Coatings & Steel Preservation Engineer (Vessel Project Engineer) - Washington State Ferries

State of Washington•King County - Seattle – Belltown, WA

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking a Coatings and Steel Program Manager to lead critical vessel preservation efforts for Washington State Ferries (WSF). This role serves as WSF’s technical expert for coating systems and steel preservation, overseeing maintenance and repair projects to ensure the long-term safety, reliability, and performance of the ferry fleet. The position involves working with shipyard partners, vessel crews, and agency stakeholders to maintain dependable ferry service. This role contributes to operational excellence and stewardship across the fleet, especially during a period of system decarbonization.

Requirements

Marine Project Management – Demonstrated ability to manage complex marine maintenance, repair, and overhaul projects from planning through completion. Experience developing project work scopes, schedules, and budgets; coordinating multiple contractors and work activities; resolving technical and schedule conflicts. Proven ability to evaluate project milestones and determine production metrics.
Industrial Coating Systems Expertise – Thorough knowledge of industrial coating systems including surface preparation standards (SSPC/NACE/AMPP), coating application methods, quality control procedures, and failure analysis. Experience with marine coating specifications, inspection techniques, and acceptance criteria. Familiarity with coating system selection for different marine environments and substrates.
Steel Preservation and Welding Knowledge – Knowledge of shipboard structural steel repair and replacement procedures, welding processes (SMAW, GMAW, FCAW), and applicable codes and standards (AWS D1.1, ABS Rules). Understanding of corrosion mechanisms, cathodic protection systems, and preventive maintenance strategies for marine steel structures. Ability to interpret welding procedure specifications and evaluate weld quality.
Contract Administration and Washington State Contracting – Knowledge of public sector contracting rules and procedures, including Washington State procurement requirements. Demonstrated experience with contract administration including specification development, change order negotiation, invoice review, and contractor performance management. Ability to interpret and enforce contract terms and conditions.
Vessel Surveying and Inspection – Experience conducting vessel condition surveys and inspections to assess coating and structural integrity. Ability to document findings through detailed written reports and photographic evidence. Knowledge of classification society requirements and USCG regulations related to vessel preservation.
Technical Communication and Collaboration – Demonstrated ability to communicate complex technical information clearly to diverse audiences including vessel crews, contractors, management, and regulatory agencies. Experience developing specifications, technical reports, and training materials. Ability to exercise sound and independent professional judgment in making decisions and providing advice.
Service-Oriented – Demonstrates a willingness to take action to meet the needs of others. Proven ability to collaborate effectively with vessel crews, contractors, inspectors, and other stakeholders to resolve issues and deliver projects that support fleet reliability. Experience adapting approaches to meet the unique needs of different teams and situations.
Growth Mindset – Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth. Ability to stay current with evolving coating technologies, steel preservation methods, and regulatory requirements. Demonstrated commitment to knowledge transfer and crew development through training and mentorship.

Nice To Haves

NACE or SSPC coating inspector certification (CIP Level 1, 2, or 3).
Experience with vessel preservation programs.
Valid USCG license as Chief Engineer (Limited-near Coastal) or Second Assistant Engineer Steam and/or Motor Vessel Unlimited.
AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) or equivalent qualification.
Experience working with OMWBE goals and small business contractor development.

Responsibilities

Lead the team conducting annual ship condition surveys to assess coating systems and steel condition; document findings and prioritize preservation projects.
Analyze corrosion and coating data to support repair planning, vessel preservation strategies, and capital planning efforts.
Coordinate short- and long-term preservation work with Port Engineers, Eagle Harbor Maintenance Facility, and Preservation Engineers during vessel layups.
Maintain fleet-wide coating and steel condition records; prepare reports and project recommendations for management review.
Oversee contractor coating and steel replacement work during scheduled Eagle Harbor vessel layups to ensure compliance with specifications, schedules, budgets, and regulatory standards.
Supervise inspectors, manage contract administration, negotiate change orders, review submittents, and approve project payments and closeout documentation.
Develop technical specifications, scopes of work, and cost estimates for commercial coating and steel replacement projects.
Provide technical guidance and training to vessel crews and maintenance staff on coating maintenance, preservation practices, and industry best practices.