IT Solutions Architect – Senior/Specialist | Vessel Electrification

Description ---------------

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!

The Opportunity

WSDOT’s Technology Services Division (TSD) is seeking an experienced IT Solutions Architect to lead technology architecture and integration for the Washington State Ferries (WSF) Electrification Program. This project position supports hybrid electric vessel construction, terminal charging infrastructure, and the technology needed to bring these investments into service.

You will lead technical assessments, develop architecture recommendations, and guide integration from design through testing, acceptance, and transition to operations. The work includes infrastructure, communications, cloud services, identity and access management, and the connections between enterprise IT and operational technology (OT).

Your recommendations will address cybersecurity, reliability, lifecycle costs, and the ability of WSF teams to maintain and support the solution. Working with engineering, operations, cybersecurity, vendors, contractors, shipyards, and enterprise technology teams, you will translate project requirements into practical technology designs and clear implementation requirements.

You will provide technical leadership within TSD’s scope and coordinate decisions with the engineering and operational teams responsible for vessel, charging, navigation, and other specialized systems.

What to Expect

WSF provides transportation and transit services across two countries and multiple counties throughout the Puget Sound region and San Juan Islands.

As part of the broader TSD enterprise, the TSD Ferries team supports information technology systems, hardware, and software used by more than 2,000 WSF employees and manages technology assets and infrastructure, including end-user computing, servers and storage, data and voice networks, telecommunications, point-of-sale systems, physical security technologies, cloud services, cybersecurity, service management, application development, procurement, training, and technology consulting.

Electrification projects involve systems supplied by different vendors and delivered on vessel construction and terminal project schedules. You will identify dependencies early, explain risks and tradeoffs, and help teams resolve integration issues before they affect acceptance or operational support. The role requires both architectural judgment and the ability to work through technical details with implementation teams.

Among the responsibilities of this role, you will:

• Serve as the primary TSD technical lead for the WSF Electrification Program and lead development of architecture recommendations and technology requirements.
• Assess proposed infrastructure, communications, cloud, identity, and OT integration designs for compatibility with WSDOT standards, WSF operating conditions, and available support resources.
• Review engineering drawings, network diagrams, specifications, vendor proposals, and implementation plans to identify technology dependencies, design gaps, and integration risks.
• Coordinate technology integration with engineering, system owners, enterprise teams, vendors, contractors, and shipyards, with clear responsibilities for implementation and ongoing support.
• Work with the WSDOT Cybersecurity Office and system owners to incorporate security requirements, network segmentation, identity controls, vendor remote access, and applicable compliance obligations throughout the project lifecycle.
• Define technology testing and acceptance criteria with project teams and operational owners, including connectivity, failure recovery, security controls, and readiness for service.
• Develop operational transition requirements covering documentation, training, monitoring, access, licensing, warranties, support agreements, and lifecycle replacement needs.
• Identify single points of failure and gaps in support coverage, and recommend practical improvements to availability, recovery, and shared technical knowledge.
• Present technical alternatives, risks, costs, and recommendations to project teams and leadership, and document decisions and unresolved issues.
• Respond to emerging project needs and special assignments within the role’s responsibilities.

Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, candidates must demonstrate the following:

• Enterprise Infrastructure and Systems Integration: Experience designing, integrating, administering, or supporting enterprise technology platforms, with knowledge of systems administration and integration practices across servers, networking, cloud services, telecommunications, identity and access management, OT, or related platforms.
• Architecture and Technical Analysis: Knowledge of enterprise architecture and technology design principles, and skill in analyzing complex requirements, comparing alternatives, identifying dependencies and risks, and developing practical recommendations that align with agency standards and operational needs.
• Design Review and Technical Documentation: Ability to interpret technical documentation, infrastructure diagrams, engineering drawings, network schematics, vendor proposals, and implementation plans; identify integration or support concerns; and develop clear architecture, implementation, and support documentation.
• Cybersecurity and Technology Risk: Knowledge of cybersecurity principles, OT security concepts, vendor remote access controls, and technology risk management sufficient to guide secure technology designs and coordinate security requirements with cybersecurity specialists and system owners.
• Lifecycle Management and Operational Readiness: Knowledge of technology lifecycle management, modernization, testing and acceptance, systems implementation, and operational support practices sufficient to plan a successful transition from project delivery to ongoing operations.
• Technical Leadership and Communication: Experience leading or providing technical direction for complex initiatives involving multiple teams, vendors, contractors, or technical disciplines; skill in coordinating work, communicating technical information to different audiences, and resolving issues collaboratively. Demonstrated commitment to learning, incorporating feedback, and meeting the needs of others.

The following qualifications are also required:

• A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
• Ability to obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card within the first six (6) months of employment.

The following qualifications are preferred:

• Maritime, Transportation, or Operational Technology: Experience supporting maritime, transportation, industrial, OT, or other environments where technology availability is essential to operations.
• Marine Technology Systems: Experience supporting or integrating marine technology, such as vessel communications, shipboard infrastructure, navigation, radar, or related systems.
• Cybersecurity & Critical Infrastructure: Experience applying cybersecurity controls, managing vendor remote access, securing OT, or supporting regulatory compliance in critical infrastructure or industrial environments.
• Industry Credentials: Industry certifications related to systems administration, cloud services, networking, cybersecurity, or OT, such as Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, Security+, or Network+ certifications.

Important Notes

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This is a full-time project position scheduled to end June 30, 2028.
• The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions 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.
• This position requires travel in support of project coordination, implementation oversight, operational readiness, testing, and support activities. This may include travel to various WSDOT and Washington State Ferries locations throughout the state, including terminals, vessels, project facilities, and maintenance sites.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• 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.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. As such, there are a number of flexible schedule options available, including telework options for eligible positions.
• Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees earn up to 25 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.

How to Apply

Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine 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.

NOTE

This information may 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 to 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.gov

Contact Us For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at [email protected]. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-HQ-0P435 in the subject line.

More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package.

We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits

• The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months.
• Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note

If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note

Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information*.*

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note

Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026