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Sound Transit Light Rail Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

OCS Engineering Specialist

Lake Oswego, OR ยท On-site

$79K - $102K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... 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.

OCS Engineering Specialist

Lake Oswego, OR

$79K - $102K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... 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.

OCS Engineering Specialist

Lake Oswego, OR ยท On-site

$79K - $102K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... 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.

Transit Planner

Portland, OR ยท Hybrid

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

In the Seattle/Puget Sound market, strong transit talent has options. At STV, this role offers the ... Contribute to the delivery of a wide range of transit planning assignments, including rail and bus ...

COTA - Travel Contract

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$1.5K/wk

  • Medical

  • Retirement

The area supports an urban, active lifestyle with easy access to Forest Park (over 5,000 acres, one of the largest urban forests) and a robust public transit system including MAX Light Rail and ...

COTA - Travel Contract

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$1.5K/wk

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Portland's Pearl District and Alberta Arts District provide galleries, dining, and local events, while the MAX Light Rail and Portland Streetcar support convenient transit across the city. The ...

Physical Therapist - Travel Contract

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$1.7K - $2.2K/wk

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Portland International Airport is about 10 miles from central Portland, and the MAX light rail provides transit access across the metro area. EEO Statement Jackson Healthcare and its family of ...

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Showing results 1-20

Sound Transit Light Rail information

See Oregon salary details

$9

$35

$75

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

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for sound transit light rail in Oregon is $35.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.98 and $55.86 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

How do you become a Sound Transit Light Rail driver?

To become a Sound Transit Light Rail driver, applicants typically need a valid driver's license, a high school diploma or equivalent, and a clean driving record. Candidates must complete a training program that includes classroom instruction and on-the-job training, and pass written and practical exams to obtain necessary certifications. Prior experience in operating vehicles or transit systems can be beneficial.

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.

Is Sound Transit a good employer?

Sound Transit offers stable employment with competitive benefits and opportunities for career advancement in public transportation. Employees often cite a positive work environment, though job satisfaction can vary by role and department. It is important to consider specific job requirements and workplace culture when evaluating employment at Sound Transit.

What are popular job titles related to Sound Transit Light Rail jobs in Oregon?

For Sound Transit Light Rail jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Sound Transit Light Rail job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $74,649 per year, or $35.9 per hour.

OCS Engineering Specialist

STV Inc.

Lake Oswego, OR โ€ข On-site

$79K - $102K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 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.