Traction Power Technician

Houston METRO (Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County)•Houston, TX

About The Position

The Traction Power Technician performs fault diagnosis, inspections, tests, adjustments, and routine and emergency maintenance on traction electrification equipment in substations and on the Overhead Contact System. The role performs work safely, efficiently, and in compliance with applicable rules and safety procedures. It involves work with AC voltages up to and including 34.5 kV and DC voltages up to 1,000 volts, including assignments at height from mechanical lift devices, support structures, and poles. The technician may prioritize emergency maintenance without on-site supervision, provide variable-shift coverage and on-call availability, and may serve as Lead Maintainer in the absence of the Chief, Traction Power. The role works closely with peers, management, contractors, staff, and vendors to support safe, reliable, and efficient light rail operations. It also supports inspection and preventive maintenance program development, operating and safety procedure refinement, staff training, and METRO’s safety management efforts. Applicants must have at least three years of increasingly responsible, journey-level electrical maintenance experience. An associate degree in Electrical/Electronic Technology or successful completion of an appropriate Department of Labor-accredited apprenticeship program is preferred; traction power systems experience is also preferred. Good verbal and written communication skills are essential. The employee must possess, or obtain within six months of hire, a Texas Class B Commercial Driver’s License with air brake endorsement and meet METRO motor vehicle record requirements. The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas, has a zero-tolerance drug and alcohol policy. Applicants must undergo pre-employment drug testing and may be subject to further testing during employment. Employees performing safety-sensitive functions are subject to drug and/or alcohol testing under Department of Transportation and Federal Transit Administration requirements. METRO provides equal opportunity to qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, or disability.

Requirements

Minimum three years of increasingly responsible, journey-level electrical maintenance experience.
Good verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to communicate effectively with management, consultants, and engineers to resolve maintenance issues.
Possess a Texas Class B Commercial Driver’s License with air brake endorsement, or obtain one within six months of hire.
Meet METRO’s requirements regarding motor vehicle records.
Undergo pre-employment drug testing; employees may be subject to further drug and/or alcohol testing.
Employees performing safety-sensitive functions are subject to drug and/or alcohol testing in accordance with DOT and FTA regulations.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in Electrical/Electronic Technology or successful completion of an appropriate Department of Labor-accredited apprenticeship program.
Experience with traction power systems.

Responsibilities

Perform substation fault diagnosis, inspection, testing, modification, maintenance, and repair.
Perform periodic inspections and routine and emergency maintenance of the Overhead Contact System.
Inspect, repair, and maintain electrical and electronic equipment, including switchgear, transformers, breakers, relays, and programmable logic controllers.
Use specialized tools and equipment for maintenance and inspection tasks.
Record and document maintenance and diagnostic data.
Work at height from mechanical lift devices, support structures, and poles.
Work with AC voltages up to and including 34.5 kV and DC voltages up to 1,000 volts.
Prioritize emergency maintenance tasks when on-site supervision is absent.
Provide variable-shift coverage for maintenance assignments during peak, off-peak, and nonrevenue hours.
Remain available on call for emergency repairs and unscheduled incidents.
Assist with development and revision of inspection and preventive maintenance programs for the traction power section.
Assist with developing and refining Standard Operating Procedures, safety procedures, and work rules.
Coordinate with staff and vendors to ensure spare parts, tools, and other necessary equipment are available to support revenue operations.
Complete vendor training on traction power equipment and maintenance procedures, as well as METRO safety and technical training.
Assist other Rail Operations departments as necessary to ensure safe and reliable service.
May serve as Lead Maintainer in the absence of the Chief, Traction Power.
Work closely with peers, management, and contractors to support safe, reliable, and efficient light rail operations.
Comply with safety, operating, and maintenance procedures.
Provide excellent customer service to METRO internal and external customers.
Apply Safety Management System methods and principles in daily work and support the agency’s Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan.
Promote safety awareness and follow safety procedures to reduce or eliminate accidents.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.