Rail Electro-Mechanic Salary $38.82 - $55.46 Hourly
Location: Multiple locations in King County, WA Job Type: Career Service, Full Time, 40 hrs/week Job Number: 2025MA26164 Department: MTD - Metro Transit Division Rail Opening Date: 12/31/2025 FLSA: Non-Exempt Bargaining Unit: J2 : ATU L587-Transit Full- or Part-Time: Full Time
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 Transits Rail Division manages and maintains Sound Transits Link light rail service and City of Seattles 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 Seattles downtown core. These rail services complement Metros 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 • A hands-on test
If a candidate passes the tests, they will be invited to participate in a panel interview. If 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.
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 questions regarding this recruitment, please contact:
Marwa Alansi, HR Analyst malansi@kingcounty.gov
Job Duties 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 social justice 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. • Install special electronic testing systems and communication devices on cars; service and maintain microprocessor control systems; calibrate and repair test equipment. • Inspect, 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.
Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills 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. • A Washington State Class B driver's license or the ability to obtain (within 6 months of hire) and maintain a Class B license with Passenger (P) endorsement. • Ability to obtain a Light Rail Vehicle or Streetcar "Yard Operator" Certification within 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.
Supplemental 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