Traction Power Technician

About the role

Performs fault diagnosis, inspections, tests and adjustments as well as routine and emergency maintenance on Traction Electrification equipment, in both Sub-Stations and on the Overhead Contact System. Performs duties in a safe, efficient manner and in compliance with applicable rules and safety procedures.

Responsibilities

• Performs substation fault diagnosis, inspection, testing, modification, maintenance and repair.
• Performs periodic inspection and routine and emergency maintenance of the overhead contact system.
• Inspects, repairs and maintains electrical and electronic equipment including switchgear, transformers, breakers, relays and programmable logic controllers.
• Uses specialized tools and equipment to perform maintenance and inspection tasks.
• Records and documents maintenance and diagnostic data.
• Works as assigned in high places from mechanical lift devices, support structures and poles.
• Works with AC voltages up to and including 34.5kV and DC voltages up to 1,000 volts.
• Prioritizes emergency maintenance tasks in the absence of on-site supervision.
• Provides variable shift coverage to accommodate maintenance assignments during peak, off-peak and nonrevenue hours.
• Provides on-call availability for emergency repairs and unscheduled incidents.
• Assists in the development and revision of inspection and preventive maintenance programs for traction power section.
• Assists in the development and refinement of Standard Operating Procedures, safety procedures and work rules.
• Works with staff and vendors to assure adequate spare parts, tools and other necessary equipment is on hand to support revenue operations.
• Successfully completes vendor training on traction power equipment and maintenance procedures as well as METRO training associated with safety and technical subjects.
• Assists 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.
• Works closely with peers, management and contractors to assure a safe, reliable and efficient Light Rail Operation.
• Complies with all safety, operating, and maintenance procedures.
• Provides excellent customer service to METRO internal and external customers.
• Applies SMS (Safety Management System) methods and principles in daily routine and supports all aspects of the agency’s Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP).
• Promotes safety awareness and follows safety procedures to reduce or eliminate accidents.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Associate's degree in Electrical/Electronic Technology or successful completion of an appropriate Department of Labor accredited apprenticeship program is preferred.

Experience

Minimum three (3) years of increasingly responsible, journey-level electrical maintenance experience. Experience with traction power systems is preferred.

Skills

• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with management, consultants, and engineers to resolve maintenance issues.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a Texas Class B Commercial Driver’s License with air brake endorsement within six (6) months of hire date.
• Must meet METRO’s requirements regarding motor vehicle records.