Rail Traction Power Electrician (Substation & Catenary)

Join the team that keeps MetroLink energized

Picture starting your day inspecting a traction power substation at sunrise, listening for the hum that says everything is healthy. By mid-morning, you’re tuning a switch heater feed and checking catenary tension. After lunch, an unexpected service disruption has you deactivating and safely re-energizing a feeder so trains can keep moving. As a Rail Traction Power Electrician, you are the guardian of MetroLink’s electric traction power generation and distribution network.

What you’ll do

• Perform advanced inspection, troubleshooting, maintenance, repair, and diagnostics across traction power infrastructure, including substations, return systems, and overhead catenary (poles, foundations, support arms, messenger and contact wire, insulating devices, disconnects/switching, surge protection, and switch heater feeds).
• Activate and de-activate traction power safely; assist with activation/deactivation of other electrical systems during emergencies and service disruptions.
• Respond around-the-clock to service calls to diagnose and resolve electrical emergencies affecting MetroLink operations.
• Operate vehicles and specialized equipment used to maintain and repair Metro electrical systems on public roadways and on rail.
• Support other light rail electrical assets during emergencies, including wayside signal and train control equipment and highway grade crossing warning systems.
• Assist with power, lighting, and control systems at stations and along the alignment during service disruptions.
• Perform vegetation management around high-voltage assets, trimming trees, bushes, and shrubs near wires, catenary, and substations on Metro property.

What you bring

• Substantial experience as a journey-level electrician in rail/transit traction power (substations and catenary) or directly comparable high-voltage work.
• Before interviewing, the ability to pass mechanical, high-voltage electrical, and electronic aptitude tests assessing plan/schematic reading, use of manuals, and electrical troubleshooting.
• Proven capacity to work safely and efficiently without direct supervision and to operate required vehicles and equipment.
• Commitment to master and annually re-qualify on MetroLink Operating Rules for MOW employees and applicable safety rules, procedures, and work instructions.
• Ability to obtain CPR, First Aid, and related safety certifications. Metro provides and pays for required training during normal work hours.

Licensing and physical standards

• Current Missouri or Illinois Class A Commercial Driver’s License with all required endorsements.
• Capability to meet the physical demands of the role and successfully complete a DOT physical.

Safety first—always

• During severe weather (e.g., torrential rain, hail, lightning), no work is required on equipment or circuits energized at 600V or higher except in emergencies and only after proper training. The Agency provides necessary training and PPE.
• For energized high-voltage tasks (600V+), a two-person team is assigned whenever safety dictates. Metro supplies required PPE.
• Successful completion of the training program and the post-training qualification period for your job class is required.

Impact you can see

Your expertise ensures reliable power to the light rail system—so riders get where they’re going, safely and on time.