Light Rail Electrification Technician — Catenary/Substation

Bi-State Development; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Bi-State Development is seeking an experienced technician to maintain and repair traction power systems for MetroLink’s rail network in St. Louis. You will install, inspect, and diagnose substations, catenary components, and switching equipment to ensure continuous operation and safety.

You will respond to incidents around the clock, assist with signal and train control functions during disruptions, and perform vegetation management near high‑voltage assets. A strong safety record is essential.

Qualifications

• Extensive journey-level electrical experience in rail/transit traction power or related high-voltage work.
• Ability to pass aptitude testing in mechanical, high-voltage electrical, and electronics—demonstrating skill with plans, schematics, manuals, and troubleshooting.
• Track record of working safely and independently while following all rules, procedures, and work instructions.
• Willingness to qualify on MetroLink Operating Rules for MOW and applicable safety rules within the set qualification period and re-qualify annually.
• Ability to obtain CPR, First Aid, and other safety credentials; Metro funds required training during normal work hours.

Responsibilities

• Install, inspect, maintain, repair, and diagnose traction power assets: substations; power return; catenary poles, foundations, and support arms; messenger/contact wire; insulators; disconnect/switching equipment; surge protection; and switch heater feeds.
• Perform safe activation/deactivation of traction power; assist with other electrical systems during emergencies and disruptions.
• Respond 24/7 to electrical incidents impacting MetroLink operations; restore service quickly and safely.
• Operate maintenance vehicles and equipment on both roadway and rail.
• During emergencies, assist on wayside signal and train control systems, including highway grade crossing warning equipment.
• Support power, lighting, and control systems at stations and along the rail corridor during disruptions.
• Trim and clear vegetation near high-voltage wires, catenary, and substations on Metro property.

Skills

Electrical work

Troubleshooting

Safety compliance

High voltage

Rail transit

Tools

Test instruments

On-track equipment

Power tools

Job description

Ready to power a city’s movement? Do you thrive around high-voltage systems? Are substations and catenary your comfort zone? Can you keep cool during service disruptions? If so, you might be the technician who keeps MetroLink’s traction power and critical rail systems online.

Core responsibilities

• Install, inspect, maintain, repair, and diagnose traction power assets: substations; power return; catenary poles, foundations, and support arms; messenger/contact wire; insulators; disconnect/switching equipment; surge protection; and switch heater feeds.
• Perform safe activation/deactivation of traction power; assist with other electrical systems during emergencies and disruptions.
• Respond 24/7 to electrical incidents impacting MetroLink operations; restore service quickly and safely.
• Operate maintenance vehicles and equipment on both roadway and rail.
• During emergencies, assist on wayside signal and train control systems, including highway grade crossing warning equipment.
• Support power, lighting, and control systems at stations and along the rail corridor during disruptions.
• Trim and clear vegetation near high-voltage wires, catenary, and substations on Metro property.

Qualifications

• Extensive journey-level electrical experience in rail/transit traction power or directly related high-voltage work.
• Ability to pass pre-interview aptitude testing in mechanical, high-voltage electrical, and electronics—demonstrating skill with plans, schematics, manuals, and troubleshooting.
• Track record of working safely and independently while following all rules, procedures, and work instructions.
• Willingness to qualify on MetroLink Operating Rules for MOW and applicable safety rules within the set qualification period and re-qualify annually.
• Ability to obtain CPR, First Aid, and other safety credentials; Metro funds required training during normal work hours.

Licenses & medical

• Valid Class A CDL (Missouri or Illinois) with required endorsements.
• Capable of meeting the role’s physical demands and passing a DOT Physical.

Safety standards

• No requirement to work on equipment or circuits energized at 600V+ during severe weather (torrential rain, hail, lightning) except for emergencies and only with proper training. Training and PPE are provided by the Agency.
• For energized work at 600V or greater, two employees will be assigned when safety is a concern. Metro supplies the necessary PPE.
• Completion of the training program and the post-training qualification period is mandatory for your job class.

Tools & environment

• Use specialized test instruments, power/hand tools, and on-track equipment to maintain electrification infrastructure.
• Work across substations, aerial catenary, stations, and right-of-way environments.

Why this role matters

Your work ensures reliable traction power and safe operations for the entire light rail network—every hour of every day.