IT Solutions Architect – Senior/Specialist | Vessel Electrification

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.

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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.