Rail Controller Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $87,235.20 - $124,612.80 Annually
Location : Multiple locations in King County, WA
Job Type: Career Service (Exec)
Job Number: 2025MA25267
Department: MTD - Metro Transit
Division: Rail
Opening Date: 07/16/2026
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: J2 : ATU L587-Transit
Full- or Part-Time: Full Time
Hours/Week: 40 hours/week
Summary
King County Metro Transit's Rail Division has exciting opportunities for Signal and Communications Technicians! These positions will perform maintenance on railway signal and communications equipment such as motorized switch machines, vital relays, microprocessor controlled interlockings, programmable logic controllers, fiber optic links, failsafe railroad crossing equipment, stand-alone computers and power supplies.
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 recruitment is open to all qualified applicants internal and external and will be used to fill current Career Service vacancies and may be used to establish an eligibility list to fill future career service vacancies in this classification and within this division over the next twelve months.
These positions are considered safety sensitive. Applicants 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.
Application Process
To apply for this position, 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 documented completion of a Journey Level Signal Training program (FRA or Transit equivalent).

Want to make sure your application materials are as competitive as possible? We highly recommend visiting the Workforce Development Services website for tips and examples on how to make your application materials most effective:
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 malansi@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. You will:

• Conduct fault diagnosis; inspect, test, modify, maintain and repair ail way signal and communications equipment
• Inspect, repair and maintain electrical, electronic, mechanical, and hydraulic equipment including grade crossing mechanisms, switch machines, multiplexers, microprocessor controlled interlockings, vital relays, power supplies, battery systems, audio systems, and other complex machinery and equipment
• Operate common and specialized tools and equipment such as mechanical lift devices, hand tools, and electronic measurement devices
• Access aerial support structures and poles to perform inspections, maintenance and repair tasks
• Determine work priorities for emergency maintenance tasks in the absence of on-site supervision; respond to emergency calls as necessary
• Operate switch machines by hand and by Local Control Panels under revenue and non-revenue conditions
• Plan, schedule, communicate and coordinate activities and work with other trades and sections; assist other trades as necessary
• Operate assigned vehicles, including Hi-Rail and Aerial Lift equipment
• Perform snow and ice removal
• Flag trackway to provide safer ail work zones; set up work zone traffic control areas
• Record and document maintenance and diagnostic data
• Other duties as assigned

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
Minimum Qualifications:

• Two years performing Journey level work in railway signaling and communications
• Documented completion of a Journey Level Signal Training program (FRA or Transit equivalent).

Additional Qualifications include:

• Journey level knowledge of the fundamentals of railway signaling and communications
• Knowledge in analyzing and evaluating malfunctions in electrical and electronic equipment and determining repair requirements; skill in performing electronic fabrication and assembly tasks, such as soldering and wire harnessing; skill in problem solving, analyzing, diagnosing and evaluating equipment problems
• Knowledge of and skill in industrial safety techniques, including safety techniques while working at railway crossings with train and automobile traffic
• Knowledge of and skill in maintaining and troubleshooting mechanical and hydraulic equipment
• Willingness and ability to apply King County's core values around inclusion, equity and social justice as a team member and representative of King County to the public
• Skill in the application of customer service techniques and principles when dealing with customers in a tactful and diplomatic manner
• Skill in oral and written communications, including reading, writing and following instructions
• Skill in preparing written reports, inspection forms for documenting defects and repairs of work orders in designated computer programs; skill in preparing time and material cost estimates; keep accurate records
• Skill in developing and implementing preventive maintenance and safety inspection procedures
• Skill in working under established deadlines and time frames
• Skill in establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with a diverse group of individuals

Necessary Special Requirements:

• Ability to obtain Hi-Rail, Forklift, Aerial Lift, Bucket Truck, First-Aid, and/or CPR certifications (we train)
• A valid Driver's License and 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

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 candidates may be invited to participate in a panel interview. Employment offers will be finalized only after candidates have successfully passed a physical examination, drug and alcohol check, reference check, and a driver's abstract review.
Work Schedule
These positions are non-exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and are overtime eligible. Employees will work a 40-hour per week schedule. The work schedules include non- standard work hours including evenings, weekends and holidays. Schedules are based on a seniority "pick" system and includes a mix of shift types, including 5x8 and 4x10 shifts. Per the union contract shift differentials are paid to those working second and third shifts. Shift pay is 7.5% for third shift, on top of hourly pay. Per the union contract the current hourly rates are:

• Day Shift: $41.94-$59.91
• Swing/2nd Shift: $44.04-$62.91
• Graveyard/3rd Shift: $45.09-$64.40

Work Location
Employees may report to any of the following locations:

• Rail Operations and Maintenance Facility (OMF) Central: 3407 Airport Way S Seattle WA 98134
• OMF East: 1925 120th Ave NE Bellevue WA 98005
• Maintenance of Way (MOW) North: 920 North 137th ST Seattle WA 98133
• Other locations in King County that may become available in the future

Working Environment
Work indoors and outdoors and in inclement weather. Work in high places from mechanical lift devices, support structures and poles, and in a high voltage environment to perform inspections. Position requires physical skill and effort to operate tools, equipment, vehicles and supplies and may require stooping or bending motions when inspecting work.
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: This position is represented by Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU), Local 587
Class Code: 8311200 - Rail Signals and Communication Technician
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 environment and radically improving urban air quality, by providing comfortable, effective transit services for the thousands of commuters and other residents of King County, Washington. Working for Metro means working for a leader in this public transportation industry.
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? 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. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles--we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.
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.
King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:

• Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage options: King County provides eligible employees with options, so they can decide what's best for themselves and their eligible dependents
• Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
• Retirement: eligible King County employees may participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
• Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
• 12 paid holidays each year plus two personal holidays
• Generous vacation and paid sick leave
• Paid parental, family and medical, and volunteer leaves
• Flexible Spending Account
• Wellness programs
• Onsite activity centers
• Employee Giving Program
• Employee assist