Lead Traction Electrification System (TES) Inspector

Salary Range: $38.46 - $43.27

Benefit Package: PLTO offers an excellent compensation and benefits package (Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) retirement, vacation, holiday and sick pay, etc.

General Description

Under the supervision of the Traction Power Supervisor, the Lead Traction Electrification System (TES) Inspector is responsible for leading, coordinating, and participating in the inspection, testing, maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, and restoration of the company’s Traction Electrification System (TES), including the overhead catenary system (OCS), traction power substations, switching stations, power distribution equipment, grounding systems, and associated electrical infrastructure. The incumbent provides day-to-day technical leadership to TES Inspectors, assigns and monitors work activities, ensures compliance with established maintenance procedures and safety standards, and serves as the primary field resource for complex troubleshooting and emergency response. The Lead TES Inspector ensures preventive and corrective maintenance activities are performed in accordance with PLTO’s policies, manufacturer specifications, engineering standards, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations to support the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the light rail system.

Responsibilities/Essential Functions

• Leads and coordinates the daily activities of TES Inspectors engaged in inspection, testing, preventive maintenance, corrective maintenance, and repair of traction electrification equipment.
• Assigns work, establishes priorities, monitors progress, and provides technical guidance to ensure work is completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with established maintenance schedules.
• Performs inspections, testing, troubleshooting, maintenance, and repairs of overhead catenary systems (OCS), contact wire, messenger wire, support assemblies, poles, cantilevers, insulators, feeders, disconnect switches, and related equipment.
• Leads maintenance activities involving traction power substations, switching stations, rectifiers, transformers, circuit breakers, protective relays, SCADA interfaces, and associated electrical equipment.
• Performs and oversees preventive maintenance inspections using established maintenance procedures and reliability-centered maintenance practices.
• Responds to service disruptions, emergencies, power outages, and equipment failures to restore traction power safely and efficiently.
• Diagnoses electrical, mechanical, and system failures using testing instruments, diagnostic equipment, engineering drawings, schematics, and maintenance documentation.
• Ensures compliance with lockout/tagout procedures, electrical safety practices, grounding requirements, and established safe work methods.
• Reviews completed work for quality, accuracy, and compliance with agency standards and manufacturer specifications.
• Coordinates maintenance activities with Operations Control Center personnel, Maintenance of Way personnel, contractors, engineering staff, and other departments to minimize service disruptions.
• Assists in planning outages, scheduled maintenance windows, and emergency restoration activities.
• Conducts field inspections to identify equipment deficiencies, safety hazards, and potential reliability concerns, recommending corrective actions as appropriate.
• Maintains accurate maintenance records, inspection reports, work orders, equipment histories, and documentation within the agency’s computerized maintenance management system (CMMS).
• Assists the Traction Power Supervisor in developing preventive maintenance schedules, work plans, and resource allocation.
• Provides on-the-job training, technical instruction, coaching, and mentoring to TES Inspectors and newly assigned employees.
• Ensures compliance with all applicable OSHA regulations, NFPA standards, electrical codes, environmental requirements, agency policies, and operating procedures.
• Participates in incident investigations, root cause analyses, and corrective action implementation following equipment failures or safety events.
• Monitors inventory levels of tools, materials, spare parts, and equipment and recommends replenishment as necessary.
• Assists with commissioning activities, acceptance testing, and inspections of new or modified traction power equipment.
• Cooperatively and efficiently performs related tasks and duties as required.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Knowledge of the principles, practices, methods, and techniques used in the inspection, maintenance, testing, troubleshooting, and repair of traction electrification systems and overhead catenary systems.
• Knowledge of electrical power distribution systems, substations, transformers, rectifiers, circuit breakers, protective relays, switching equipment, grounding systems, and associated infrastructure.
• Knowledge of applicable electrical codes, OSHA regulations, NFPA standards, FRA guidance (where applicable), and agency safety procedures.
• Knowledge of preventive and predictive maintenance principles and reliability-centered maintenance practices.
• Knowledge of electrical theory, high-voltage systems, and electrical testing procedures.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, wiring diagrams, schematics, blueprints, technical manuals, and manufacturer specifications.
• Ability to safely troubleshoot complex electrical and electro-mechanical systems using specialized diagnostic equipment.
• Ability to prioritize multiple assignments and coordinate work activities in a fast-paced transit environment.
• Ability to lead, coach, mentor, and evaluate the work performance of assigned employees.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with employees, supervisors, contractors, and operational personnel.
• Ability to prepare clear, accurate, and complete maintenance documentation and reports.
• Ability to utilize computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS), Microsoft Office applications, and other maintenance technologies.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, make timely decisions, and effectively respond during emergencies and service interruptions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships across multiple departments.
• Skill in organizing work, managing priorities, and ensuring compliance with maintenance schedules and safety requirements.
• Ability to obtain and maintain all required agency certifications, roadway worker protection certification, and other job-related qualifications.
• Ability to work nights, weekends, holidays, overtime, rotating shifts, and emergency call-outs as required.
  
  

Ability To

Emotional, Psychological and Physical Requirements:

• Maintain concentration while working around energized high-voltage electrical systems and moving rail vehicles.
• Analyze complex electrical problems and make sound decisions under time-sensitive conditions.
• Remain calm and exercise good judgment during emergencies, service disruptions, and incident response activities.
• Lead work crews while maintaining a strong commitment to safety, accountability, and teamwork.
• Communicate effectively with employees, supervisors, Operations Control Center personnel, contractors, and outside agencies.
• Work independently with minimal supervision while coordinating multiple maintenance activities.
  
  

Physically

• Frequently stand, walk, climb ladders, stairs, poles, catwalks, and elevated structures.
• Lift, carry, push, and pull materials, tools, and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds independently and heavier loads with assistance.
• Frequently bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, and work in confined spaces.
• Work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, snow, and high humidity.
• Perform work at heights using approved fall protection equipment.
• Distinguish colors necessary for identifying electrical wiring, signals, indicators, and equipment status.
• Operate agency vehicles and specialized maintenance equipment safely.
• Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including arc flash protection, fall protection equipment, hearing protection, eye protection, and respiratory protection as required.
• Be available for emergency response, rotating on-call assignments, extended work hours, and overtime as operational needs require.
  
  

Additional/Miscellaneous/Special Requirements

• Acceptable drug/alcohol screen and pre-employment physical (including vision and hearing requirements) results upon hire and as regularly required by PLTO’s policy for position.
• May be required to attend training, meetings, and classes for continued professional development which may require local travel within the Washington Metropolitan area.
• Must be available for emergency callouts and work flexible hours, including nights, weekends and holidays.
• Acceptable driving record must be maintained throughout entirety of employment.
• Must possess a valid state driver’s license
• Must possess or be able to obtain a Class A CDL
  
  

Education And Experience

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Completion of a recognized apprenticeship or technical training program in electrical systems, traction power, industrial electrical maintenance, or a closely related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience maintaining traction electrification systems, overhead catenary systems, substations, or comparable high-voltage electrical infrastructure.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience serving in a lead, senior, or supervisory capacity preferred.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in light rail, commuter rail, heavy rail, or passenger rail transit systems.
• Experience working with SCADA systems and traction power monitoring equipment.
• Experience utilizing computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS).
• OSHA 10- or 30-Hour Construction or General Industry certification.
• Electrical licensing or additional technical certifications related to high-voltage systems.
• Experience commissioning or accepting new traction power equipment.