Digital Systems Port Engineer

Salary : $154,224.00 Annually
Location : King County - Seattle - Belltown, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 26DOT-WSF-M00P7r
Department: Dept. of Transportation
Division: Washington State Ferries
Opening Date: 06/29/2026
Closing Date: 7/20/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
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!

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.
The Opportunity

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.

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.
What to Expect

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

Qualifications

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.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• 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 Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in 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

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.
• 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 for more information.

Check out this video to learn more:
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 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.

Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity.
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 ;br>Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Please be sure to reference 26DOT-WSF-M00P7r in the subject line.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026
01

Describe your experience maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing propulsion control systems, power management systems, or comparable industrial control systems. Include the employer, equipment/systems supported, and years of experience
02

Describe your experience programming, configuring, and troubleshooting Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs). Include the PLC platforms used (e.g., Allen Bradley, Siemens, GE), your role, and years of experience.
03

Describe your experience operating, maintaining, diagnosing, or repairing AC and DC power generation and distribution systems. Include the types of systems, environment (marine, industrial, utility, etc.), and years of experience.
04

Which statement best describes your experience maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing propulsion control systems and power management systems in a marine, industrial, or similarly complex technical environment?

• I independently diagnose complex system failures, determine root causes, implement corrective actions, and provide technical guidance to others on propulsion control and power management systems.
• I independently maintain, troubleshoot, and repair propulsion control and power management systems, including diagnosing and resolving most operational and control-related issues.
• I routinely perform maintenance, testing, and troubleshooting on propulsion control and power management systems using established procedures and technical guidance.
• I have assisted with maintenance, inspections, testing, or repairs of propulsion control or power management systems but have not independently performed troubleshooting or repairs.
• I have no experience maintaining, troubleshooting, or repairing propulsion control or power management systems.

05

What best describes your experience with PLC programming, configuration, and troubleshooting?

• Extensive experience independently programming, modifying, commissioning, and troubleshooting multiple PLC platforms (Allen Bradley, Siemens, GE) and developing control logic.
• Experience independently troubleshooting and modifying PLC programs and configurations on one or more platforms.
• Experience monitoring, maintaining, and making minor PLC program modifications under established procedures.
• Limited exposure to PLC systems, including viewing programs, performing basic diagnostics, or assisting others.
• No PLC programming or troubleshooting experience.

06

What best describes your experience with AC/DC power generation, switchboards, and electrical distribution systems?

• Extensive experience operating, troubleshooting, and repairing complex AC/DC generation and distribution systems, including switchboards and fault diagnostics.
• Experience independently maintaining and troubleshooting AC/DC power generation and distribution systems.
• Experience performing routine maintenance and operational checks on AC/DC systems.
• Limited exposure to AC/DC generation or distribution systems through training or assisting others.
• No experience with AC/DC generation or distribution systems.

07

What best describes your experience preparing and maintaining technical documentation and ensuring regulatory compliance?

• Regularly develop, review, and approve technical specifications, maintenance procedures, modification packages, and compliance documentation.
• Frequently prepare and maintain technical reports, maintenance records, and system documentation while ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Routinely complete maintenance records and service documentation following established procedures.
• Limited experience completing technical documentation or reviewing records.
• No experience preparing technical documentation.

08

What best describes your experience collaborating with diverse teams to support operations and resolve technical issues?

• Regularly lead multidisciplinary teams, coordinate technical work, and provide guidance to personnel with varying technical expertise.
• Frequently collaborate with operations staff, contractors, engineers, and maintenance personnel to resolve technical issues.
• Routinely work as part of a team supporting maintenance or operations activities.
• Limited experience working across multiple workgroups or technical disciplines.
• No experience collaborating in technical or operational team environments.

09

What best describes your approach to professional development and adapting to new technologies?

• Consistently pursue advanced training, certifications, and emerging technologies and regularly apply new knowledge to improve operations.
• Frequently seek training opportunities and independently learn new technologies relevant to my work.
• Participate in required training and occasionally pursue additional learning opportunities.
• Limited participation in professional development activities.
• No recent professional development or technical training activities.

10

What best describes your experience with large AC/DC machines, industrial communication protocols, and HMI software?

• Extensive experience troubleshooting and modifying large AC/DC machine controls, Ethernet/RS485 communication networks, and HMI software applications.
• Experience independently troubleshooting and maintaining at least two of these areas.
• Experience performing maintenance or diagnostics in one of these areas.
• Limited exposure through training, coursework, or assisting others.
• No experience with these systems.

11

How did you learn of this employment opportunity?

• Indeed
• LinkedIn
• Direct Email Notification
• WSDOT social media (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, etc)
• Career Fair
• Monster
• WorkSource
• Handshake
• AASHTO
• NACTO
• COMTO
• APWA
• "NOW HIRING" banner/sign
• Radio advertisement
• WSDOT Employment Site
• Careers.wa.gov
• governmentjobs.com
• Other (specify below)

12

If you selected 'Other' on the previous question, please specify how you learned of this employment opportunity in the space provided:
Required Question