Power Substation/OCS Technician

Department: Transit & Rail Maintenance

About the role

The Traction Power Technician will perform complex and specialized troubleshooting, preventative and corrective maintenance, and repairs of traction power substations and overhead contact system (OCS) and their associated sub-systems. This includes high voltage AC/DC switch gear, rectifiers, transformers, breakers, active disconnect devices, interlocks, aerial 500mcm wires tensioned at 3000 lbs., and associated hardware such as poles, fasteners, hangers, arms, insulators, disconnect switches, feeder cables, trolley frogs, and gliders.

The role requires working on live high voltage equipment, utilizing tension rigging, and operating specialized service vehicles on an active rail system. The Technician will provide emergency response and support for light rail service, special events, streetcar, public safety, and service, including rotating on-call duties available 24/7. Must be available to work various shifts, including holidays, nights, and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Work with other members of the systems maintenance workforce to provide safe and reliable equipment for daily revenue service.
• Respond to rail system emergencies involving major service delays or serious equipment failures, rendering remedial actions to restore revenue service.
• Follow and adhere to all systems standards, policies, and procedures applicable to day-to-day operations of revenue service.
• Comply with and enforce all safety regulations set forth by CATS, FRA, OSHA, IEEE, FTA, and NCDOT.
• Prepare reports and correspondence.
• Assist in generating comprehensive operational and maintenance procedures ensuring safety for employees and equipment.
• Utilize computer-based maintenance and material management systems.
• Assist in on-the-job training (OJT) of other rail personnel when instructed by a supervisor.
• Work cohesively with internal and external CATS, City, contractors, vendors, and utility companies to restore equipment to proper working conditions.
• Report safety concerns and issues through established CATS methods as outlined in the ASP.
• Perform troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair of complex traction power substation and OCS components.
• All other job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Proof of completion of electrical/electronics training school or electrical/electronics training in the US Armed Forces.
• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Class B.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a City Driving Permit.
• Must be available to work various shifts, including holidays, nights, weekends, and on a rotating on-call basis 24/7.

Skills & Qualifications

• Ability to repair and maintain complex digital, electrical, electronic, and electro-mechanical systems and their components.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to document work using logs, spreadsheets, documents, forms, and computerized maintenance terminals.
• Computer literacy and adaptability to existing and future software upgrades.
• Ability to troubleshoot to the lowest replaceable component.
• Proficiency in using all tools of the trade and standard shop equipment.
• Ability to complete all training assignments and maintain required qualifications.
• Ability to lift and carry 50–100 lbs.
• Ability to sit, bend, twist, reach, kneel, and crouch for extended periods.
• Ability to work at and above shoulder level with or without a ladder.
• Ability to work in all required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and safety gear.
• Must pass a written test demonstrating knowledge related to the position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree or certification in Electrical Engineering or Electrical Technology.

Pay

$29.71 - $42.70 per hour.

This position is eligible for a shift differential. Employees regularly assigned to 2nd or 3rd shifts receive a 2.5% premium added to their base weekly pay. Additionally, employees with a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) are eligible for a 2.5% premium added to their base weekly pay.

Conditions of Employment

• Background checks, including reference checks, social security verification, education verification, criminal conviction record check, and motor vehicle records check (if applicable).
• Pre-employment drug-screening test and physical examination.
• Skills test and/or other assessments during the selection process.
• This position is considered security and safety-sensitive and is subject to random drug and alcohol testing under FTA guidelines.