Rail Power Controller

NOTE: This recruitment has been reposted to invite additional candidates. Applicants that applied prior to April 27, 2026, do not need to reapply. Applications will be reviewed bi-weekly.

King County Metro Transit’s Rail Division has an exciting opportunity for seven (7) full-time, career service Rail Power Controllers
. These positions coordinate and facilitate deactivation requests for both routine and emergency maintenance of overhead catenary and electrical infrastructure. They play a critical role in managing load dispatching across AC and DC systems to ensure continuous, efficient service.

The Rail Power Controllers are responsible for monitoring the power distribution network using Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, identifying and responding to system irregularities, and resolving emergent operational and maintenance issues in real time. They support response efforts during critical incidents and help to maintain system stability and safety.

King County Metro Transit's Rail Division manages and maintains Sound Transit's Link light rail service and City of Seattle's streetcar system. The Link light rail currently spans a 44.5‑mile route from Federal Way to Lynnwood and a 14.8‑mile route from Redmond to the International District. Additional expansions to the Link system will be coming online for years to come.

These positions are non‑exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act and are overtime eligible. They work 8‑hour shifts, 5 days per week, on‑site covering 24/7/365. Shifts and days off will be determined at the time an offer is extended. Seniority determines schedules. Employees may be required to work extended hours, including 5–8 shifts across three different shift patterns. Either swing, day, or night shifts.

Employees may report to any of the following locations:
Rail Operations and Maintenance Facility (OMF) Central at 3407 Airport Way S, Seattle, WA 98134, or any additional locations that may open in the future.

This recruitment is open to all qualified applicants and will be used to fill seven (7) full‑time career service, Rail Power Controller positions. It may also establish a list or pool of qualified candidates for future openings in the same classification. Placement on the pool is not a guarantee of future placement. The pool may be used for up to 12 months at the discretion of the hiring authority.

Applicants must submit:

• An online King County application updated with all detailed relevant work history going back 10 years (or more, if necessary).
• Complete all required supplemental questions.
• A resume.
• A letter of interest (1‑2 pages) describing:
• Why you are interested in the position.
• How you meet the required qualifications and how your experience has prepared you to take on the job duties.
• How you have demonstrated your commitment to Metro's True North and Values.

Please note:

These positions are considered safety sensitive. Applicants are required to undergo a physical and drug testing prior to employment and will be subject to random, post‑accident, reasonable suspicion, return‑to‑duty, and follow‑up drug and alcohol testing in compliance with Federal DOT protocols.

• Monitor and control rail traction electrification systems and medium voltage substations to ensure safety and efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with safety policies.
• Serve as the point of contact for communication to the Rapid Response Teams.
• Evaluate, coordinate, and approve overhead catenary de‑energization requests.
• Coordinate electrical and power crews in energizing and de‑energizing the overhead catenary system and substation equipment.
• Utilize the SCADA system to monitor power distribution loads and de‑energize/re‑energize AC/DC systems.
• Dispatch crews to power outages (REW, Facilities Power, and Fire Life Safety Teams).
• Record, compile, and maintain operational data for overhead catenary and substation systems. Provide alarm review, alarm notifications, and alarm documentation.
• Prepare and issue switching orders and clearances.
• Coordinate with power chiefs and crew…