Rail Car Technician

Thank you for your interest in joining the team that keeps Charlotte moving, at a very exciting time for our organization. At the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS), we’re committed to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative transit services for our growing community, and we value employees who bring professionalism, passion, and a commitment to public service.

This position is currently employed by CATS, a department of the City of Charlotte. With the passage of the PAVE Act and last year’s sales tax referendum, CATS is preparing to transition from a City department to the newly created Metropolitan Public Transit Authority (MPTA). The MPTA was established to strengthen regional transit governance, improve accountability, and support long-term investment in mobility. Employees hired into this role will remain City employees through December 31, 2026, and will transition to MPTA employment on January 1, 2027. Benefits and compensation will follow City provisions through 2026 and shift to MPTA provisions in 2027, with clear information shared in advance. Your core duties, reporting structure, and daily responsibilities will remain consistent, with no break in service. If anything delays the transition, your City employment, including compensation and benefits, will remain in place until the move to the MPTA occurs.

About the role

Rail Car Technicians perform preventive and corrective maintenance on Siemens Light Rail Vehicles. Maintenance services are provided seven days a week, during the daytime, evening, and night shifts. Rail Car Maintenance operates two shops. It is necessary to complete the RCM Technician training successfully. After training, personnel will perform recommended preventative and corrective maintenance on rail transit vehicles. Besides assisting light rail operations, streetcar operations, wayside operations, and public safety, the incumbent may also act in a support capacity for other departments. Must be available to work various shifts; holidays; nights and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Performs maintenance as outlined by the Rail Operations Maintenance.
• Must maintain the standard tools of the trade, and the department will provide all specialty tools.
• Technicians follow and adhere to all Rail Car Maintenance standards, policies, and procedures applicable to the day-to-day operations of the rail cars and revenue service.
• Work with all Rail Car Maintenance workforce members and related vocations and departments to provide safe, reliable, and clean rail vehicles ready for daily revenue service.
• Maintains, troubleshoots, and repairs all systems related to rail vehicle systems such as propulsion, braking, HVAC, automatic train protection, doors, auxiliary power, power collection, pneumatics and hydraulics, trucks, car body, and all maintenance and emergency support equipment using all the necessary tools and equipment to accomplish tasks.
• Responds to rail system emergencies that involve significant service delays and serious vehicle accidents. Renders whatever remedial action is needed to retrieve rail vehicles back to the yard and restore service.
• Performs acceptance testing and pre-service testing of newly acquired rail vehicles as well as needed multi-system tests as required.
• Complies with all safety regulations by CATS, OSHA, FTA, FRA, and NCDOT.
• All other job-related duties as assigned.
• As part of your responsibility to support the CATS Safety Culture, report safety concerns and issues through the various methods established by CATS as outlined in the ASP.

Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry at least 60 lbs.
• Must be able to manipulate 100 lbs.
• Must be able to stand and walk on uneven surfaces while working.
• Must be able to work while in the following positions or conditions: sitting, bending, twisting, kneeling, reaching, crouching, lying down prone or supine, at shoulder level or above, or any combination listed above.
• Must be able to work at heights on platforms and man lifts.
• Must be able to work in pits and under lifted heavy equipment.
• Must be able to work in all required Personal Protective Equipment and Safety gear.
• Must be able to work in the assigned uniform approved by CATS.
• Must be available to work various shifts; holidays; nights and weekends.
• Sensory Requirements: Speech, Touch, Hearing, Vision (20/20 or correctable to 20/20, including near, distance, and peripheral).
• This position is considered “Safety Sensitive” under FTA guidelines. Candidates/Employees must pass pre-employment drug test and will be subject to random drug and alcohol testing under FTA guidelines.
• Candidates must pass a 9-month probationary period.
• Candidates may be required to acquire and maintain a Commercial Driver’s License depending upon the needs of CATS.

Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications

• A high school diploma or GED supplemented by a degree or certificate in the following fields:
  • Mechanical engineering
  • Electrical engineering
  • Electrical technology
  • Industrial technology
  • Machinist certificate
  • Military Training (mechanical or electrical)
  • Proof of completion of electrical or electronics from the Armed Forces
• Two years of experience repairing any of the following systems: electrical, electronic, and electro-mechanical systems.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school graduation or equivalent and three years relevant work experience OR Associate's Degree and one year relevant work experience.

Pay

$29.71 - $42.70 per hour.

Benefits

The City of Charlotte provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. Click here to learn more about the City of Charlotte’s benefits.