Digital Systems Port Engineer

Digital Systems Port Engineer

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 professional to support the critical systems that keep Washington State Ferries 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. By fostering a culture of safety, collaboration, inclusion, and accountability, you will contribute to WSF's mission of providing dependable transportation services to the communities we serve.

This position plays a key role in advancing organizational goals while supporting the safe and efficient movement of passengers throughout the Puget Sound region.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, you/the Digital Systems Port Engineer will:

• 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

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,…