Light Rail Inspection Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $78.19 - $82.88 Hourly
Location : Multiple locations in King County, WA
Job Type: Career Service (Exec)
Job Number: 2026MA26714
Department: MTD - Metro Transit
Division: Rail
Opening Date: 03/30/2026
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: E2 : IBEW L77-Metro Transit
Full- or Part-Time: Full Time
Hours/Week: 40 hours/week
Summary
This recruitment will be used to fill multiple career service Rail Electrical Worker position vacancies. These positions perform skilled, journey-level, high-voltage electrical work (600 volts and above). Responsibilities include troubleshooting, maintaining, repairing, and upgrading rail electrical systems, as well as performing comprehensive preventive maintenance on rail electrical systems and equipment in Light Rail shops, tunnels, and other facilities.
This recruitment is looking for Rail Electrical Workers for 2nd & 3rd shifts; however, applicants must be willing and able to work any shift, including morning/day. This position has a bid process for shift and base per the IBEW contract. Shifts may change or base may change based on seniority, according to current contract.
Rail Electrical Worker Shifts & Pay:
1st Shift: 6am-2pm- $78.19/hr
2nd Shift: 2pm-10pm- $82.88/hr
3rd Shift: 10pm-6am- $82.88/hr
These positions are considered safety sensitiveApplicants for these positions are required to undergo drug testing prior to employment and subsequent to commencement of employment, will be subject to random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, return to duty, and follow-up drug and alcohol testing in compliance with Federal DOT alcohol and controlled substance testing program protocols.
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.
Are you an out of state applicant considering a career opportunity in Washington State? Explore career opportunities with King County Metro Rail and learn more about living and working in the Puget Sound region here.
Who May Apply
This position is open to all qualified applicants both internal & external.
Military veterans are encouraged to apply. Relevant Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) areas may include: Airforce: 3E0X1, Army: 21R, Coast Guard: ELC, Marine Corps: 1141, Navy: CE, 6180.
This recruitment's selection process may be used to establish an eligibility pool to fill future career service vacancies in this classification and within this division over the next year (12 months) and will be utilized at the discretion of the hiring authority.
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.
Job Duties include:

• Work safely to maintain Light Rail Overhead Contact Systems (OCS); and associated components such as messenger wire, contact wire, section insulators, pole and enclosure mounted switches, air gaps, insulated and uninsulated overlaps, poles, underground feeders, switches, electrical wiring and systems including a variety of single phase, three phase and DC systems.
• Work safely to maintain Traction Power Substations (TPSS), troubleshoot and repair all feeder cables and associated components, underground feeders, enclosed crawl space associated components, switches, electrical wiring, relays, and monitoring systems, including a variety of single phase and three phase AC and DC systems.
• Perform inspections, maintenance and upgrades of Traction Power Substations and their components such as switches, transformers, rectifiers, fuses, relays, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), batteries, chargers and associated equipment.
• Perform high voltage work and maintain and repair low voltage systems such as fire and security alarms; maintain and repair, transfer switches and uninterruptible power supplies.
• Perform high voltage tests on power cables and equipment; splice, maintain and terminate all types of low and high voltage cable; pull, rack and secure high and low voltage cables in manholes, conduits, tunnels, and vaults.
• Maintain and repair equipment in Light Rail shops, offices, park and ride lots, and tunnels.
• Flag trackway to provide safe rail work zones; set-up work-zone traffic control areas.
• Maintain and provide daily work records and complete work requests.
• Load and unload tools, materials, and equipment.
• Maintain appropriate parts stock on assigned vehicles, in substations and shops.
• Operate company assigned vehicles, including hi-rail and aerial lift equipment and perform rolling inspections from raised aerial equipment.
• Read and interpret distribution maps, feeder maps, blueprints, schematics, and other drawings.
• Plan, schedule and coordinate activities and work with other trades and divisions.
• Trim trees and other vegetation which may interfere with train movement or electrical installations.
• Pump water from vaults and manholes.
• Perform snow and ice removal.
• Respond to emergency calls as necessary.
• Inspect relevant work completed by contractors.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
Minimum Required Qualifications:

• Three (3) years of high voltage (600 volts and above) electrical maintenance work experience is required, including any hands-on experience acquired in an educational program, which provides the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge and ability required to perform the job duties.
• Washington State Journey Electrician Certificate (EL01), Journey Level Line Worker Certificate, or equivalent is required
• Knowledge of national, state, and local electrical codes and means of compliance.
• Knowledge of IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers), and APTA (American Public Transportation Association) standards.
• Knowledge and understanding of electrical theory, high voltage work and modern industrial controls.
• Knowledge of industry safety standards.
• Experience in locating underground cables; installing conduit and pull underground cable.
• Experience in the use of tools and equipment required to perform cable splicing and repair.
• Experience in safely and efficiently using electrical test equipment.
• Experience in reading and interpreting blueprints, schematics, and drawings.
• Experience in effectively communicating orally and in writing.
• Problem solving and analytical skills.
• Mechanical skills.

Necessary Special Requirements

• A valid Driver's License with an acceptable driving record. If you possess an out-of-state driver's license, you must obtain a WA state license within 30 days of hire.
• Applicants must also possess a Washington State Class "A" or Class "B" commercial driver's license (CDL) with air brake endorsement and maintain an acceptable driving record.
  • Applicants without a valid Class "A" or "B" CDL must possess a Washington State Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP), class "A" or "B" with air brake endorsement, by the time a conditional offer of employment is extended, and must be able to obtain their full Class "A" or "B" CDL with air brake endorsement, within six (6) months of hire.
    • Please note: For more information on how to obtain a CLP in Washington State, please visit
    • How to start preparing: We recommend you start preparing for the WA State Commercial Learner's Permit exam as soon as you apply. Visit the and refer to the to start studying today!
• Applicants must be able to meet on-going educational and training requirements and maintain required certifications such as Hi-Rail, Forklift, Flaggers, Aerial Lift, Confined Space, First Aid/CPR, and other certifications.

In addition to the minimum qualifications, the most competitive candidates will possess the following desired qualifications:

• Experience in maintaining Light Rail Overhead Contact System (OCS) and components.
• Experience in maintaining Traction Power Substations (TPSS) components.
• Knowledge of rail industries standards

To Apply: you must meet the minimum requirements and complete the following:

• An online King County application. Please include relevant work history going back 10 years (or more, if necessary), with all duties, dates of employment, and reasons for leaving explained clearly.
• Answer the supplemental questions in their entirety.
• Attach a Washington State Journey Electrician certificate (EL0l), Journey Level Line Worker Certificate, or equivalent.

Need Assistance?
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 Marwa Alansi, HR Talent Advisor, at
Supplemental Information
Selection Process
Applications will be screened to determine whether candidates meet minimum qualifications, and for clarity, completeness, and responsiveness to the application instructions above. Applications that are not complete may be rejected and not advanced in the process. The most competitive applicants may have their application materials blind reviewed and be invited to participate in an interview. Employment offers will be finalized only after candidates have successfully completed any necessary pre-employment checks, such as CLP/CDL verifications, reference checks or internal record reviews, a drug and alcohol test, physical examination, and a driving abstract review.
Work Schedule
This position is part of a work group that provides 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year support. This position is non-exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is therefore eligible for overtime pay at double time rate. This recruitment is looking for Rail Electrical Workers for 2nd & 3rd shifts; however, applicants must be willing and able to work any shift, including morning/day. This position has a bid process for shift and base per the IBEW contract. Shifts may change or base may change based on seniority, according to current contract.
Rail Electrical Worker Shifts & Pay:
1st Shift: 6am-2pm- $78.19/hr
2nd Shift: 2pm-10pm- $82.88/hr
3rd Shift: 10pm-6am- $82.88/hr
Work Location

• Operations & Maintenance Facility (OMF) Central at 3407 Airport Way S., Seattle, WA
• Operations & Maintenance Facility (OMF) East at 1925 120th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA
• Maintenance of Way North (MOWN) at North 137th St. Seattle, WA
• Maintenance of Way East (MOWE) at 1907 120th Ave NE, Bellevue WA
• And any future Sound Transit Link facilities

Working Environment
Work is performed both indoors and outdoors, day and night and in inclement weather. Must be able to work in crowded/tight spaces, tunnels, and aerial structures at heights.
Safety Responsibilities for an Employee

• 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: International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 77 represents this position.
Class Code: 8212100
Great BenefitsKing County provides our employees with a free transportation pass (good on most transit systems throughout the Puget Sound region). We offer a benefits package that includes competitive medical, dental and vision benefits for the whole family including state-registered domestic partner, competitive vacation, sick, holiday and executive leave plans, and participation in the State's Public Employees Retirement Plan (PERS) are provided, as well as the option of participating in the County's deferred compensation plan (a 457 plan). For more details, please see the Benefits tab on this posting.
Additional Benefits

• Clothing and Equipment Allowance Pay
• Boot Allowance
• Transit pass which is good on Metro, Pierce, Community and Sound Transit

An Employer to Be Proud Of
King County Metro Transit is a regional leader in helping people move quickly throughout the region, reducing commuter stress, greening the