Digital Systems Port Engineer - Washington State Ferries

About the role

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking a skilled professional to support the critical systems that keep Washington State Ferries (WSF) operating safely, reliably, and efficiently. In this role, you will help ensure the continued performance of essential vessel control and monitoring systems that support daily ferry service for the traveling public.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain preventative maintenance programs, standards, and documentation for propulsion controls, digital systems, and alarm and monitoring systems across the WSF fleet.
• Maintain digital system software, licenses, revisions, and maintenance plans; address system obsolescence and support related planning and budgeting efforts.
• Establish and monitor fleetwide digital system performance and reliability standards; implement corrective actions as needed.
• Care for digital systems inventory levels and support equipment acquisition, technical support, and training requirements.
• Serve as the subject matter expert for propulsion controls and digital systems, providing troubleshooting, casualty response, and repair support.
• Maintain relationships with vendors, contractors, and field service technicians to support system reliability and maintenance.
• Review and approve digital system modifications, upgrades, and maintenance activities for existing vessels.
• Support new vessel construction and system installations, ensuring compliance with WSF standards and regulatory requirements.
• Uphold WSF’s strategic priorities (Service Excellence, Improved Communication, and Empowered People) and values (Serve, Grow, Trust, Respect, and Navigate), ensuring they are embedded in WSF’s culture through leadership actions.

Qualifications

• Propulsion and Power Management Controls – Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair AC and DC propulsion systems including alternators, drive motors, and power management control systems. Proven ability to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair propulsion control and power management systems in an industrial, maritime, or equivalent complex technical environment. Ability to diagnose and resolve system failures under time-critical conditions.
• Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Programming and Control Systems – Demonstrate ability to program, configure, and troubleshoot Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) in control applications, including Allen Bradley, GE, and Siemens platforms. Knowledge of control theory including closed-loop control, interlocks, sequencing, and alarm logic as applied to industrial or marine control systems.
• AC and DC Power Generation, including Hybrid Battery Energy Storage – Operate, maintain, and diagnose AC and DC power generation systems configured with AC and DC switchboard operations, including the ability to perform maintenance, diagnostics, and corrective action on shipboard or comparable industrial electrical distribution systems.
• Technical Documentation and Regulatory Compliance – Demonstrate ability to prepare, review, and manage technical specifications, maintenance records, field service reports, and system modification documentation. Ensure compliance with U.S. Coast Guard regulatory requirements applicable to vessel control, propulsion, and alarm systems.
• Service-Oriented – Demonstrate a willingness to take action to meet the needs of others. Proven ability to collaborate with vessel crews, port engineers, contractors, and maintenance staff across diverse teams to support safe and reliable ferry operations. Adapt communication and technical guidance to support colleagues with varying levels of digital systems expertise.
• Growth Mindset – Actively demonstrate a commitment to learning and growth. Demonstrate ability to self-reflect, identify personal and professional strengths and growth areas, and adapt to new technical challenges through innovative solutions. Take responsibility for staying current with evolving digital systems technology, maritime regulations, and maintenance best practices.

Preferred Qualifications

• Large AC and DC Machine Knowledge – Ability to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot large AC and DC machines and their associated control systems.
• Industrial Communication Protocols – Ability to configure and troubleshoot industrial communication protocols based on Ethernet and RS485, and knowledge of PC architecture as applied to industrial control systems.
• HMI Software – Ability to troubleshoot and modify Human-Machine Interface (HMI) software used in vessel control and monitoring applications.

Important Notes

• This position is eligible for flexible/hybrid telework. The expected work schedule includes approximately two days per week of telework, with the balance of time spent onsite supporting projects at Eagle Harbor, commercial shipyards, the 2901 facility, and vessel-specific initiatives.
• 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.gov.

Why WSDOT

• Work-Life Balance – We are committed to ensuring 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 may 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.
• 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 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.

Contact Us

• For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at renee.mason@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-WSF-M00P7r in the subject line.