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Light Rail Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Job Duties include: Work safely to maintain Light Rail Overhead Contact Systems (OCS); and ... Knowledge of IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers), and APTA (American Public ...

Senior OCS Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site +1

$118K - $163K/yr

Senior OCS Engineer Transportation Jobs with David Evans and Associates: At David Evans and ... light rail, commuter rail, high-speed rail, and third rail systems. In this role, you'll provide ...

... engineering solutions. We are a privately held firm working on a variety of community improving ... Light Rail Extensions, King County CSO Program, and with various City and County agencies on ...

Civil Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$37.80 - $45/hr

... engineering solutions. We are a privately held firm working on a variety of community improving ... Light Rail Extensions, King County CSO Program, and with various City and County agencies on ...

Heavy Rail Transit (HRT) * Light Rail Transit (LRT) projects * Tasks will include concept ... As a critical member of the team, you will perform a variety of engineering tasks and will receive ...

OCS Design Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

Engineering; Project Engineering; Project Management Location: Seattle, WA, United States Join a ... Design OCS layout, wire tensions, foundations, poles/columns/structures for light rail, commuter ...

... and light rail vehicles. We are currently serving North America customers with endless ... Install electrical panels, harnesses, and E-Suite components following engineering drawings and ...

Engineering; Project Engineering; Project Management Location: Seattle, WA, United States Join a ... Design OCS layout, wire tensions, foundations, poles/columns/structures for light rail, commuter ...

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Light Rail Engineer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$11

$44

$79

How much do light rail engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for light rail engineer in Seattle, WA is $44.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.46 and $64.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a light rail engineer do?

A Light Rail Engineer is responsible for the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of light rail transit systems. Their work includes overseeing tracks, stations, signaling systems, and integration with other transportation modes. They collaborate with architects, urban planners, and contractors to ensure safe, efficient, and sustainable rail services. Additionally, Light Rail Engineers address technical challenges and regulatory requirements throughout the lifecycle of a light rail project.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a light rail engineer?

To thrive as a Light Rail Engineer, you need a solid background in civil or electrical engineering, often with a bachelor's degree and relevant professional registration. Familiarity with CAD software, rail signaling systems, and project management tools is typically required, along with knowledge of safety and regulatory standards. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help facilitate collaboration and effective project delivery. These skills ensure the safe, efficient, and timely design and implementation of light rail systems.

What are some common challenges faced by light rail engineers during the design and construction phases of a project?

Light Rail Engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple stakeholders, ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards, and integrating new systems within existing urban infrastructure. Managing tight project timelines and budgets while addressing unforeseen site conditions can also be demanding. Effective communication and collaboration with architects, city planners, and contractors are essential to navigate these complexities and deliver successful light rail projects.

What is the difference between Light Rail Engineer vs Tram Engineer?

AspectLight Rail EngineerTram Engineer
CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications in transit systemsEngineering degree, certifications in transit or rail systems
Work EnvironmentUrban transit systems, rail yards, maintenance facilitiesCity streets, tram lines, urban areas
Employer & IndustryPublic transit agencies, rail companiesMunicipal transit authorities, private tram operators
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Light Rail Engineers and Tram Engineers share similar roles in designing, maintaining, and improving urban transit systems. Both require engineering credentials and work within public transit environments. The main difference lies in their specific systems: Light Rail Engineers focus on larger, often modernized light rail networks, while Tram Engineers typically work on city street-level tram lines. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers find the right career path in urban transit engineering.

Infographic showing various Light Rail Engineer job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,925 per year, or $44.7 per hour.

Rail Building Operating Engineer Lead

King County

Seattle, WA

$61.01 - $65.59/hr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


King County (Washington) rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 38 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

196th of 846 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Summary King County Metro Transit's Rail Division is seeking a Career Service (CS) Rail Building Operating Engineer Lead (Transit Building Operating Engineer - Lead) in the Rail Facilities Management team. The responsibilities of this classification include assigning and coordinating the work of operating engineers in the Rail division and performing the full range of responsibilities of the Building Operating Engineer classification. About Metro Transit's Expanding Rail Division King County Metro's Rail Division manages and maintains Sound Transit's Link Light Rail, a growing network spanning 60 miles and serving 38 stations across the Puget Sound region.

Together with Metro's extensive fixed-route bus system and mobility services, the Link Light Rail system is the backbone of an integrated regional transit network that gives people real freedom of movement. As Puget Sound transit agencies work together to build a seamless, connected system, our light rail system plays a central role in expanding access, reducing barriers, and ensuring that everyone across our region can get where they need to go. Joining Metro's Rail Division means joining an organization that is shaping the future of public transportation in the Pacific Northwest and setting the standard for modern rail operations nationwide.

This is a division that values strategic thinking, collaborative leadership, and a deep commitment to the people we serve, both our riders and our teams. Whatever your role, your work here contributes to something that matters, a light rail system that thousands of people count on every day. Who May Apply: This position is open to all King County employees and the general public.

First consideration will be given to Career Service employees with a minimum of two years' experience in Metro's Rail division, as a Building Operating Engineer. This recruitment may be used to establish a list to fill future Career Service and/or temporary vacancies that may occur over the next twelve months. Wage Information Day shift: $61.01 per hour | Swing shift: $64.06 per hour | Graveyard shift: $65.59 per hour Work Schedule: This position is overtime eligible and employees must be available to work one of three shifts (day, swing or graveyard)

Management reserves the right to assign any shift in order to meet the needs of the work unit. Employees are subject to 24-hour call-out in response to emergencies. Work Environment Work requires reporting for duty during adverse weather events and other emergencies.

Willingness and availability to work different shifts on weekdays, nights, weekends and holidays are required. For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact: Jacky Lu, Talent Advisor at jacky.lu@kingcounty.gov Job Duties Applying equity and social justice principles is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County employees. In this role you will apply equity and social justice principles that exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices to all aspects of the work

In addition to performing the full range of responsibilities in the Rail division of the Building Operating Engineer classification, an incumbent in this classification performs the following: Coordinate the work of and provide technical assistance to operating engineers engaged in varied maintenance, repair and overhaul of HVAC systems and equipment. Assign work in accordance with work operating requirements and workload demands; control and monitor workflow. Respond to questions and provide advice on project requirements, specifications and material requirements.

Provide feedback to higher-level staff on employee and teamwork performance as well as any behavioral and attendance issues. Monitor work assignments to ensure work has been completed in a quality manner and within established timeframes; ensure equipment is maintained and in proper working order. Train new and current personnel in required facility maintenance operations and safety procedures.

Advise operating engineers when their work is deficient or in violation of established regulations and procedures; recommend corrective actions to higher-level staff when required. Maintain varied records including work performed, time spent, materials used, operating logs and related information; enter and extract data using automated systems; maintain manual records as required. Perform predictive maintenance, preventative maintenance, and repairs on HVAC, refrigeration equipment, and systems.

Troubleshoot and repair all air conditioning units, fluid coolers, split systems, direct and indirect gas-fired rooftop units, boilers, chillers, heat pumps, and mixing boxes. Troubleshoot building, waterside, and airside systems through performance analysis. Troubleshoot, repair, adjust pneumatic, electronic, and line voltage controls.

Troubleshoot and repair electrical control circuits for all types of HVAC equipment. Maintain and repair air handlers including adjustments to airflow and temperatures to achieve maximum energy efficiency and comfort level. Conduct water tests and chemically treat boiler, condenser, and chilled water systems.

Use Building Automation & Controls System (BAS/BMS) to locate system problems and take corrective action. Perform other duties as assigned. Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills Knowledge and skills for the Rail division detailed in the Building Operating Engineer classification and the following: Knowledge of workload planning and scheduling.

Three (3) or more years of journey-level work experience in the HVAC/R and/or building engineer trade(s), participation in or completion of a recognized apprenticeship program related to the trade, completion of other trade-related training courses or programs, or some combination thereof that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties required of the position. This should include experience and/or education/training with refrigeration and air conditioning equipment, boilers, gas burners, chillers, heat pumps, direct digital controls (DDC) and line voltage controls, control circuits, hydronic, balancing systems, and variable frequency drives. Knowledge and skill in maintenance and repair of refrigeration equipment.

This should include soft soldering, brazing, electrical schematic reading, equipment installation, electrical troubleshooting, calibration techniques, and an understanding of the pressure/temperature characteristics of various refrigerants and how these apply to refrigeration troubleshooting and efficient equipment operation. Knowledge and skill in maintenance and repair of gas burners. This should include calibration and tuning techniques and the function/repair/diagnosis of the various elements in the gas train.

Knowledge and skill with Direct Digital Controls (DDC) and line voltage controls. This should include the ability to read and interpret wiring diagrams, general troubleshooting techniques, and the proper use of a multimeter to diagnose problems. Knowledge and skill with preventive and predictive equipment maintenance tasks and schedules Skill in training and providing technical assistance.

Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision. Demonstrated knowledge and skill to perform energy management functions and write equipment run programs and schedules. Demonstrate behaviors that include fairness, respect, inclusiveness, integrity, and ethical conduct.

Ability to work well and respectfully with a diverse group of individuals from a variety of different positions and backgrounds. Necessary Special Requirements Current valid Washington State Driver's license and an acceptable driving record. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) CFC Certification (Chlorofluorocarbon).

City of Seattle Steam Operating Engineer Grade 3 License. City of Seattle Refrigerating Operating Engineer License. Verified completion of a recognized HVAC, operating engineer or similar apprenticeship program or equivalent hands-on experience Physical Requirements This position is required to frequently lift and carry objects up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift objects up to 100 pounds with assistance.

Frequent walking, reaching, climbing, kneeling, stooping, and safe operation of power tools are also required. Work is often performed in cramped and awkward positions. Supplemental Information Forms and Materials Required: An online King County application and completion of the supplemental questionnaire are required.

Candidates are also required to attach a copy of the following valid certifications or licenses to their applications: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) CFC Certification (Chlorofluorocarbon) City of Seattle Steam Operating Engineer Grade 3 License City of Seattle Refrigerating Operating Engineer License Selection Process Applications will be screened for completeness and qualifications. The most competitive candidates may be invited to participate a panel interview process. Employment offers will be finalized after candidates have successfully completed a physical examination, drug screens and a drug and alcohol background check as needed.

Reference checks and reviews of driving records will also be conducted prior to any final offer of employment. Safety Responsibility: Employees Responsible for understanding this policy and their role in safety Report all safety concerns Follow safety practices and procedures as necessary to maintain a safe work environment and in conformance with applicable regulations, policies, and training Report safety and security concerns and ideas to supervisors or anonymously through data collection system Union Membership This position is represented by Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU), Local 587. Class Code: 8122200 Forbes recently named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.

Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference. Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.

King County's Vision, Mission, and ACTIVATE Values unite us. King County serves residents with a relentless sense of urgency, delivering on commitments with transparency and accountability. We are action-oriented, creative problem solvers who collaborate across roles, engage directly with communities, and challenge the status quo to achieve meaningful impact.

As a unified team, we uphold high ethical and stewardship standards, embrace change, stay curious, and continuously improve. Across all interactions, we listen first, act quickly, and stay aligned as a team to earn and sustain public trust. Learn more about our Vision, Mission, and ACTIVATE Values here and visit our Why work at King County page here.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation. To Apply If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully.

If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions, please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement. #RailCareers#RailJobs #Tradesjobs. For more information about careers with Rail, please visit: kingcounty.gov/metro/RailCareers, or with this QR Code:


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About King County

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Forbes recently named King County as one of Washington State's best employers. Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play. Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce.

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Seattle, WA, US

Year founded

1852

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