Signals Technician

Metropolitan Council; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 57,859 - 64,747; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hiring bonus

Union wage guidelines

Job summary

Metro Transit's Signals Technician role under the Metropolitan Council involves maintaining and repairing Light Rail signaling systems. You will work outdoors in varied weather, participate in safety training, and handle urgent service responses.

The job requires a strong electrical/electronic background and good problem-solving skills, with shifts that may include evenings and weekends. The position offers a competitive hourly wage with step increases and a 5–7% shift differential for

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED plus four years of related electrical/electronic experience.
• Associate degree with two+ years of related work experience acceptable.
• Experience with LRT wayside signaling systems is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Install, inspect, maintain, repair, or modify LRT wayside signaling components.
• Respond to service emergencies and troubleshoot electronic/electromechanical equipment.
• Operate vehicles and equipment for maintenance of signaling systems.
• Prepare status reports and participate in safety/training meetings.
• Perform preventative maintenance and planning.

Skills

Electrical knowledge

Reading schematics

Electrical safety

Field service

Communication

Troubleshooting

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree

Job description

Who we are

Work for Metro Transit and receive a $4,000 Hiring Bonus! $2,000 after the first 30 days of employment, and $2,000 after successfully completing a probationary period.

We are the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. We plan 30 years ahead for the future of the metropolitan area and provide regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services.

Metro Transit is one of the country's largest transit systems, employs more than 3,000 people, and provides more than 80 million rides a year through an integrated network of buses, light rail, and commuter trains.

Work you would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region

Metro Transit, a division of the Metropolitan Council, is currently looking for a Signals Technician with a strong work ethic and interest to provide and maintain quality maintenance on Metro Transit's Light Rail signal systems. Signal Technicians perform testing, maintenance, repair, and installation of electronic systems and equipment associated with Light Rail wayside signal systems and subsystems.

The successful candidate must be able to work independently, be a self-starter, and should have strong electrical‑mechanical backgrounds. Up to 60% of the work is performed outside in a field service setting in all types of weather.

Hourly Pay Range

For candidates newly hired into the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) contract, the starting wage is set by the ATU contract. Internal hires will follow Metropolitan Council's union wage guidelines.

Hire: $42.01 hourly.

After year one: $44.35. After year two: $46.68 (subject to contract change, based on ATU salary rates starting 8/1/2025).

Shift differential: 5% for hours in a shift ending between 8:00 PM and 11:59 PM, and 7% for hours in a shift ending between 12:00 AM and 7:00 AM and/or starting between 10:00 PM and 3:00 AM.

Work shifts include first, second, and third shifts, and may include weekends and holidays. All shifts and days off are picked by seniority order. Future shifts may include additional needs.

What you would do in this job

• Install, inspect, maintain, repair, replace, or modify electronic and electrical components for Light Rail Transit (LRT) wayside signaling system equipment.
• Respond to service emergencies to troubleshoot and repair all electronic, electromechanical equipment of wayside LRT systems.
• Repair electrical, electronic, mechanical, and hydraulic systems of LRT wayside signaling equipment.
• Operate various vehicles and equipment associated with maintenance and repair of LRT wayside signaling system equipment.
• Prepare activity status reports and attend safety and training meetings.
• Perform preventative maintenance work and planning.
• Other duties as assigned or apparent.

Education and experience (minimum qualifications)

Any combination of the following experience and completed education (in electrical/electronic technology).

• High school diploma or GED and four (4) years of experience.
• Associate degree or two‑year college or vocational program and two (2) years or more of related work experience.

License requirement

• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record.
• Class "A" commercial driver’s license with combination vehicle, air brake, and general knowledge endorsements within 21 days of hire; or the ability to obtain the written permit prior to start date and pass the road test.
• Physical examination, Rail Operations Rule Book, and physical agility examinations and completion of Systems Annual Rules Training Program for Maintenance Personnel.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Knowledge of analog and digital electronics and electronic control circuits.
• Knowledge of AC/DC electrical systems, principles of analog and digital electronics, mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems, testing and inspection methods.
• Experience with safety practices as they pertain to electronic systems.
• Effective communication skills, using tact and courtesy.
• Ability to use test equipment, hand and power tools, and special equipment for LRT wayside electronic and electromechanical systems.
• Ability to read schematics, blueprints, and technical documents.
• Will be trained and forklift certified.
• Ability to analyze malfunctions in electronic and electromechanical systems and determine repairs.
• Ability to read and interpret English documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Ability to speak and understand English.
• Ability to maintain accurate records.
• Internal ATU candidates must have a good work record to be eligible for transfer.
• Ability to pass DOT physical examination and Rail Operations Rule Book.

What you can expect from us

• Opportunity to influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
• Company-based training and tuition reimbursement for related education courses.
• Competitive salary, pension plan through Minnesota State Retirement System (MSRS), and a good work/life balance.

Additional information

Union/Grade: Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) / Wage Class 77.

FLSA Status: Non‑Exempt.

Safety Sensitive: Yes. Subject to random DOT drug tests.

Physical requirements: This position requires lifting up to fifty pounds and up to one hundred pounds with assistance; standing, walking, sitting, talking, hearing, hand use, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling; may require entering confined spaces and reaching with hands and arms.

Work environment: First, second, or third shift, and weekends depending on seniority. Work is performed indoor and outdoor, in extreme warm and cold weather, near moving parts or equipment, and in high precarious places.

Recruitment process

1. We review your minimum qualifications.
2. We review Work Record Evaluation (internal ATU employees only).
3. We rate your education and experience.
4. We conduct a structured panel interview.

Signals Technicians (new hire or transfer) must

Commit to rail maintenance for at least two years of service following successful completion of training.

New applicants must pass a drug test, physical, and background check. Existing employees must pass a drug test (if moving to a safety-sensitive position) and a background check if applicable.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Metropolitan Council is an Equal Opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employer. The Council is committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of the region and strongly encourages persons of color, members of the LGBTQ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply.

If you have a disability that requires accommodation during the selection process, please email HR‑[e-mail].