Rail Power Controller

King County Metro Transit; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

King County Metro Transit’s Rail Division is seeking five full-time Rail Power Controllers to coordinate deactivation requests for overhead catenary and electrical infrastructure. They will monitor the power distribution network via SCADA, identify irregularities, and resolve real-time issues to ensure safe, reliable service.

Responsibilities include supporting incident response and helping to dispatch power across AC/DC systems to maintain system stability and safety for riders and teams.

Qualifications

• Two+ years experience in journey-level electrical trades on systems over 600 volts.
• Alternatively, two+ years as an electrical engineer or comparable experience.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and facilitate deactivation requests for routine maintenance of overhead catenary and electrical infrastructure.
• Monitor the power distribution network using SCADA; identify irregularities and respond in real time.
• Resolve emergent operational and maintenance issues to maintain system stability and safety.
• Support incident response and load dispatching across AC and DC systems.

Skills

SCADA monitoring

Power distribution understanding

Load dispatching

Emergency response

Education

Two years journeyman electrical trades experience

Electrical engineer background or equivalent

Job description

King County Metro Transit’s Rail Division has an exciting opportunity for five (5) full-time, career service Rail Power Controllers. These positions will coordinate and facilitate deactivation requests for both routine and emergency maintenance of overhead catenary and electrical infrastructure. They’ll will play a critical role in managing load dispatching across AC and DC systems to ensure continuous, efficient service.

The Rail Power Controllers are responsible for monitoring the power distribution network using Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, identifying and responding to system irregularities, and resolving emergent operational and maintenance issues in real time. In addition, they will support response efforts during critical incidents and help to maintain system stability and safety.

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.

Are you 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 here (Download PDF reader).

Minimum Qualifications:

• Two or more years of experience in a journey level electrical trades position performing electrical maintenance on systems over 600 volts.

OR

• Two years or more years of experience as an electrical engineer or other comparable experience which provided the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities for this position.

And

• Ability to become a certified power controller within a year.
• Knowledge of the following:
• National, state, and local electrical codes and means of compliance.
• IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers), and APTA (American Public Transportation Association) standards.
• Electrical theory, high voltage isolation, and modern industrial controls.
• Safety principles and all applicable regulations, including the WAC, IEEE, NEC, NESC, and ASME.
• Electrical protection relay schematics and one-line diagrams.