Digital Systems Port Engineer - Washington State Ferries

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

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

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. This role will ensure the continued performance of essential vessel control and monitoring systems that support daily ferry service. The position plays a key role in advancing organizational goals while supporting the safe and efficient movement of passengers throughout the Puget Sound region, particularly during the system's transformation to decarbonization. WSF is an essential part of Washington's transportation network, carrying nearly 20 million passengers annually.

Requirements

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.

Nice To Haves

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.

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.
Coordinate 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.