Rail Electrical Worker Programmer

Rail Electrical Worker Programmer

Learn how Metro connects you with what matters. This position is open to all King County employees and the general public. King County Metro Transit's Rail Division has an exciting opportunity for a Rail Electrical Worker Programmer. 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.

This recruitment may immediately fill up to seven (7) Career Service positions and may also be used to establish an eligibility list for future Career Service, as well as any fully-benefitted Term-Limited Temporary (TLT)/Special Duty Assignment (SDA), vacancies, valid up to 12 months or until the list is exhausted, and at the discretion of the hiring authority.

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.

To Apply: Those interested must submit:

• An online King County application, updated with accurate contact information, and relevant work history going back at least 10 years (or more, if necessary), with all job duties.
• Completed supplemental questions.
• A current resume, detailing experience, and education.

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 positions is filled.

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. As the Rail Electrical Worker Programmer, you will:

• Test and maintain software for traction power control systems, including Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) programming, and real-time monitoring applications.
• Integrate software with traction electrification hardware, such as substations, overhead catenary systems, and onboard train control systems, ensuring seamless operation.
• Work with electrical engineers and stakeholders to translate technical specifications and operational requirements into functional software solutions.
• Execute test plans, including simulation-based testing and field validation, to ensure software reliability under various operating conditions.
• Provide technical support for deployed systems, diagnose software and system issues, and implement corrective actions promptly.
• Create detailed technical documentation, including software specifications, user manuals, and system architecture diagrams.
• Enhance software performance to improve energy efficiency, system reliability, and response times for traction electrification systems.
• Ensure software adheres to railway industry standards (e.g., IEC 61131, IEEE, EN 50128) and safety regulations, including Safety Integrity Level (SIL) requirements.
• Partner with multidisciplinary teams, including electrical engineers, system designers, and project managers, to support project delivery and system integration.
• Research emerging technologies and propose improvements to enhance TES software functionality and performance.
• Perform other duties as assigned, including job duties of the Rail Electrical Worker classification, which may include:
• Work safely to maintain Light Rail Overhead Contact Systems (OCS); and associated components such as messenger wire, contact wire, section insulators, pole and enclosure mounted switches, air gaps, insulated and uninsulated overlaps, poles, underground feeders, switches, electrical wiring and systems including a variety of single phase, three phase and DC systems.
• Work safely to maintain Traction Power Substations (TPSS), troubleshoot and repair all feeder cables and associated components, underground feeders, enclosed crawl space associated components, switches, electrical wiring, relays, and monitoring systems, including a variety of single phase and three phase AC and DC systems.
• Perform inspections, maintenance and upgrades of Traction Power Substations and their components such as switches, transformers, rectifiers, fuses, relays, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), batteries, chargers and associated equipment.
• Perform high voltage work and maintain and repair low voltage systems such as fire and security alarms; maintain and repair, transfer switches and uninterruptible power supplies.
• Perform high voltage tests on power cables and equipment; splice, maintain and terminate all types of low and high voltage cable; pull, rack and secure high and low voltage cables in manholes, conduits, tunnels, and vaults.
• Maintain and repair equipment in Light Rail shops, offices, park and ride lots, and tunnels.
• Flag trackway to provide safe rail work zones; set-up work-zone traffic control areas.
• Maintain and provide daily work records and complete work requests.
• Load and unload tools, materials, and equipment.
• Maintain appropriate parts stock on assigned vehicles, in substations and shops.
• Operate company assigned vehicles, including hi-rail and aerial lift equipment and perform rolling inspections from raised aerial equipment.
• Read and interpret distribution maps, feeder maps, blueprints, schematics, and other drawings.
• Plan, schedule and coordinate activities and work with other trades and divisions.
• Trim trees and other vegetation which may interfere with train movement or electrical installations.
• Pump water from vaults and manholes.
• Perform snow and ice removal.
• Respond to emergency calls as necessary.
• Inspect relevant work completed by contractors.

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.
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