Light Rail Systems Maintenance Technician

SoundTransit; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 290,163 - 887,449; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Paid time off

Retirement plans

Tuition reimbursement

Orca card

Job summary

Sound Transit is seeking a skilled technician to perform preventive maintenance, diagnose, and repair electrical, electronic, and mechanical systems on light rail vehicles and related equipment. The role requires experience with PLCs, HVAC, and high‑voltage systems, with a strong emphasis on safety and documentation.

You will work in a fast-paced environment supporting LRVs, applying mechanical and electrical principles, and ensuring system readiness for daily service.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electronics, Electrical, Mechanical Maintenance or related field required.
• Experience with light/heavy equipment repair and inspection preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret schematics and service manuals.

Responsibilities

• Perform preventive maintenance on LRVs and related systems on a regular basis.
• Diagnose, repair, and overhaul electrical, electronic, and mechanical components.
• Document maintenance and repairs for compliance and tracking.
• Ensure safety and readiness of LRVs and equipment.

Skills

Electrical maintenance

Mechanical maintenance

Troubleshooting

Reading schematics

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electronics/Electrical/Mechanical Maintenance

Tools

Welding

Job description

Salary range is $21.63/hour to $64.42/hour with a midpoint of $42.31/hour. New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint, however, we may go slightly higher based on experience, internal equity, and market.

Sound Transit also offers a competitive benefits package with a wide range of offerings, including:

• Health Benefits: Two medical plans, a dental plan, and a vision plan all at no cost for employee coverage; comprehensive benefits for employees and eligible dependents, including a spouse or domestic partner.
• Long‑Term Disability and Life Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Retirement Plans: 401(a) – 10% employee contribution match by Sound Transit; 457(b) – up to IRS maximum (employee only contribution).
• Paid Time Off: Employees accrue 25 days of paid time off annually with increases at four, eight and twelve years of service. Directors and above accrue additional days. We observe 12 paid holidays and provide up to 2 paid floating holidays and up to 2 paid volunteer days per year.
• Parental Leave: 12 weeks of leave for new parents.
• Pet Insurance discount.
• ORCA Card: All full‑time employees receive an ORCA card at no cost.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $5,000 annually for approved tuition expenses.
• Compensation Practices: Competitive salaries based on market rates and internal equity, along with work‑life balance, professional development opportunities, and peer recognition.

This posting may be used to fill multiple positions.

General Purpose

This classification involves independently performing skilled electrical, electronic, and mechanical work to diagnose, maintain, repair, rebuild, overhaul, service, inspect light rail vehicles (LRVs) and related equipment, and their electronic systems. Responsibilities include testing and repairing communication systems, surveillance equipment, and other related equipment, ensuring all LRVs and components are safe and ready.

Essential Functions

• Experience applying mechanical and electrical principles, repair methods, standards, and practices found in a journey‑level skilled trades position.
• Perform preventative maintenance on LRVs, scheduled or required on a regular basis, including daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual maintenance on all systems such as 3‑phase inverters, battery chargers, CCTV, high‑speed circuit breakers, doors, brakes, carbody, lights, warning systems, bridge plates, propulsion systems, hydraulics, and locomotion.
• Inspect, correct, and troubleshoot daily on all systems pertaining to Skoda & Brookville light rail vehicles. Document maintenance and repairs/adjustments for tracking and compliance.
• Demonstrate skill in AC/DC systems, analog and digital electronics, electronic control circuitry, HVAC, lighting, motors, brakes, and related systems.
• Use portable test equipment, bench workstations, tools, parts, and supply manuals needed for repair, maintenance, and installation of electrical, electronic, and mechanical systems.
• Read and interpret schematics, maintenance manuals, repair manuals, service bulletins, and specifications.
• Perform heavy overhauls including traction motors, gearboxes, control groups, trucks, door mechanisms, brake actuators, air compressors, and HVAC systems.
• Maintain Overhead Contact System (OCS), including overhead lines, underground feeders, switches, electrical wiring, and related components.
• Perform maintenance and upgrades of OCS components such as messenger wire, contact wire, insulators, poles, switches, and related equipment.
• Inspect, maintain, and upgrade substations and components such as switches, transformers, rectifiers, fuses, relays, PLCs, batteries, chargers, and the LRV shop stinger system.
• Safely use electrical test equipment (digital multimeter, low‑resistance ohm meter, insulation tester, high‑pot tester) and ground electrical equipment.
• Perform high‑voltage hot‑line work and maintain/repair low‑voltage systems such as fire and security alarms, transfer switches, UPS, and high‑voltage cable tests.
• Read blueprints, schematics, and drawings for maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Program and troubleshoot PC, PLC, and micro‑processor‑based control systems.
• Operate power switches and breakers under the direction of the Operations Control Center.
• Wear required personal protective equipment, including fire‑retardant clothing and arc‑flash protection suits.
• Trim vegetation that interferes with train movement or electrical installations.
• Set up work zone traffic control areas and flag trackway to provide safe rail work zones.
• Conduct component and system fault diagnosis, inspection, testing, modification, maintenance, and repair of assigned equipment and systems.
• Respond to emergency situations and prioritize work for emergency maintenance tasks without on‑site supervision.
• Operate switch machines under revenue and non‑revenue conditions.
• Operate specialized tools and equipment for inspection, maintenance, and repair tasks.
• Perform welding repair of track components to the AWS 15.2 standard.
• Apply knowledge of codes and compliance requirements for light rail or streetcar track.
• Inspect contractor repair and provide oversight.
• Diagnose, inspect, test, modify, maintain, and repair signal and communication equipment.
• Maintain electrical, electronic, mechanical, and hydraulic equipment such as switch machines, spring switches, correspondence signals, multiplexers, interlocking, relays, PCs, power supplies, batteries, variable message signs, train‑to‑wayside communication devices, display systems, and other complex machinery.
• Operate switch machines by hand and via local control panels under revenue and non‑revenue conditions.
• Fabricate tools, parts, components, and systems for LRV, TPSS, OCS, ROW, TWC, signals, signage, safety equipment, security, and fire alarm equipment. Audit and track parts inventory, research and contact manufacturers, and ensure documentation for bids and part replacements.
• Coordinate emergency response, accident investigations for vehicles, LRVs, equipment, and injuries. Liaise with police and fire departments and manage hazardous material spill clean‑up activities.
• Perform unscheduled repairs or replacements of damaged fixtures and roadway surfaces on the right‑of‑way, including drain grates, concrete defects, electrical vault covers, standalone wayside signs, switch machine covers, and signal lighting.
• Perform re‑railing of equipment and LRV recovery techniques.
• Support coordination of accident and incident response and investigations.
• Provide additional support to the division or department on directed matters; serve on committees, prepare and present staff reports, and attend professional group meetings.
• Champion and model Sound Transit’s core values and demonstrate values‑based behaviors in all interactions.
• Contribute to a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion in alignment with Sound Transit’s Equity & Inclusion Policy.
• Adhere to all safety rules, regulations, and procedures for assigned duties, including systems, operations, and tools.
• Integrate sustainability into everyday business practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Electronics, Electrical, Mechanical Maintenance and Repair, or a closely related field. Or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Four years of experience in performing repair and maintenance of light/heavy equipment, troubleshooting electrical systems, and conducting equipment inspections—preferably with light rail vehicles and equipment.

Additional Demands/Requirements

This position is considered safety‑sensitive. It requires a DOT physical meeting the standard for at least a one‑year certification under 49 CFR 391.4, recertification as needed, and a negative drug test. Drug and alcohol testing follows Federal regulations 49 CFR Part 655: random, post‑accident, reasonable suspicion, return to duty, and follow‑up testing in compliance with Federal Transit Authority DOT protocols.

Required Licenses or Certifications

• Valid state driver’s license with no more than one violation in the past 12 months (excluding DUI and reckless driving). DOT clearance is required.
• Valid Washington State CDL class B commercial license or the ability to obtain one within six months of hire.
• HVAC or EPA Certification.

Required Knowledge and Skills

• Work independently for extended periods.
• Knowledge of light rail vehicle maintenance and repair operations.
• Current methods, equipment, tools and materials for preventive maintenance of light rail vehicles.
• Perform preventive maintenance inspections and diagnostic troubleshooting.
• Principles of electrical, mechanical, and electronic theory.
• Fabrication work methods, materials, equipment, and tools.
• Basic shop mathematics.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
• Record‑keeping principles and business letter writing.
• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Modern office procedures and computer applications (word processing, spreadsheets, databases).
• Use of personal computer software for spreadsheets and reports.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with staff, management, vendors, and communities.
• Interpret and administer policies and procedures.
• Diagnose mechanical and electrical repair needs and conduct repairs on light rail vehicles.
• Operate mechanical equipment safely.
• Perform welding and fabrication duties (SMAW, FCAW, GMAW, TIG).
• Conduct safety inspections and identify hazards.
• Perform accident/incident prevention and investigation.
• Interpret and apply operating and repair manuals.
• Apply federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations.
• Maintain repair and maintenance records.
• Respond to inquiries and communicate orally and in writing.
• Apply project management techniques.
• Collaborate with departments, agency officials, and external agencies.

Physical Demands / Work Environment

• Work performed in hybrid, field, shop, warehouse, and office environments.
• Field work may expose personnel to dangerous machinery, extreme weather, hazardous chemicals, and high noise levels.
• Position requires maintaining light rail vehicles with tools and parts, involving bending, climbing, crawling, hand‑eye coordination, grasping, hearing, kneeling, pushing, pulling, reaching, repetitive motion, sitting, standing, talking, seeing, walking, and carrying/lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Position requires on‑call availability, including nights and weekends.
• Agency promotes a safe and healthy work environment and provides required safety training and equipment.

Sound Transit is an equal employment opportunity employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment action 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.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Protected Veterans / Individuals with Disabilities

For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.