

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.
• 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 

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Salary : $100,434 - $135,109