Rail Electrical Worker Programmer

King County, Washington; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 119,000 - 126,000; Full time

Job summary

King County Metro Rail Division is seeking a skilled Rail Electrical Worker to test and maintain software for traction electrification systems, including control software and interfaces for traction power distribution. You will collaborate with engineers and project teams to ensure safe, reliable operations across rail and transit assets.

Ideal candidates bring 3+ years in rail electrical work, experience with SCADA, real-time control, and programming in C/C++, Python or ladder logic.

Qualifications

• Minimum three (3) years of experience as a Rail Electrical Worker.
• Experience in software deployment for traction electrification, railway systems, or industrial automation.
• Experience with SCADA systems, real-time control systems, or embedded software development.
• Proficiency in debugging real-time and embedded software.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as C, C++, Python, or ladder logic for PLCs.
• Ability to analyze complex technical requirements.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work around hazardous materials.
• Ability to work at heights and in confined spaces.
• Knowledge of reading blueprints, schematics, and drawings.
• Knowledge of electrical theory, high voltage, and modern industrial controls.
• Knowledge of related laws, codes, and regulations.
• Occupational hazards and safety precautions in electrical trades.
• Ability to engage with diverse cultures and backgrounds.
• Ability to work independently and as a team.

Responsibilities

• Test and maintain software for traction electrification systems.
• Program control systems, monitoring software, and interfaces for traction power distribution.
• Collaborate with electrical engineers, system integrators, and project teams.
• Promote safety culture and high standards of customer service.
• Communicate effectively with diverse employee groups.

Skills

Rail electrical work

SCADA systems

Real-time control

Embedded software

C/C++/Python

Reading blueprints

Safety awareness

Communication

Teamwork

Hazardous materials handling

Education

Washington State Journey Electrician Certificate or equivalent

Washington State Class “B” CDL with air brake endorsement

Hi-Rail certification and other required certifications

Job description

* This position is open to all King County employees and the general public. *

These positions are responsible for testing and maintaining software for traction electrification systems used in railway and transit applications. This role focuses on programming control systems, monitoring software, and interfaces for traction power distribution, ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable operation of electrified rail systems. The REW Programmer collaborates with electrical engineers, system integrators, and project teams to deliver software solutions that meet industry standards and project requirements.

The ideal candidate for this position will be able to communicate effectively with a diverse employee work group, proactively solve problems that impact service delivery, and encourage a safety culture while inspiring high standards of customer service excellence, as well as the ability to motivate employees through building respect and trust.

About Metro Transit's Expanding Rail Division

King County Metro's Rail Division manages and maintains Sound Transit's Link Light Rail, a growing network spanning 60 miles and serving 38 stations across the Puget Sound region. Together with Metro's extensive fixed-route bus system and mobility services, the Link Light Rail system is the backbone of an integrated regional transit network that gives people real freedom of movement. As Puget Sound transit agencies work together to build a seamless, connected system, our light rail system plays a central role in expanding access, reducing barriers, and ensuring that everyone across our region can get where they need to go. Joining Metro's Rail Division means joining an organization that is shaping the future of public transportation in the Pacific Northwest and setting the standard for modern rail operations nationwide. This is a division that values strategic thinking, collaborative leadership, and a deep commitment to the people we serve, both our riders and our teams. Whatever your role, your work here contributes to something that matters, a light rail system that thousands of people count on every day.

If you are an out of state applicant considering a career opportunity in Washington State, explore career opportunities with King County Metro Rail and learn more about living and working in the Puget Sound region.

Who May Apply

This position is open to King County employees and the general public, although current members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Local 77, who apply within the initial five (5) working days of this posting will be given first consideration.

Current Hourly Rates

• 1st Shift (Day): $86.20
• 2nd Shift (Swing) & 3rd Shift (Graveyard): $91.37

Anticipated Timelines

This posting will remain open until filled. Initial application review will be conducted 14 days following the posting date of this announcement, or on or after November 16, 2026. Applications received after that date will be reviewed on a weekly basis. Interviews will be scheduled with selected candidates beginning the week of November 30, 2026, and ongoing thereafter until the position is filled.

Need to make sure your application materials are as competitive as possible?

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Workforce Development - King County, Washington

Work Schedule

This position is full time, assigned 40 hours per week. Work schedule may include non-standard work hours including evenings, weekends and holidays as needed. This position is non-exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is therefore overtime eligible, with prior supervisory approval.

Safety Sensitive

These positions are considered safety‑sensitive. Applicants for positions defined as safety‑sensitive are required to undergo drug testing prior to employment and, subsequent to the commencement of employment, will be subject to random, post‑accident, reasonable suspicion, return to duty and follow‑up drug and alcohol testing in compliance with Federal DOT alcohol and controlled substances testing program protocols.

Union Membership

This position is represented by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 77.

Work Location

• 2505 S 320th St, Federal Way, WA 98003
• Maintenance of Way North (MOWN) 920 N 137th St Seattle, WA
• Operations & Maintenance Facility (OMF) Central at 3407 Airport Way S., Seattle, WA.
• Operations & Maintenance Facility (OMF) East at 1925 120th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA.
• And any future Sound Transit Link facilities.

CLASS CODE / PAY GRADE

8216100/ 45

Safety Responsibilities for an Employee

• Responsible for understanding this policy and their role in safety.
• Report all safety concerns.
• Follow safety practices and procedures as necessary to maintain a safe work environment and in conformance with applicable regulations, policies, and training.
• Report safety and security concerns and ideas to supervisors or anonymously through data collection system.

Application & Selection Process

Applications will be screened to determine whether candidates meet minimum qualifications, and for clarity, completeness, and responsiveness to the application instructions above. Highly competitive applicants may be asked to interview. Formal offers will be finalized after candidates have successfully completed any necessary pre‑employment processes, such as reference checks or internal record reviews.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum three (3) years of experience as a Rail Electrical Worker.
• Experience in software deployment, preferably for traction electrification systems, railway systems, or industrial automation.
• Experience with SCADA systems, real‑time control systems, or embedded software development.
• Proficiency in debugging real‑time and embedded software.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as C, C++, Python, or ladder logic for PLCs.
• Ability to analyze complex technical requirements.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and attention to detail.
• Strong communication skills to collaborate with technical and non-technical team members.
• Ability to work around hazardous materials.
• Ability to work at heights from ladders, scaffolding, and aerial equipment, and in confined spaces.
• Knowledge of required safety techniques and procedures for establishing maintenance work sites.
• Knowledge and understanding of reading and interpreting blueprints, schematics, and drawings.
• Knowledge and understanding of electrical theory, high voltage work, and modern industrial controls.
• Knowledge of related laws, codes, and regulations.
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions associated with electrical trades.
• Ability to effectively engage in and sustain relationships with people from diverse cultures and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member.

Necessary Special Requirements

• Washington State Journey Electrician Certificate (EL01), or Journey Line Worker Certificate, or equivalent, is required.
• A valid Driver's License with an acceptable driving record. If you possess an out-of-state driver’s license, you must obtain a WA state license within 30 days of hire.
• Applicants must also possess a Washington State Class “B” commercial driver’s license (CDL) with air brake endorsement and maintain an acceptable driving record.
  • Applicants without a valid Class “B” CDL must possess a Washington State Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP), class “B” with air brake endorsement, by the time a conditional offer of employment is extended, and must be able to obtain their full Class “B” CDL with air brake endorsement, within six (6) months of hire.
    • Please note: For more information on how to obtain a CLP in Washington State, please visit DOL CLP Testing.
    • How to start preparing: We recommend you start preparing for the WA State Commercial Learner's Permit exam as soon as you apply. Visit the DOL's Website and refer to the CDL guide to start studying today!
• Applicants must be able to meet on-going educational and training requirements and maintain required certifications such as Hi-Rail, Forklift, Flaggers, Aerial Lift, Confined Space, First Aid/CPR, and other certifications.

Guided by our “True North”, we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles--we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.

KING COUNTY IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO) EMPLOYER:

No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities 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. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.

For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact: Ebony Ware, Human Resource Analyst, at [e-mail].

Forbes recently named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.

Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.

Applying our ACTIVATE values: being Accountable, Collaborative, Timely, and Impactful; how we Value Employees; staying Accessible; building what’s Trusted; and acting Equitably, is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County employees.