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Sound Transit Light Rail Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

This is a classification performing skilled, repair and modification on all electronic and electro-mechanical systems and components found in transit light and heavy rail vehicles. Incumbents work ...

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Minimum 15 years of progressive experience in track construction, with a strong preference for street-running light rail projects. Proven track record leading transit projects valued at $300 million ...

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS This is a classification performing skilled, installation and assembly of electronic and electro-mechanical systems and components found in transit light and heavy rail vehicles.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS This is a classification performing skilled, installation and assembly of electronic and electro-mechanical systems and components found in transit light and heavy rail vehicles.

Minimum 15 years of progressive experience in track construction, with a strong preference for street-running light rail projects. Proven track record leading transit projects valued at $300 million ...

Minimum 15 years of progressive experience in track construction, with a strong preference for street-running light rail projects. Proven track record leading transit projects valued at $300 million ...

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS This is a classification performing skilled, installation and assembly of electronic and electro-mechanical systems and components found in transit light and heavy rail vehicles.

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Sound Transit Light Rail information

See California salary details

$9

$35

$73

How much do sound transit light rail jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for sound transit light rail in California is $35.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.65 and $54.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Sound Transit Light Rail?

A Sound Transit Light Rail job involves working for Sound Transit, the public agency that operates light rail services in the Puget Sound region. Positions vary from train operators and maintenance technicians to planners and administrative roles. Employees help ensure safe, efficient, and reliable transportation for commuters. Jobs often require specialized training, customer service skills, and knowledge of transit operations. Sound Transit offers competitive benefits and opportunities for career growth in public transportation.

What skills and qualifications are needed for a Sound Transit Light Rail position?

To thrive in a Sound Transit Light Rail position (such as Operator or Technician), you generally need attention to detail, mechanical aptitude, safety awareness, and relevant work experience or technical training. Familiarity with rail operation systems, signaling technology, and valid certifications such as a CDL or transit rail operator's license are commonly required. Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities are important soft skills for effectively responding to service disruptions and interfacing with colleagues and the public. These skills and credentials help ensure passenger safety, efficient rail operations, and a positive rider experience.

What are the typical challenges faced by employees in Sound Transit Light Rail roles?

Employees in Sound Transit Light Rail roles often encounter the challenge of working varied schedules, including early mornings, late nights, weekends, and holidays, to ensure reliable transit service. They may also need to respond quickly to unexpected situations such as mechanical breakdowns, passenger incidents, or service delays. Working outdoors in different weather conditions and maintaining strict adherence to safety protocols are also common aspects of the job. However, the role offers strong camaraderie among team members and the satisfaction of supporting essential public transportation in the community.

Is Sound Transit a good employer?

Sound Transit offers stable employment with competitive benefits and opportunities for career advancement. Employees in roles such as light rail operators and maintenance staff often report positive work environments and job security. However, experiences can vary based on position and individual expectations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Sound Transit Light Rail jobs in California?

The most popular types of Sound Transit Light Rail jobs in California are:

What job categories do people searching Sound Transit Light Rail jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Sound Transit Light Rail jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Sound Transit Light Rail jobs?

Cities in California with the most Sound Transit Light Rail job openings:

Infographic showing various Sound Transit Light Rail job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $73,288 per year, or $35.2 per hour.

$111K - $144K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

Job Description Are you experienced in the maintenance and repair of electrical, electronic, and communications systems. VTA is hiring Light Rail Signal Maintainers to join our Way, Power & Signal Maintenance department. The Ideal Candidate We're looking for an ideal candidate who brings extensive experience in using multi-meters, troubleshooting circuits, and a deep understanding of electrical theory.

A positive attitude, a willingness to learn, and familiarity with SCADA hardware and software are crucial. Strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, commitment to safety protocols, and knowledge of electrical construction laws and regulations are essential. The ability to interpret technical plans, blueprints, and schematics accurately, along with effective communication and collaboration skills, is a must.

What you will be doing: Definition Under general supervision, performs complex and varied advanced-journey level duties in the maintenance and repair of signaling and rail safety systems, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) hardware, software and network devices, ticket vending equipment controllers and network devices, and other electrical equipment; and performs related work as assigned. About Way, Power & Signal Maintenance Way, Power & Signal Maintenance is responsible for timely and reliable maintenance, preventive maintenance, inspections, repair and servicing of the light rail right-of-way, rail system power, tracks, signals, station facilities and related equipment. Components of the Way, Power & Signal unit are: Station & Wayside Maintenance: Station & Wayside Maintenance maintains and repairs (including graffiti removal) light rail stations, terminal buildings, restrooms, park & ride lots, landscaping, fences, guardrails, and other trackside areas.

Track Maintenance: Track Maintenance maintains (including right-of-way weed eradication, vegetation control, and graffiti removal), performs preventive maintenance, inspects, services and repairs rail, switches, ties, roadbed, and track systems. Power Maintenance: Power Maintenance maintains (including trackside right-of-way tree trimming), performs preventive maintenance, inspects, repairs, and services light rail electric power systems, including overhead, substations, lighting, and other electrical systems. Signal Maintenance: Signal Maintenance maintains, performs preventive maintenance, inspects, repairs, and services signal systems, crossing gates, fare machines, SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) controls, and station audio/video equipment.

Passenger Facilities Maintenance: Passenger Facilities Maintenance maintains, performs preventive maintenance, inspects, repairs, and services all VTA-maintained passenger facilities, including bus stops. Services include: bench installation, painting and repair, core drilling for poles at new bus stops, garbage collection, trash receptacle installation and relocation, graffiti abatement, litter removal, pressure washing, red curb painting, signage inspection, route updates, and sweeping services. Janitorial services for transit centers are provided daily through a Facilities Maintenance service contract with a third-party vendor.

Guadalupe About VTA The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority employs more than 2,000 people dedicated to providing solutions that move Silicon Valley. Unique among transportation organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area, VTA is Santa Clara County's authority for transit development and operations (light rail and bus), congestion management, transportation-related funding, highway design and construction, real estate and transit-oriented development, and bicycle and pedestrian planning. With local, state, and federal partners, VTA works to innovate the way Silicon Valley moves and provide mobility solutions for all.

Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is an independent special district that provides sustainable, accessible, community-focused transportation options that are innovative, environmentally responsible, and promote the vitality of our region. VTA provides bus, light rail, and paratransit services, as well as participates as a funding partner in regional rail service including Caltrain, Capitol Corridor, and the Altamont Corridor Express. As the county's congestion management agency, VTA is responsible for county wide transportation planning, including congestion management, design and construction of specific highway, pedestrian, and bicycle improvement projects, as well as promotion of transit oriented development.

VTA provides these services throughout the county, including Campbell, Cupertino, Gilroy, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Milpitas, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Palo Alto, San Jose, Santa Clara, Saratoga and Sunnyvale. VTA continually builds partnerships to deliver transportation solutions that meet the evolving mobility needs of Santa Clara County. As we continue to implement our VTA Forward Plan, we aim to strengthen and increase our workforce to take on future opportunities and challenges by elevating our people and our services.

For more information about our VTA Forward Plan, visit:https://www.vta.org/VTAForward Family-Friendly Workplace Certification Program (FFWCP) The County of Santa Clara FFWCP recognizes VTA as a business that creates supportive workplaces for employees and their families. Family-friendly workplaces improve health outcomes and job satisfaction for employees and increase work productivity and retention for employers. Employers can create a family-friendly workplace by meeting and exceeding state and federal employment laws relating to parental leave, lactation accommodation, and work/family balance

Essential Job Functions Typical Tasks Inspects, maintains, and repairs rail signaling and safety systems, including approach circuitry, transponders, switch controls, relays, preemptor controls and crossing gates; designs, constructs, and installs temporary interlocks and turnbacks; Monitors, maintains, modifies, installs, troubleshoots, repairs, and supports the light rail SCADA system hardware, software and LAN network devices; creates displays and alarms; uses diagnostic tools to identify and resolve network problems; Inspects, maintains, repairs, and administers Ticket Vending Machine master controllers, LAN, and network devices; Inspects, maintains, and repairs communication systems, including telephone equipment and switches, visual message boards, paging and speaker systems, and other related equipment; Maintains electrical equipment and systems, including mobility-impaired lifts, station lighting and electrical systems, and backup generator systems; Drives trucks and other vehicles; Uses and maintains tools and equipment in good working condition; Prepares and maintains reports and records of work performed; Reviews construction plans and specifications, and performs electrical inspections of new construction projects; Performs routine electrical construction duties using hand and power tools; Performs limited maintenance on light rail station elevators and escalators; May provide lead work direction and training to other employees. Minimum Qualifications Employment Standards Development of the required knowledge, skills and abilities is typically obtained through completion of a two year program at a recognized academic, trade or vocational school or completion of an apprenticeship in the trade; and three years of journey-level experience in the inspection, testing, maintenance and repair of electrical, electronic and communications systems. Supplemental Information Knowledge of: Theories, practices, methods, techniques, tools and equipment used in the installation, testing, calibration, maintenance and repair of electrical and electronic, supervisory control and communications systems, and devices applicable to a light rail system; Practices, methods, techniques, tools and equipment used in the testing, calibration, maintenance and repair of signal and safety systems; Laws, ordinances and regulations governing electrical construction; Network communications principles and standard communication hardware and devices, including servers, hubs, routers, switches, controllers, fiber optics and related equipment, multiplexors and modems; Communications network standards, protocols and wiring schemes; Standard test devices and electronic tools.

Ability to: Read and interpret plans, specifications, blue prints, schematics, and manuals; Use electronic and electrical test equipment, tools, and materials to test, diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair a wide variety of equipment, machinery, devices and systems safely and efficiently; Adapt established practices, procedures, and principles of electronic and electrical circuitry to particular problems, conditions and service needs; Prepare accurate and complete reports and records of work performed; Exercise independent judgment and initiative within established guidelines; Perform physical labor; Provide lead work direction and train others in work to be performed; Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those encountered in the course of work; Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements: Possession of a valid Class C driver's license issued by the State of California. General Application Instructions Please read this job announcement in its entirety before applying. We recommend printing or saving a copy for future reference.

To be considered, applications must be submitted online through the Human Resources department by the posted deadline. If the job posting is listed as "continuous," we encourage you to apply as soon as possible, as the posting may close without prior notice. Once your application is submitted, you will receive an immediate email confirmation.

Personalized responses to Supplemental Questions that connect your past experiences to this specific role are the most effective. AI-generated content may lack the specificity required to address the key criteria outlined in the job description. While we encourage the use of AI as a tool to enhance your work, we want to evaluate your non-AI-assisted communication skills.

You may use AI to generate ideas, but please ensure your final responses are in your own voice and reflect your unique experience. Overreliance on AI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish your chances of success. Important: Only online applications will be accepted for this recruitment.

We do not accept paper applications, resumes, Job Interest Notification Cards, or incomplete/unsubmitted applications in place of a fully completed application. Communication & Contact Information All updates regarding your application-including notices for testing and interviews-will be sent via email. Be sure to select email as your preferred method of communication and maintain a valid, up-to-date email address.

Applicants are also responsible for keeping their phone numbers and mailing addresses current in their online profiles. Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to provide individual updates. Please check your application status through your online account.

For technical support, contact NEOGOV at (855) 524-5627, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (PST), excluding holidays. Application Review & Processing All current and prior relevant work experience-including experience with VTA-must be fully detailed in the Work Experience section of your application. Entries such as "see resume" are not acceptable.

Incomplete or improperly completed applications may be rejected, even if you meet the minimum qualifications. While you are welcome to upload a resume, it does not substitute for completing the online application in full. Be sure that your application accurately reflects the education and experience necessary for the position.

Applications are reviewed throughout the recruitment process to determine whether candidates meet the minimum qualifications. Meeting these minimums or advancing through any stage does not guarantee further consideration. Any misrepresentation or falsification of qualifications, experience, education, or training may result in disqualification and/or exclusion from future employment opportunities with VTA.

This classification is represented by Service Employees International Union (SEIU). Wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment are governed by the applicable collective bargaining agreement between VTA and the union. Conditions of Employment Final candidates must successfully complete a Livescan background check, reference checks, verification of education or certifications, and a criminal history review before appointment.

For sensitive positions, VTA requires all safety-sensitive positions to have a 6-month DOT physical clearance. Obtained at the time of preboarding from a VTA-contracted Concentra Location. Eligibility List The established Eligible List from this recruitment will be used to fill the current vacancies and additional vacancies that may occur.

Eligible Lists typically remain in effect for six (6) months. However, Human Resources may abolish Eligible Lists at any time during the six (6) month period. Human Resources may extend eligible Lists for up to two (2) years.

Eligible Lists may be used for more than one recruitment. Americans with Disabilities Act Accommodations VTA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities in the recruitment and examination process. To request an accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Department at (408) 321-5575 or emailPersonnel@vta.orgat least five business days before the test

Equal Employment Opportunity VTA is an equal employment opportunity employer. VTA does not and will not tolerate discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis of age, ancestry, color, marital status, mental or physical disability, genetic information, national, origin, immigration status, political affiliation, race, religion, creed, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, medical condition, disabled veteran or veteran status, etc.