Close Date: Monday, June 08, 2026 12:00 AM
Department: Charlotte Area Transit System Department
Transit & Rail Maintenance
Salary: $31.96 - $39.95 Commensurate with Experience
Welcome to the City of Charlotte
Charlotte is America’s Queen City, opening her arms to a diverse and inclusive community of residents, businesses and visitors alike. Here you will find a safe, family-oriented city where people work together to help everyone thrive. The mission of the City of Charlotte is to deliver quality public services and promote the safety, health, and quality of life for all residents.
Our guiding principles include:
Attracting and retaining a skilled and diverse workforce
Valuing teamwork, openness, accountability, productivity, and employee development
Providing all customers with courteous, responsive, accessible, and seamless quality services
Taking initiative to identify, analyze, and solve problems
Collaborating with stakeholders to make informed decisions
SUMMARY
The Train Control (TC) Maintainer Lead, following the guidelines established by The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS), will supervise the maintenance staff in their duties related to the maintenance, testing, inspection, operation, and repair of the Train Control and Communication systems, as well as associated equipment.
Major Duties and Responsibilities:
Coordinate work assignments, monitor workflow, and ensure timely completion of tasks.
Install and maintain rail signaling equipment, including lights, crossing gates, and switch controls.
Conduct regular inspections and preventive maintenance on signal systems to minimize the risk of failures and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Diagnose and repair faults in signal systems, which may involve replacing or repairing worn or defective parts and wiring.
Work closely with other railway staff to coordinate maintenance schedules and minimize disruptions to rail services.
Ensure that all work complies with industry standards, safety regulations, and organizational policies.
Maintain accurate records of repairs, replacements, and maintenance schedules.
Respond to rail system incidents to mitigate service delays and recover from equipment failures, taking necessary actions to restore revenue service.
Oversee and collaborate with staff in the inspection, maintenance, and repair of all equipment related to systems, including but not limited to automatic train protection, train-to-wayside communication, grade crossings, interlocking systems, supervisory control and data acquisition, carrier transmission systems, control center software and hardware, and all maintenance and emergency support equipment.
Assist supervisory staff in conducting acceptance testing and pre-service testing of newly acquired rail system components and equipment, as well as any required multi-system tests.
Aid supervisory staff in overseeing planned maintenance as outlined by the OEM, FTA, APTA, NCDOT, and CATS management, while also evaluating needed changes or upgrades and submitting them for review.
Comply with and enforce all safety regulations set forth by CATS, OSHA, FTA, FRA, and NCDOT.
Prepare comprehensive reports and correspondence.
Utilize a computer-based maintenance and material management system to track and plan maintenance and repairs, as well as track materials needed for maintenance tasks.
Train other rail personnel as required.
Work collaboratively with other CATS and City departments, as well as contractors and utility companies.
Perform all other job-related duties as assigned.
This position is considered a security and safety sensitive position and will be subject to random drug and alcohol testing under FTA guidelines as well as all procedures and guidelines in alignment with the City of Charlotte and CATS Drug and Alcohol Policies.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Understanding of train movements, signaling systems, and track layouts.
Deep knowledge of federal, state, and company safety rules, including FRA regulations (in the US). Strong verbal and radio communication skills to relay instructions clearly and concisely.
Ability to interpret complex signaling data and identify the cause of delays or equipment issues. Capacity to remain focused and calm during emergency situations or high-traffic disruptions.
Minimum qualifications:
Associate degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering, or 2 years of experience in complex and specialized troubleshooting (both electrical and mechanical), preventative and corrective maintenance, and overhauls of train control equipment and associated subsystems.
A minimum of 2 years of direct experience as a foreman or in a lead role is required.
Military personnel who meet or exceed the minimum education and experience requirements and have completed a certification in electrical/electronic fields are encouraged to apply.
A valid driver's license is required, and candidates must be able to obtain and maintain a City Driving Permit throughout their employment.
Eligible candidates must also qualify for DMV clearance and able to obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
The City’s Background Check Policy requires background checks to be conducted on final internal or external candidate(s) applying for any position with the City of Charlotte. The type of information that will be collected as part of a background check includes, but is not limited to: reference checks, social security verification, education verification, criminal conviction record check, and, if applicable, a credit history check, sex offender registry and motor vehicle records check.
Background checks must be in compliance with all federal and state statutes, such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The checks must be consistent with the guidelines set forth by these laws requiring organizations to obtain a candidate’s written authorization before obtaining a criminal background report, motor vehicle records check or credit report; and to properly store and dispose of information derived from such reports.
Final candidates must pass a pre-employment drug-screening test and physical examination. During the selection process, candidates may be asked to take a skills test, and/or participate in other assessments.
The City of Charlotte is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation or on the basis of actual or perceived gender as expressed through dress, appearance, or behavior.
Our culture is to serve the community honorably.
HOW TO APPLY
Apply online.
Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job.
You are welcome to visit the City of Charlotte Human Resources Department lobby, where self-service application kiosks are available. They are located in our office at 700 East 4th Street, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28202. We are open Monday through Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (EST), excluding official City holidays.
For questions about your application or the hiring process, please email Careers@ci.charlotte.nc.us
The City of Charlotte is committed to making our services and programs accessible to all. Upon request, auxiliary aids, written materials in alternate formats, language access, and other reasonable accommodations or modifications will be provided. To make a request, please fill out the Innovation & Technology ADA request form or call 704.336.4120.
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.
The City of Charlotte is a drug and alcohol-free workplace.