Rail Car Technician

City of Charlotte; United States; On-site; USD 41,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Charlotte seeks Rail Car Technicians to perform preventive and corrective maintenance on Siemens Light Rail Vehicles. Shifts include daytime, evening, and night with two maintenance shops and a focus on safe, reliable, and clean rail vehicles for daily revenue service.

The role requires completing RCM Technician training, working with diverse teams, and being available for various shifts including holidays and weekends. Physical strength and adherence to safety standards are essential.

Qualifications

• Must be able to lift and carry at least 60 lbs.
• Must be able to manipulate 100 lbs.
• Must be able to stand and walk on uneven surfaces while working.
• Must be able to work in various positions and conditions (sitting, bending, twisting, kneeling, reaching, crouching, prone/supine).
• Must be able to work at heights on platforms and man lifts.
• Must be able to work in pits and under heavy equipment.
• Must wear Personal Protective Equipment and Safety gear.
• Must be available to work various shifts; holidays; nights and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Performs maintenance as outlined by Rail Operations Maintenance; uses standard tools provided by the department.
• Adheres to Rail Car Maintenance standards, policies, and procedures for day‑to‑day operations.
• Collaborates with Rail Car Maintenance team and related departments to ensure rail vehicles are safe and ready for daily revenue service.
• Maintains, troubleshoots, and repairs propulsion, braking, HVAC, automatic train protection, doors, power, pneumatics and hydraulics, and related systems.
• Responds to rail system emergencies affecting service and safety.
• Renders remedial actions to return rail vehicles to yard and restore service.
• Performs acceptance and pre‑service testing on new rail vehicles and multi‑system testing as required.
• Complies with safety regulations (CATS, OSHA, FTA, FRA, NCDOT).
• Supports safety culture and reports safety concerns as outlined in the ASP.

Job description

Department: Charlotte Area Transit System Department Salary: $29.71 - $42.70 Commensurate with Experience

Thank you for your interest in joining the team that keeps Charlotte moving, at a very exciting time for our organization. At the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS), we’re committed to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative transit services for our growing community, and we value employees who bring professionalism, passion, and a commitment to public service. This position is currently employed by CATS, a department of the City of Charlotte. With the passage of the PAVE Act and last year’s sales tax referendum, CATS is preparing to transition from a City department to the newly created Metropolitan Public Transit Authority (MPTA). The MPTA was established to strengthen regional transit governance, improve accountability, and support long‑term investment in mobility. It’s an important and exciting step forward for transit in our region. Employees hired into this role will remain City employees through December 31, 2026, and will transition to MPTA employment on January 1, 2027. Benefits and compensation will follow City provisions through 2026 and shift to MPTA provisions in 2027, with clear information shared in advance. Your core duties, reporting structure, and daily responsibilities will remain consistent, with no break in service. If anything delays the transition, your City employment, including compensation and benefits, will remain in place until the move to the MPTA occurs. The creation of the MPTA positions us for a more modern, sustainable, and efficient transit system, one that can better support the Charlotte region for decades to come. We’re excited about what’s ahead and appreciate your interest in being part of it.

SUMMARY

Rail Car Technicians perform preventive and corrective maintenance on Siemens Light Rail Vehicles. Maintenance services are provided seven days a week, during the daytime, evening, and night shifts. Rail Car Maintenance operates two shops. It is necessary to complete the RCM Technician training successfully. After training, personnel will perform recommended preventative and corrective maintenance on rail transit vehicles. Besides assisting light rail operations, streetcar operations, wayside operations, and public safety, the incumbent may also act in a support capacity for other departments. Must be available to work various shifts; holidays; nights and weekends.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs maintenance as outlined by the Rail Operations Maintenance. Must maintain the standard tools of the trade, and the department will provide all specialty tools.
• Technicians follow and adhere to all Rail Car Maintenance standards, policies, and procedures applicable to the day‑to‑day operations of the rail cars and revenue service.
• Work with all Rail Car Maintenance workforce members and related vocations and departments to provide safe, reliable, and clean rail vehicles ready for daily revenue service.
• Maintains, troubleshoots, and repairs all systems related to rail vehicle systems such as propulsion, braking, HVAC, automatic train protection, doors, auxiliary power, power collection, pneumatics and hydraulics, trucks, car body, and all maintenance and emergency support equipment using all the necessary tools and equipment to accomplish tasks.
• Responds to rail system emergencies that involve significant service delays and serious vehicle accidents.
• Renders whatever remedial action is needed to retrieve rail vehicles back to the yard and restore service.
• Performs acceptance testing and pre‑service testing of newly acquired rail vehicles as well as needed multi‑system tests as required.
• Complies with all safety regulations by CATS, OSHA, FTA, FRA, and NCDOT.
• All other job‑related duties as assigned. As part of your responsibility to support the CATS Safety Culture, report safety concerns and issues through the various methods established by CATS as outlined in the ASP.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Ability to lift and carry at least 60 lbs. Must be able to manipulate 100 lbs. Must be able to stand and walk on uneven surfaces while working. Must be able to work while in the following positions or conditions: sitting, bending, twisting, kneeling, reaching, crouching, lying down prone or supine, at shoulder level or above, or any combination listed above. Must be able to work at heights on platforms and man lifts. Must be able to work in pits and under lifted heavy equipment. Must be able to work in all required Personal Protective Equipment and Safety gear. Must be able to work in the assigned uniform approved by CATS. Must be available to work various shifts; holidays; nights and weekends.

Sensory Requirements

NOTE: Employees must have the following sensory requirements: Speech Touch Hearing Vision‑20/20 or correctable to 20/20 (near, distance and peripheral)

Special Provisions

This position is considered “Safety Sensitive” under FTA guidelines. Candidates/ Employees must pass pre‑employment drug test and will be subject to random drug and alcohol testing under FTA guidelines. Candidates must pass a 9‑month probationary period. Candidates may be required to acquire and maintain a Commercial Driver’s License depending upon the needs of CATS.

Disclaimer

This position description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

A high school diploma or GED supplemented by a degree or certificate in the following fields: Mechanical engineering Electrical engineering Electrical technology Industrial technology Machinist certificate Military Training (mechanical or electrical) Proof of completion of electrical or electronics from the Armed Forces Two years of experience repairing any of the following systems: electrical, electronic, and electro‑mechanical systems.

Minimum Qualifications

High school graduation or equivalent and three years relevant work experience OR Associate's Degree and one year relevant work experience This position is considered a security and safety sensitive position and will be subject to random drug and alcohol testing under FTA guidelines as well as all procedures and guidelines in alignment with the City of Charlotte and CATS Drug and Alcohol Policies.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

The City’s Background Check Policy requires background checks to be conducted on final internal or external candidate(s) applying for any position with the City of Charlotte. The type of information that will be collected as part of a background check includes, but is not limited to: reference checks, social security verification, education verification, criminal conviction record check, and, if applicable, a credit history check, sex offender registry and motor vehicle records check. Background checks must be in compliance with all federal and state statutes, such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The checks must be consistent with the guidelines set forth by these laws requiring organizations to obtain a candidate’s written authorization before obtaining a criminal background report, motor vehicle records check or credit report; and to properly store and dispose of information derived from such reports. Final candidates must pass a pre‑employment drug‑screening test and physical examination. During the selection process, candidates may be asked to take a skills test, and/or participate in other assessments.

The City of Charlotte is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation or on the basis of actual or perceived gender as expressed through dress, appearance, and behavior. Our culture is to serve the community honorably.

BENEFITS

The City of Charlotte provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees.

The City of Charlotte is a drug and alcohol-free workplace. Our City, Our Mission When you join the City of Charlotte, you become part of Team Charlotte — a dedicated group of professionals working together to make a meaningful impact on our community and its future. The City of Charlotte has more than 8,000 employees working across 19 departments to serve close to 1 million residents. From public safety and clean water to transportation, housing and an international airport, our teams deliver essential services to keep Charlotte connected, safe and empowered with opportunity for all. As public servants, we are guided by a clear mission: to be committed to exceptional service every day. No matter the department or role, every team member plays a part in helping our city grow, thrive and meet the needs of those who rely on us. We are a values-driven organization, working collaboratively, acting with integrity and delivering reliable results. We embrace a forward-thinking mindset, encouraging curiosity, innovation and continuous improvement. The City of Charlotte is committed to making our services and programs accessible to all. Upon request, auxiliary aids, written materials in alternate formats, language access, and other reasonable accommodations or modifications will be provided. To make a request, please fill out the Innovation & Technology ADA request form or call 704.336.4120.

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