Full Job Description

King County Metro Transit is looking for dependable, detail-oriented Rail
Electro-Mechanics to perform journey-level electrical and mechanical work on light rail vehicles and associated equipment.
This position is primarily responsible for the maintenance and repair of light rail vehicles and their electronic equipment and systems, communication systems, surveillance equipment, and other related equipment.
The Rail Division
King County Metro Transit's Rail Division manages and maintains Sound Transit's Link light rail service and City of Seattle's streetcar system. Link light rail currently spans a 33-mile route from SeaTac to Lynnwood and a 6.6-mile route
from Redmond to South Bellevue. By the end of 2026, light rail is projected to expand to nearly 60 route miles, adding seven new stations. Additional expansions to the Link system will be coming online for years to come.
Seattle Streetcar includes the 1.3 mile South Lake Union line and the 2.5 mile First Hill line, proudly serving the diverse and vibrant communities around Seattle's downtown core.
These rail services complement Metro's extensive fixed-route bus system and mobility services.
Puget Soundtransit agencies are collaborating to create an integrated transit network that enables people to travel farther, faster, and more easily.
Who May Apply
This recruitment is open to all qualified applicants internal and external. Military veterans are encouraged to apply. Relevant Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) areas may include: Airforce: 2T3XI, Army: 915A, Coast Guard: MK, Marine Corps: 3524, Navy: ASE, CM.
This position is considered safety sensitive.
Applicants for these positions are required to undergo drug testing prior to employment and subsequent to 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 substance testing program protocols.
Work Schedule
Employees will work a 40-hour per week schedule with a minimum of two consecutive days off.
This position may involve working overtime, being called back on short notice, and working non-standard work hours such as nights, weekends, holidays, and/or 4/10 shifts.
Applicants must be able and willing to work any day, and any shift (day, swing or graveyard) as assigned. Work schedules are based on a seniority "pick" system, which occurs two times per year.
This position is non-exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is overtime eligible.
Per the union contract, shift differentials are paid to those working second and third shifts. Shift pay is 5% for second shift and 7.5% for third shift, on top of hourly pay. The current hourly rates are:
- 1st-Shift (day): $38.82-$55.46
- 2nd-Shift (swing): $40.76-$58.23
- 3rd Shift (graveyard): $41.73-59.62
Application Process
To apply for this position, you must meet the minimum requirements and complete the following:
- An online King County application, updated with all relevant work history going back 10 years (or more, if necessary), with all duties and reasons for leaving explained clearly.
- Answer the supplemental questions in their entirety.
Applications that are not complete, or do not include the required materials, may be rejected as incomplete, and not advanced in the process.
Testing Process
Applicants presenting evidence that they meet or exceed the qualifications listed on this job announcement may be invited to participate in an Electro-Mechanic Aptitude Test.
This test consists of two parts: A written knowledge test and a hands-on test. If a candidate passes the tests, they will be invited to participate in a panel interview.
lf a candidate does not pass the tests; there is a minimum 60-day waiting period before they are able to re-test again for a second attempt.
Outlined below are competencies that will be assessed in both the written and hands-on tests. lt is recommended that you study or refresh your knowledge on the specified areas listed below.
Written test subjects:
- AC/DC Theory
- Digital and Analog electronics
- Mechanical Maintenance
- Schematics and Print reading
- Test Instruments
- Motors
- Hydraulic systems
- Pneumatic systems
- ASE style troubleshooting questions on Electrical and Mechanical systems
Hands-on test subjects:
- Hand tool basics
- Use of precision tools
- Reading schematics
- Electrical troubleshooting
Selection Process
Employment offers will be finalized only after candidates have successfully passed the Aptitude test, interview and completed our pre-employment checks. These checks may include physical examinations, drug and alcohol checks, reference checks, and reviews of driving records.
In addition, this recruitment’s selection process may be used to establish an eligibility list or candidate pool to fill future career service positions in this classification and within this division over the next twelve (12) months and will be utilized at the discretion of the hiring authority.
If you have specific question regarding this recruitment, please contact:
Marwa Alansi, HR Analyst
malansi@kingcounty.gov
Requirements
Applying equity and social justice principles is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County employees. In this role you will apply equity and socialjustice principles that exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices to all aspects of the work. You will:
- Diagnose, test, maintain, repair, and overhaul rail/streetcar vehicles' electrical, electronic and mechanical systems and equipment in accordance with schematics, drawings, wiring diagrams, operations manuals and manufacturer instructions.
- Conduct safety and preventive maintenance inspections on vehicles, systems and equipment; document defects, maintenance and repairs.
- Troubleshoot, repair, replace, or modify mechanical, electronic and electrical components, analog and solid-state electronic systems, and defective parts for a variety of equipment and systems controls.
- Operate and maintain shop equipment and tools.
- Prepare time and material cost estimates and maintain records; prepare various activity and status reports, document defects and repairs on inspection forms, work orders, or designated computer programs.
- Re-rail trains/streetcars and recover vehicles from accidents.
- lnstall special electronic testing systems and communication devices on cars; service and maintain microprocessor control systems; calibrate and repair test equipment.
- lnspect, test, maintain, repair, service, rebuild and overhaul electrical, mechanical and electronic subsystems on rail/streetcar vehicles.
- Maintain parts inventory and computer inventory records.
- Operate computers for testing and diagnosing fault log management and related data input and retrieval.
- Perform other related duties as assigned
Qualifications
We are looking for candidates who meet the following minimum qualifications:
- Two (2) or more years of journey-level experience in trade such as heavy rebuild, fleet, automotive, heavy equipment, or industrial mechanics which includes experience effectively performing electrical and mechanical maintenance.
- Must have a Washington State Class B driver’s license or the ability to obtain and maintain a Class B license with Passenger (P) endorsement. lf you don’t possess one, you must obtain one within six (6) months of hire.
- Ability to obtain a Light Rail Vehicle or Streetcar "Yard Operator" Certification within six (6) months of hire (training will be provided).
Additional qualifications include:
- Skill in the application of electrical and mechanical principles, repair methods, standards and practices typically found in a journey level skilled trades position.
- Skill in developing and implementing safety inspection procedures.
- Skill in the application of testing and inspection methods including solid state circuitry diagnostic and repair techniques and procedures.
- Skill in the use of operating portable test equipment, bench type workstations, tools, parts and supply manuals needed in the repair, maintenance, and installation of electrical, electronic and mechanical systems and equipment.
- Skill in reading and interpreting schematics, maintenance manuals, technical information in repair manuals, service change bulletins, parts and supply manuals, and specifications.
- Skill in maintaining, repairing, troubleshooting, rebuilding and overhauling electrical and mechanical systems.
- Skill in preparing written reports, documenting defects and repairs on inspection forms, work orders, and designated computer programs; prepare accurate time and material cost estimates and keep accurate records.
- Skill in applying industrial safety procedures and standards including cleaning and maintaining shop area.
- Skill in problem solving, analyzing and diagnosing equipment problems.
- Skill in the operation of current Windows based computer software; skill in learning new operating systems and staying current on all new technologies introduced into transit industries as it relates to light rail/ streetcar vehicle maintenance.
- Skill in oral and written communications.
- Skill in establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with a diverse group of individuals.
- Skill in working under established deadlines and timeframes.
- Skill in leading and training others.
Additional Information
Work Location
Rail Electro-Mechanics may report to any of the following locations:
- Rail Operations and Maintenance Facility (OMF) Central at 3407 Airport Way S, Seattle WA 98134
- OMF East at 1925 120th Ave NE Bellevue WA 98005
- And other locations in King County that may become available in the future
Working Environment:
This position will be performed both indoors and outdoors and in inclement weather. Must be able to work from high places.
Physical Requirements:
Requires the ability to be mobile, perform manual labor, exert physical effort while standing, walking, or lifting materials, tools and objects weighing up to 70 pounds, such as re-railing jacks and large parts.
Great Benefits
King County provides our employees with a free transportation pass (good on most transit systems throughout the Puget Sound region). We offer a benefits package that includes competitive medical, dental and vision benefits for the whole family including state-registered domestic partner, competitive vacation, sick, holiday and executive leave plans, and participation in the State's Public Employees Retirement Plan (PERS) are provided, as well as the option of participating in the County's deferred compensation plan (a 457 plan). For more details, please see the Benefits tab on this posting.
Additional Benefits
Yearly tool allowance
Footgear (one pair of boots, socks and cushioned inserts)
Safety clothing, uniforms and equipment provided
Transit pass which is good on Metro, Pierce, Community and Sound Transit
An Employer To Be Proud Of
King County Metro Transit is a regional leader in helping people move quickly throughout the region, reducing commuter stress, greening the environment and radically improving urban air quality, by providing comfortable, effective transit services for the thousands of commuters and other residents of King County, Washington. Working for Metro means working for a leader in this public transportation industry.
Union Membership
This position is represented by Amalgamated Transit Union Local 587.
Class Code: 8311100
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. 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) EmployerNo 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.
To ApplyIf you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions, please contact the recruiter listed above on this job announcement.
#TradesJobs #Rail #RailJobs #Transportation #LightRail