Inspector - Traction Power & Overhead Contact Systems

Colliers Engineering & Design • Seattle, WA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Ramos Consulting Services (Ramos CS), now part of Colliers Engineering & Design, is an engineering, program, and construction management firm providing transit, transportation, and infrastructure consulting services on public projects across the Western United States. The firm serves mobility-related projects in municipal, transit, transportation, airport, and port sectors.

The Inspector performs field inspection as the Owner’s Representative on a light rail extension program’s trackwork and systems construction contract. The role verifies that the Contractor’s installation of traction power substations (TPSS), overhead contact systems (OCS), and traction power distribution conforms to contract documents, approved submittals, RFIs, applicable codes, and design standards. The Inspector works under the direction of the Resident Engineer and the Construction Engineer (TPSS & OCS), documents the Contractor’s daily activities, and reports non-conforming work for resolution.

The position is based on-site in Seattle full-time during construction, with night and weekend work as required. Compensation is $90,000 to $160,000 per year, depending on qualifications.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Approximately 5 or more years of inspection, installation, or testing experience on traction power substations, overhead contact systems, or high-voltage electrical systems; rail or transit project experience is preferred.
• Working knowledge of DC traction power equipment, grounding and bonding, and OCS installation standards.
• Familiarity with NEC, NESC, and NFPA 70E requirements.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to work on-site in Seattle full-time during construction, including night and weekend work as required.
• Ability to read, write, and understand English for comprehending written job-related communications and verbal instructions and interactions.

Nice To Haves

• Technical training or a degree in electrical engineering or electrical technology.
• Experience on rail or transit projects.
• OSHA 30-Hour Construction certification.
• NETA background or journeyman electrician background.

Responsibilities

• Verify Contractor conformance with contract documents, submittals, RFIs, and applicable codes and design standards for TPSS and OCS work.
• Inspect on-site traction power activities according to the approved Staffing Plan and prioritize inspection coverage in coordination with the Authority’s construction management representatives.
• Inspect substation equipment setting, cable installation and terminations, grounding and bonding, and conduit and duct bank installation.
• Inspect OCS foundations, poles, cantilevers, contact and messenger wire installation, tensioning, and registration.
• Observe and document site acceptance testing and energization activities.
• Monitor Contractor operations for compliance with OSHA regulations and Authority electrical safety requirements, including arc flash, lockout/tagout, and work near energized equipment, and report unsafe conditions.
• Complete Inspector Daily Reports documenting work performed, labor, equipment, materials, and site conditions.
• Record field quantities in support of progress payments.
• Communicate non-conforming work to the Resident Engineer and quality management staff and document it in the Inspector Daily Report.
• Take and log construction photos and support as-built redline documentation.
• Support punch list, commissioning, and closeout inspections.

Benefits

• 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for employee base plans.
• 40% employer contribution toward dependent or family coverage plans.
• 120 hours of combined PTO and sick time annually, in addition to paid holidays.
• 401(k) retirement plan with a company match of 50% on the first 6% of employee contributions.
• Pre-tax FSA/HSA options for medical, dental, and dependent care expenses.
• 100% employer-paid Employee Assistance Program providing confidential support for work-life balance, financial wellness, and emotional well-being.
• Access to expanded technical resources, mentorship, and career development opportunities across the Western United States and beyond.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: High school or GED