Traction Power Technician

METRO; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

METRO in Houston seeks a Lead Maintainer for Traction Power systems, covering sub-stations and overhead contact systems. You will diagnose faults, perform inspections, tests, and routine and emergency maintenance, ensuring safe, reliable service for the light rail network.

The role requires 3+ years in electrical maintenance, an associates degree or approved apprenticeship, and a Texas Class B CDL with air brake endorsement within six months. Safety compliance is essential.

Qualifications

• Associates degree in Electrical/Electronic Technology or completion of an approved apprenticeship program.
• Minimum three (3) years of journey-level electrical maintenance experience; traction power experience preferred.
• Good verbal and written communication skills; ability to communicate with management and engineers.
• Must obtain Texas Class B CDL with air brake endorsement within six months of hire.
• Safety and drug/alcohol policy compliance.

Responsibilities

• Performs fault diagnosis, inspections, tests and adjustments as well as routine and emergency maintenance on Traction Electrification equipment, in both Sub-Stations and on the Overhead Contact System.
• Performs periodic inspection and routine and emergency maintenance of the overhead contact system.
• Inspects repairs and maintains electrical and electronic equipment including switchgear, transformers, breakers, relays and programmable logic controllers.
• Uses specialized tools and equipment to perform maintenance and inspection tasks.
• Records and documents maintenance and diagnostic data.
• Works as assigned in high places from mechanical lift devices, support structures and poles.

Skills

Verbal and written communication

Texas Class B CDL with air brake

Safety compliance

Education

Associate degree / apprenticeship in Electrical/Electronic Technology

Job description

Basic Function

Performs fault diagnosis, inspections, tests and adjustments as well as routine and emergency maintenance on Traction Electrification equipment, in both Sub-Stations and on the Overhead Contact System. Performs duties in a safe, efficient manner and in compliance with applicable rules and safety procedures.

Responsibilities and Specific Duties

• Performs substation fault diagnosis, inspection, testing, modification, maintenance and repair.
• Performs periodic inspection and routine and emergency maintenance of the overhead contact system.
• Inspects repairs and maintains electrical and electronic equipment including switchgear, transformers, breakers, relays and programmable logic controllers.
• Uses specialized tools and equipment to perform maintenance and inspection tasks.
• Records and documents maintenance and diagnostic data.
• Works as assigned in high places from mechanical lift devices, support structures and poles.
• Works with AC voltages up to and including 34.5kV and DC voltages up to 1,000 volts.
• Prioritizes emergency maintenance tasks in the absence of on-site supervision.
• Provides variable shift coverage to accommodate maintenance assignments during peak, off-peak and nonrevenue hours.
• Provides on call availability for emergency repairs and unscheduled incidents.
• Assists in the development and revision of inspection and preventive maintenance programs for traction power section.
• Assists in the development and refinement of Standard Operating Procedures, safety procedures and work rules.
• Works with staff and vendors to assure adequate spare parts, tools and other necessary equipment is on hand to support revenue operations.
• Successfully complete vendor training on traction power equipment and maintenance procedures as well as METRO training associated with safety and technical subjects.
• Assists other Rail Operations departments as necessary to ensure safe and reliable service.
• May serve as “Lead” Maintainer in the absence of the Chief, Traction Power.
• Works closely with peers, management and contractors to assure a safe, reliable and efficient Light Rail Operation.
• Complies with all safety, operating, and maintenance procedures.
• Provides excellent customer service to METRO internal and external customers.
• Applies SMS (Safety Management System) methods and principles in daily routine and supports all aspects of the agency’s Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP).
• Promotes safety awareness and follows safety procedures to reduce or eliminate accidents.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Education Requirement

Associates degree in Electrical/Electronic Technology or successful completion of an appropriate department of Labor accredited apprenticeship program is preferred.

Years & Experience Required

Minimum three (3) years of increasingly responsible, journey level electrical maintenance experience. Experience with traction power systems is preferred.

Knowledge & Skills Required

Good (verbal and written) communications skills are essential. Ability to communicate well with management, consultants and engineers to resolve maintenance issues. Possession of or must obtain a Texas Class B Commercial Driver’s License with air brake endorsement within six (6) months of hire date. Must meet METRO’s requirements regarding motor vehicle records.

Additional Information

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas has a zero tolerance drug and alcohol policy for all employees. All internal and external applicants will be required to undergo drug testing before employment and will be subject to further drug and/or alcohol testing throughout their employment.

Further, employees who perform safety-sensitive functions will submit to drug and/or alcohol testing in accordance to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulatory requirements.

We provide equal opportunity to all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, veteran status, genetic information or disability.