Digital Systems Port Engineer - Washington State Ferries

Washington State Ferries Job Opportunity

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!

Washington State Ferries (WSF) is an essential part of Washington's transportation network. Every year, we carry nearly 20 million passengers across Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands on more than 400 sailings a day. Our dedicated teams with over 2,100 people work together to serve our communities and shape the future of ferry travel.

WSF, a division of WSDOT, is currently seeking a skilled and motivated professional to help support safe, reliable, and efficient ferry operations across the Washington State Ferries system. This position plays a critical role in maintaining and supporting vessel propulsion control, power management, steering, HVAC, alarm & monitoring, and related onboard systems that are essential to daily operations and public service. The successful candidate will make both tactical and strategic decisions that directly impact vessel performance, operational reliability, and passenger safety. By fostering a safe work environment and reinforcing WSF's core values of Serve, Grow, Trust, Respect, and Navigate, this role supports agency goals and helps deliver dependable transportation services to the communities we serve.

As we navigate a once-in-a-generation transformation to decarbonize our system — guided by our core values Serve, Respect, Trust, Grow Navigate— and bold strategic priorities Service Excellence, Improved Communication and Empowered People — there's never been a more meaningful time to come aboard at Washington State Ferries.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you/the [Working Title] will:

• Develop and manage preventative maintenance plans and digital system infrastructure for vessel propulsion controls and related systems across the WSF fleet.
• Establish and monitor fleetwide digital system performance, reliability, and configuration standards.
• Maintain digital system software, programming tools, licenses, and revision histories for all fleet systems.
• Review and approve maintenance strategies, system modifications, and obsolescence planning efforts.
• Coordinate inventory, acquisition, and lifecycle support for digital systems with Warehouse, Maintenance, and Engineering teams.
• Serve as the subject matter expert for propulsion control and digital system casualties, troubleshooting and coordinating repairs to restore vessel service.
• Document casualty responses and maintain vendor and field service relationships for critical control systems.
• Support vessel modifications and new construction by reviewing specifications, inspections, vendor work, and regulatory compliance 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

To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required :

• 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
  • Demonstrated 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
  • Demonstrated 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
  • Demonstrates 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. Adapts communication and technical guidance to support colleagues with varying levels of digital systems expertise.
• Growth Mindset
  • Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth. Demonstrated ability to self-reflect, identify personal and professional strengths and growth areas, and adapt to new technical challenges through innovative solutions. Takes responsibility for staying current with evolving digital systems technology, maritime regulations, and maintenance best practices.
  • Must be available to support a cell phone support rotation and able to respond to after-hours vessel casualties as required.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Large AC and DC Machine Knowledge
  • Ability to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot large AC and DC machinesand 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.

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

WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid leave, tuition assistance, and a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.

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 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.

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.

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at View email address on click.appcast.io. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-WSF-M00P7 in the subject line.