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 Bridge Engineer 6* within the WSF Terminal Engineering Structural section. This position is responsible for designing and evaluating new and existing structures for the safe and reliable movement of people and goods through WSF terminals. As a Registered Structural Engineer, your responsibilities would include performing intricate structural design and seismic vulnerability evaluations for new and existing complex structures for the WSF terminals. Structures include movable bridges, timber and concrete trestles, vessel berthing structures, buildings, and pedestrian walkways.
*Note: successful candidates may be hired into the Bridge Engineer series at Bridge Engineer 4, Bridge Engineer 5, or Bridge Engineer 6 level if they can demonstrate the required work experience. See the Qualifications Section for a summary of qualifications. In addition, candidates for promotion will need to demonstrate engineering competence and growth through the successful completion of assigned work tasks and training plans, to be qualified for advancement.
Bridge Engineer 4 (BE4) $88,401 - $118,818 annually, depending on qualifications.
Bridge Engineer 5 (BE5) $97,511 - $131,178 annually, depending on qualifications.
Bridge Engineer 6 (BE6) $107,667 - $144,811 annually, depending on qualifications.
What to Expect
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you/the Bridge Engineer 6 will:
- Perform intricate structural analysis, seismic vulnerability analysis, and design.
- Design complex structure projects from conception to completion, providing preliminary and final structural designs.
- Coordinate structural design with WSF terminal project team members.
- Utilize structural engineering design software including finite element analysis and deep foundation analysis.
- Prepare design analysis hand calculations and worksheets, utilizing spreadsheet software.
- Prepare structural design details with the use of CADD software.
- Update and manage the WSF bridge and structure load restriction list.
- Direct the work of others in verifying the seismic and tsunami vulnerability of existing terminal structures.
- Support WSF Structure section programs such as Seismic Retrofit and Climate Change to make our terminals more resilient and to establish future design policy.
- Prepare specifications, cost estimates, and design schedules for complex WSF structures projects.
To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:
- Successful completion of the Civil PE Exam in Washington State (Professional Engineer/P.E. status) for employment at the BE4 level.
- Successful completion of the Structural SE Exam in Washington State for employment at the BE6 level.
- Valid State driver's license.
- Licensure in Washington State as a Professional Engineer in Civil Engineering required.
- Minimum of 24 months experience as a Bridge Engineer 4. (Experience includes preparation of specifications & estimates and construction support).
- Knowledge and use of CADD software.
- The ability to successfully mentor less experienced engineers in Structural Design engineering.
- Certification as a Licensed Structural Engineer
- Twenty-four (24) months of experience as a Bridge Engineer 5 (Experience includes design of pile or drilled shaft supported waterfront structures).
- Independently complete a structural design PS&E package of a bridge seat, trestle, or a tower project.
- Lead a team of less-experienced engineers in the structures design of a bridge seat, trestle, or tower.
- Certification as a Licensed Structural Engineer.
- Lead a team of less-experienced engineers in the structures design of a bridge seat, trestle, or tower project.
- Provide technical guidance to other WSF departments, Terminal Engineering departments, and structural engineering consultants.
- Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil or Structural Engineering.
- Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite especially Microsoft Teams, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
- Proficiency in structural design and analysis, including finite elements analysis, live load analysis, foundation design, and seismic analysis.
- Experience with design and/or project management of civil projects.
- Working knowledge of CADD software.
- Experience with AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications and AASHTO Guide Specifications for LRFD Seismic Bridge Design.
- Experience with the WSF Terminal Design Manual, WSDOT Bridge Design Manual, WSDOT Standard Specifications, and Special Provisions.
- Experience with the IBC and ASCE/SEI 7 for building design and analysis.
- 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
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 individual's lifestyle.
- Paid Leave - In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees earn a minimum 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
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.
- 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. References will not be contacted until after an interview is complete.
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
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