Commissioning Technician

Job Title: Commissioning TechnicianJob Description

The Commissioning Technician plays a key role in performing field modifications, installation verification, testing, commissioning, and troubleshooting of rail vehicle systems and associated equipment. This position requires a highly skilled technician with strong electrical and mechanical expertise who can interpret schematics, wiring diagrams, installation instructions, and engineering documentation to execute modifications and resolve issues with minimal supervision while maintaining high standards of safety and quality.

Responsibilities

• Perform field modifications, retrofits, and upgrades on rail vehicles and related equipment in accordance with engineering documentation and installation instructions.
• Troubleshoot electrical systems ranging from 24VDC control circuits to 480VAC power systems, identifying and resolving faults efficiently.
• Diagnose and repair mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and electromechanical system issues to restore proper operation.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, mechanical drawings, technical manuals, and installation instructions to plan and execute work.
• Verify proper installation and functionality of modified systems through structured testing and commissioning activities.
• Identify root causes of failures and implement corrective actions that align with engineering requirements and performance standards.
• Conduct system testing, inspections, and operational validation to ensure equipment meets defined performance, reliability, and safety standards.
• Generate clear and accurate documentation of work performed, deficiencies identified, corrective actions taken, and commissioning results.
• Support startup, commissioning, warranty, and field service activities at customer sites, providing technical expertise and issue resolution.
• Work independently with minimal technical guidance while maintaining high-quality workmanship and strict adherence to safety procedures and quality standards.
• Use appropriate electrical test equipment, hand tools, power tools, and precision measuring instruments safely and effectively during all field activities.

Essential Skills

• Strong working knowledge of electrical systems from 24VDC control circuits through 480VAC power systems.
• Proven troubleshooting experience involving electrical, mechanical, and electromechanical systems.
• Ability to read and understand electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, technical manuals, mechanical drawings, and engineering change documentation.
• Demonstrated capability to perform field modifications and validate system functionality through testing and commissioning.
• Skilled in the use of electrical test equipment, including multimeters, clamp meters, insulation testers, and related diagnostic tools.
• Mechanical aptitude with experience using hand tools, power tools, and precision measuring equipment.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks effectively, and solve complex technical problems with limited supervision.
• Strong attention to detail and a consistent commitment to safety and quality standards.
• Electrical troubleshooting expertise across low-voltage control and higher-voltage power systems.
• Mechanical troubleshooting capability for mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and electromechanical components.
• Competence in interpreting technical documentation for accurate execution of field work.
• Ability to perform commissioning testing and validation of rail vehicle systems.
• Adherence to safety and quality compliance requirements in field and workshop environments.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience commissioning rail vehicles, transit systems, industrial equipment, or other complex electromechanical systems.
• Ability to perform software-assisted diagnostics and fault analysis on vehicle or system control platforms.
• Familiarity with CAN communication networks and their application in vehicle or industrial control systems.
• Knowledge of PLC controls and vehicle control systems used in rail or industrial environments.
• Previous field service or startup and commissioning experience in a customer-facing setting.
• Experience with commissioning processes, including test planning, execution, and documentation.
• Capability to use commissioning, PLC, and diagnostic software tools to support troubleshooting and system validation.

Work Environment

This role is primarily field-based and focuses on rail vehicles and associated equipment in operational or project environments. The Commissioning Technician works on and around complex electromechanical systems, including electrical circuits from 24VDC to 480VAC, mechanical assemblies, pneumatic and hydraulic components, and vehicle control systems. Work often takes place at customer sites, depots, or rail facilities, where technicians perform modifications, testing, and commissioning activities in real-world operating conditions. The environment requires consistent adherence to safety procedures, use of appropriate personal protective equipment, and careful handling of electrical test equipment, hand tools, power tools, and precision measuring instruments. Hours may vary depending on project and commissioning schedules, and the technician must be comfortable working independently, managing priorities, and interacting professionally with customer personnel during startup, warranty, and field service activities.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Seattle, WA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $36.00 - $38.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Seattle,WA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 9, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.