Rail Electro-Mechanic - Lead

King County (WA)
Seattle, Washington
Full Time

Email Address

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Summary

King County Metro Transit's Rail Division is looking for dependable, detail-oriented Rail Electro-Mechanic Leads to be contributing members of the Rail Vehicle Maintenance team! Lead Rail Electro-Mechanics are responsible for identifying, scheduling, coordinating, planning, assigning, overseeing and evaluating the work of other Rail Electro-Mechanics, vendors, and contractors. This is a working lead position, and all normal duties of a skilled journey-level Rail Electro-Mechanic will also be performed.

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. Get in on the ground floor with a trades position in the Rail Division and get your career started with Metro!

Who May Apply

We are hiring to fill two (2) Career Service vacancies and are accepting applications from King County employees and the general public. First preference will be given to any current internal Rail Employees in the classification who have a minimum of one (1) year of experience as of the last day applications are accepted.

This position is considered safety sensitive. Applicants for positions defined as safety sensitive 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 substances testing program protocols.

Application Process

Please 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.
Submit a cover letter detailing your relevant qualifications for the position.
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.

If 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 on this job announcement.

If you have questions about this recruitment, please contact: Marwa Alansi, HR Talent Advisor ...

Job Duties

Applying equity and social justice principles is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County employees. You will apply equity and social justice principles that exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices to all aspects of the work.

In addition to performing the full range of responsibilities of the Rail Electro-Mechanic classification, incumbents in this classification will also perform the following duties:

Coordinate and provide technical assistance to Electro-Mechanics in the inspection, diagnosis, and repair of LRVs, Streetcars, and other related equipment; ensure assigned Electro-Mechanics correctly identify and repair equipment defects; and ensure all defects are documented and repaired in a timely fashion.
Conduct crew and safety meetings, taking minutes and tracking, and acting as the conduit of communication between front-line employees and management; immediately report any safety violations or alarm activities; ensure shop safety and safe work practices among assigned staff; and ensure safe handling, use, and disposal of environmentally controlled materials and substances.
Determine work priorities, ensure sufficient staff, and assign tasks to the appropriate Rail Electro-Mechanic best suited for specific tasks, Streetcar, or LRV. Assign work in accordance with work orders, preventive maintenance schedules, and operating requirements; control and monitor workflow.
Train new and current personnel in required aspects of maintenance, repair, and base safety procedures.
Advise mechanics when their work is deficient or in violation of established regulations and procedures; recommend corrective actions to the Rail Vehicle Maintenance Transit Chief.
Conduct evaluations on work being performed and provide counsel and/or corrections. Ensure equipment and tools are in proper working order.
Monitor Streetcar or LRV pull-out and pull-in and respond to LCC and mainline Streetcar or LRV failures.
Report yard, signals, switches, and facility equipment problems.
Lead, mentor, and train assigned employees.
Perform other duties, as assigned.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

Minimum Qualifications

One year of responsible full-time work experience as a Rail Electro-Mechanic successfully performing electrical, electronic, and mechanical work on light rail vehicles and associated equipment.
Knowledge of regulatory and statutory requirements that apply to light rail vehicle operations.
Knowledge of rail operations and the principals, practices and methodologies involved in the delivery of rail services.
Knowledge of current principles and practices of electrical, electronic and mechanical work on light rail vehicles and associated equipment; skill in AC/DC systems, operating principles of analog and digital electronics, electronic control circuitry and associated mechanical systems, heating, lighting, air conditioning, motors, brakes, and related systems.
Skill in applying industrial safety procedures and standards including cleaning and maintaining shop area.
Skill in effective communication; in both oral and written communications.
A valid Washington State driver's license and an acceptable driving record. If you possess an out-of-state driver's license, you must obtain a WA state license within 30days of hire.

Desired Qualifications

Ability to plan, assign, balance, and check the work of others.
Skill in leading, training, and providing technical assistance.
Skill in preparing written reports, documenting defects and repairs on inspection forms, work orders, and designated computer programs.
Skill in effective team building.
Skill in handling multiple competing priorities.
Skill in problem solving, analyzing, and diagnosing equipment problems.
Skill in the operation of current Windows based computer software; skill in learning new operating system languages and staying current on all new technologies introduced into transit industries as they relate to rail vehicle maintenance.
Skill in working directly with frontline staff to determine areas of training necessary.
Skill in establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with a diverse group of individuals.
Ability to effectively engage in and sustain relationships with people from diverse cultures and socio-economic backgrounds
Ability to work independently and as a team member.
Demonstrated proficiency with business applications, such as Microsoft Office Suite.

Supplemental Information

Selection Process

Applications will be screened for clarity, completeness, and qualifications. The most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in an interview. Employment offers will be finalized after candidates have successfully completed any necessary Safety-Sensitive Drug & Alcohol testing, physicals, reference checks, and driving record reviews.

In addition, this recruitment's selection process may be used to establish an eligibility pool to fill future Career Service openings in this classification and within this division over the next year (12 months) and will be utilized at the discretion of the hiring authority.

Work Schedule

This position is non-exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is overtime eligible. Employees will work a 40-hour per week schedule with two consecutive days off. The work schedule may include non-standard work hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as needed. Schedules are based on a seniority "pick" system, which occurs one time per year. 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.

Current Hourly Rates:

Day Shift Wage: $61.01 I Second Shift Wage: $64.06 I Third Shift Wage: $65.59

Work Location

Employees may report to any of the following locations:

Rail Operations and Maintenance Facility (OMF) Central- 3407 Airport Way S, Seattle WA 98134
OMF East- 1925 120th Ave NE, Bellevue WA 98005, or any additional locations that may open in the future.

Physical Requirements

This position requires the ability to be mobile, perform manual labor, exert physical effort while standing, walking, or lifting materials, tools and objects weighting up to 70 pounds, such as re-railing jacks and large parts.

Working Environment

Work is performed both indoors and outdoors and in inclement weather. Must be able to work from high places.

Union Membership

This position is represented by Amalgamated Transit Union, Local 587

Classification/Pay Grade

836201 (Rail Electro-Mechanic-Lead), Grade 236

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) Employer

No 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.

#RaiUobs #TradesJobs

For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.

King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:

Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage options: King County provides eligible employees with options, so they can decide what's best for themselves and their eligible dependents
Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
Retirement: eligible King County employees may participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
12 paid holidays each year plus two personal holidays
Generous vacation and paid sick leave
Paid parental, family and medical, and volunteer leaves
Flexible Spending Account
Wellness programs
Onsite activity centers
Employee Giving Program
Employee assistance programs
Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
Training and career development programs

For additional information about employee benefits, visit our Benefits, Payroll, and Retirement Page.

This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails.

NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.

For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.

Are you a current Career Service King County Metro employee that has been in the Rail Electro-Mechanic classification for one year or more?

This position involves night, weekend, holiday and/or 4/10 shifts. Are you able and willing to work any shift (day, swing or graveyard) as assigned?

Are you able to work overtime or be "called-back" on a short notice?

Are you applying to this position as an eligible current or previous King County Employee Priority Placement Program Participant? AND Is this position the same or lower percentage of full-time when compared to the position held at the point of the notification of layoff? AND Do you possess the skills and abilities to qualify for this position?

Yes, I was given a layoff notice from my Career Service role at King County and I am within two years of the effective date of my layoff. Additionally, the position I was laid off from was the same or a higher percentage of FT status when compared to this one.
No.

MTD - If you answered yes to the question above and you are applying for this position as a Priority Placement Participant, to be considered, you must provide the following three pieces of information in the space provided: 1. The title you held when you received your layoff notice 2. The department you worked in 3. The effective date of your layoff

If you're using related military experience, please provide your Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). If you held multiple MOS, feel free to indicate more than one.

Do you currently possess a valid Driver's License? Please indicate if you ALSO hold a Class A or Class B CDL license, and any endorsements. Check all that apply.

Valid Driver's License
Class A CDL/Permit
Class B CDL/Permit
Air Brake Endorsement
Passenger Endorsement
I do not have a Driver's License

Have you had a license in another state besides Washington in the last 5 years?

If you indicated above that you have had a license in a state other than Washington in the last 5 years, list the state(s) and the years you had the license(s).

In the last 5 years, has your license been revoked or suspended?

If your license has been suspended in the last five years, please indicate why below. Check all that apply.

Moving violation
Unpaid parking ticket(s)
Unpaid traffic ticket(s)
Child support enforcement
I have not had my license suspended

If your license has been suspended in the last five years, please indicate how many times it has been suspended, regardless of reason.

One time
More than once
My license has not been suspended

Do you have any of the following violations on your driving record in the last five years? Select all that apply.

Reckless or negligent driving
DWI/DUI - driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Hit and run incident
Vehicular homicide or vehicular assault
Open container violation
More than one at-fault accident
None of the above

How many traffic code (moving) violations have you had in the last 5 years?

1
2
3
4
5 or more
no code violations

If you indicated above that you have been cited, list the date and offense for each violation. For each speeding ticket, please list the posted speed limit and your actual speed. Be sure to include whether your license was suspended for the citation, and whether or not the ticket has been paid. Failure to answer this question completely may result in your application not being considered. If no violations, please answer "N/A".

How many at fault accidents have you had in the last 5 years?

No accidents
1
2
3
4
5 or more

List all accidents you have had in the last five years in which you were at fault, including employment-related accidents. Include the month and year of the accident, a brief description, the approximate dollar damage, whether or not there were injuries as a result of the accident, and if you were given a traffic citation. Failure to answer this question completely may result in your application not being considered further. (If no at-fault accidents, please answer "N/A")

Have you tested positive, or refused to test, on any pre-employment drug or alcohol test administered by an employer to which you applied, but did not get hired, for safety-sensitive transportation work covered by the DOT drug and alcohol testing rules during the past two years?

If yes, for which employer and when? If no, please answer "N/A".

MTD - Do you have any relatives employed by King County? A relative is defined as a parent, child, sibling, spouse or domestic partner, aunt or uncle, niece or nephew, grandparent, grandchild, in-laws, children or relatives of a domestic partner.

MTD - If you answered "yes" to the previous question, please provide the employee's name, position, and your relationship. If you answered "no", please list "N/A".

MTD -Do you have any relatives who work for King County's METRO Transit Department?

MTD - If you answered "yes" to the previous question, please provide the Division of King County Metro that they currently work in. Select all that apply.

a. Bus Operations Division
b. Capital Division
c. Employee Services Division
d. Facilities Division
e. Finance & Administration Division
f. General Manager's Office
g. Marine Division
h. Mobility Division
i. Rail Division (including Streetcar)
j. Safety, Security & Quality Assurance
k. Vehicle Maintenance
l. I do not know which Division my relative works in at Metro Transit
m. I do not have a relative that works for King County Metro

MTD - Where did you first hear about this employment opportunity?

a. King County Metro Employment Site
b. King County Metro Employee
c. Indeed
d. LinkedIn
e. King County Careers/Government Jobs.com
f. Job Fair
g. Trades/Transit Job Board

MTD - If you selected "f" or "g" to the previous question, indicate which job fair or "other" source where you found out about this opportunity.

If you have a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, will you need accommodation in the recruitment process? This confidential information is solicited for the purposes of providing reasonable accommodation for the recruitment process only.

I certify that the statements made by me on the application and supplemental questions are, to the best of my knowledge, true, complete and correct. I understand that any misrepresentation or material omission of fact on this or any other document required by King County may constitute grounds for rejection, or if employed by King County, for disciplinary measures, including dismissal.

Required Question

Employer King County

Address King Street Center

201 South Jackson Street

Seattle, Washington, 98104

Phone ...

Website

Job ID: 489755939

Originally Posted on: 8/17/2025

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