Summary
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.
Are you an out of state applicant considering a career opportunity in Washington State? Explore career opportunities with King County Metro Rail and learn more about living and working in the Puget Sound region here.
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.
Who May Apply 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.
Want to make sure your application materials are as competitive as possible? We highly recommend visiting the Workforce Development Services website for tips and examples on how to make your application materials most effective: Workforce Development - King County, Washington
Job Duties 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.
Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
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.
- 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.
Necessary Special Requirements:
- Washington State Journey Electrician Certificate (EL01), or Journey Line Worker Certificate, or equivalent, is required.
- A valid Driver's License with an acceptable driving record. If you possess an out-of-state driver’s license, you must obtain a WA state license within 30 days of hire.
- Applicants must also possess a Washington State Class “B” commercial driver’s license (CDL) with air brake endorsement and maintain an acceptable driving record.
- Applicants without a valid Class “B” CDL must possess a Washington State Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP), class “B” with air brake endorsement, by the time a conditional offer of employment is extended, and must be able to obtain their full Class “B” CDL with air brake endorsement, within six (6) months of hire.
- Please note: For more information on how to obtain a CLP in Washington State, please visit DOL CLP Testing
- How to start preparing: We recommend you start preparing for the WA State Commercial Learner's Permit exam as soon as you apply. Visit the DOL's Website and refer to the CDL guide to start studying today!
- Applicants must be able to meet on-going educational and training requirements and maintain required certifications such as Hi-Rail, Forklift, Flaggers, Aerial Lift, Confined Space, First Aid/CPR, and other certifications.
Supplemental Information Application & Selection Process Applications will be screened to determine whether candidates meet minimum qualifications, and for clarity, completeness, and responsiveness to the application instructions above. Highly competitive applicants may be asked to interview. Formal offers will be finalized after candidates have successfully completed any necessary pre-employment processes, such as reference checks or internal record reviews.
Work ScheduleThis position is full time, assigned 40 hours per week. Work schedule may include non- standard work hours including evenings, weekends and holidays as needed. This position is non- exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is therefore overtime eligible, with prior supervisory approval. SAFETY SENSITIVEThese positions are considered safety-sensitive. Applicants for positions defined as safety-sensitive are required to undergo drug testing prior to employment and, subsequent to the 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.
Union Membership: This position is represented by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 77. Work Location: Employees may report to any of the following locations:
- 2505 S 320th St, Federal Way, WA 98003
- Maintenance of Way North (MOWN) 920 N 137th St Seattle, WA
- Operations & Maintenance Facility (OMF) Central at 3407 Airport Way S., Seattle, WA.
- Operations & Maintenance Facility (OMF) East at 1925 120th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA.
- And any future Sound Transit Link facilities.
CLASS CODE / PAY GRADE: 8216100/ 45
Safety Responsibilities for an Employee
- Responsible for understanding this policy and their role in safety.
- Report all safety concerns.
- Follow safety practices and procedures as necessary to maintain a safe work environment and in conformance with applicable regulations, policies, and training.
- Report safety and security concerns and ideas to supervisors or anonymously through data collection system.
For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact: Ebony Ware, Human Resource Analyst, at eware@kingcounty.gov.
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.
TO APPLY:
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 your recruiter listed on this job announcement.
#RailJobs #TradesJobsBenefits 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.