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Light Rail Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

STV Incorporated

OCS Engineering Specialist

Lake Oswego, OR · On-site

$79K - $102K/yr

Support the design and development of Overhead Contact Systems (OCS) for light rail, commuter rail, high-speed rail, and heavy rail projects. * Prepare OCS plans, profiles, details, and construction ...

STV

OCS Engineering Specialist

Lake Oswego, OR · On-site

$79K - $102K/yr

Support the design and development of Overhead Contact Systems (OCS) for light rail, commuter rail, high-speed rail, and heavy rail projects. * Prepare OCS plans, profiles, details, and construction ...

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Light Rail information

See Oregon salary details

$22

$27

$32

How much do light rail jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for light rail in Oregon is $27.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.43 and $28.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Light Rail Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Light Rail Operator, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid driver’s license, and strong knowledge of transportation safety regulations. Familiarity with train control systems, signaling equipment, and fare collection technology is important, and some positions may require completion of specialized transit operator training or certification. Excellent communication skills, situational awareness, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help operators stand out. These skills and qualifications are essential to ensure passenger safety, maintain efficient operations, and provide reliable public transit service.

What are light rail operators?

Light rail operators are trained professionals who drive and manage the operation of light rail transit vehicles, which run on tracks typically in urban areas. Their responsibilities include safely transporting passengers, adhering to schedules, operating controls, monitoring track signals, and assisting passengers as needed. They also perform pre-trip inspections and handle emergency situations if they arise. Light rail operators play a crucial role in providing efficient and reliable public transportation in many cities.

What is the difference between Light Rail vs Bus Operator?

AspectLight RailBus Operator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, valid driver's license, sometimes specialized certificationsHigh school diploma, valid driver's license, commercial driver's license (CDL) often preferred
Work EnvironmentOperate on fixed rail tracks, often in urban areas, with scheduled routesOperate on roads and streets, flexible routes, often in various traffic conditions
Industry UsagePublic transit agencies, urban transportation systemsPublic transit, private transportation companies, school districts

Both Light Rail and Bus Operators work in public transportation, requiring similar licensing and safety certifications. Light Rail operators typically work on fixed tracks within urban transit systems, offering a more predictable environment. Bus Operators drive on roads with variable traffic, providing flexible routes. Understanding these differences helps job seekers choose the right career path in public transit.

What are some common challenges faced by Light Rail Operators, and how can new hires prepare for them?

Light Rail Operators often encounter challenges such as adhering to strict schedules, maintaining passenger safety during peak hours, and managing unexpected delays or technical issues. New hires can prepare by familiarizing themselves with the transit system’s safety protocols, practicing effective communication with both passengers and dispatchers, and staying calm under pressure. Additionally, being attentive to signals and learning to troubleshoot minor issues quickly can help operators handle daily responsibilities more confidently and efficiently.
What are popular job titles related to Light Rail jobs in Oregon? For Light Rail jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Light Rail jobs in Oregon look for? The top searched job categories for Light Rail jobs in Oregon are:
What cities in Oregon are hiring for Light Rail jobs? Cities in Oregon with the most Light Rail job openings:
Light Rail jobs near you
Infographic showing various Light Rail job openings in Oregon as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,379 per year, or $27.1 per hour.

OCS Engineering Specialist

STV Incorporated

Lake Oswego, OR • On-site

$79K - $102K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

STV is seeking an OCS Engineering Specialist to join our growing Systems Department in our Lake Oswego, OR office. This is an exciting opportunity for an early- to mid-career engineer who is passionate about rail and transit electrification and wants to contribute to transformative transportation programs throughout the Pacific Northwest and across the country.
The successful candidate will support the planning, design, analysis, and delivery of Overhead Contact System (OCS) infrastructure for light rail, commuter rail, heavy rail, and other electrified transportation projects.
Position Overview
The OCS Engineering Specialist will work as part of a multidisciplinary rail systems team supporting the design and implementation of overhead contact and catenary systems for transit and railroad projects. This individual will contribute to engineering analyses, design calculations, plan production, specifications, and construction support activities while working alongside senior OCS, traction power, track, structures, and systems professionals.
This role is ideal for an engineer with 2-6 years of OCS, transportation electrification, structural, civil, or electrical systems experience seeking long-term growth in the rail and transit industry.
Key Responsibilities
  • Support the design and development of Overhead Contact Systems (OCS) for light rail, commuter rail, high-speed rail, and heavy rail projects.
  • Prepare OCS plans, profiles, details, and construction documents.
  • Perform engineering calculations related to:
    • Catenary geometry
    • Wire tensions
    • Pole and foundation loading
    • Support structures
    • Clearances and system interfaces
  • Assist in the development of OCS support structures including:
    • Cantilevers
    • Portals
    • Headspans
    • Bracket assemblies
  • Prepare technical specifications, design reports, cost estimates, and engineering studies.
  • Coordinate OCS designs with track, traction power, civil, structural, signals, communications, and construction teams.
  • Support field investigations, condition assessments, and site inspections.
  • Participate in construction support activities including shop drawing reviews, RFI responses, and field issue resolution.
  • Assist with testing, commissioning, and startup activities for rail electrification systems.
  • Maintain compliance with AREMA, APTA, IEEE, client-specific, and applicable regulatory requirements.
  • Participate in QA/QC reviews and engineering coordination meetings.
  • Support project managers in maintaining project schedules, budgets, and technical deliverables.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
  • 2-6 years of relevant engineering experience in one or more of the following:
    • Overhead Contact Systems (OCS)
    • Rail electrification
    • Traction power
    • Utility or power systems
    • Structural engineering
    • Transportation infrastructure
  • Working knowledge of engineering principles related to overhead contact systems and supporting infrastructure.
  • Experience preparing engineering drawings and design documents.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Strong analytical, organizational, and technical problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary project teams.
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Exposure to rail, transit, commuter rail, or transportation infrastructure projects.
  • Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification with a goal of obtaining a Professional Engineer (PE) license.
  • Knowledge of software for support structure analysis (RISA, MathCAD)
  • Experience using one or more of the following:
    • AutoCAD
    • MicroStation
    • OpenRail
    • Bentley products
    • ProjectWise
  • Familiarity with:
    • OCS structural support systems
    • AC and DC traction power systems
    • Utility coordination
    • Construction support and commissioning activities
  • Experience performing field inspections or construction oversight.
  • Understanding of AREMA and APTA standards.

Key Competencies
  • OCS Engineering & Design
  • Rail Electrification Systems
  • Technical Analysis & Calculations
  • Multidisciplinary Coordination
  • Construction Support
  • Engineering Documentation
  • Problem Solving & Innovation
  • Quality Assurance / Quality Control
  • Communication & Collaboration

Compensation Range:
$79,979.92 - $102,831.32
STV offers the following benefits • Health insurance, including an option with a Health Savings Account • Dental insurance • Vision insurance • Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare, Dependent Care and Transit and Parking where applicable) • Disability insurance • Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment • 401(k) Plan • Retirement Counseling • Employee Assistance Program • Paid Time Off (starting at 16 days) • Paid Holidays (9 days) • Back-Up Dependent Care (up to 10 days per year) • Parental Leave (up to 80 hours) • Continuing Education Program • Professional Licensure and Society Memberships
STV is committed to paying all of its employees in a fair, equitable, and transparent manner. The listed pay range is STV's good-faith salary estimate for this position. Please note that the final salary offered for this position may be outside of this published range based on many factors, including but not limited to geography, education, experience, and/or certifications.
Not sure this role is the perfect match? We encourage you to apply if STV's work and values resonate with you. We know great candidates don't always meet every qualification, and research shows women and people of color are less likely to apply unless they do. At STV, we believe strong talent comes from a wide range of backgrounds, and your skills and experience may align with this or another opportunity as we continue to grow.

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