Inspector – Traction Power & Overhead Contact Systems

Overview

Ramos CS, now part of Colliers Engineering & Design, is an engineering, program, and construction management firm providing quality transit, transportation, and infrastructure consulting services on public projects across the Western United States. We focus our solutions on mobility-related projects that serve the needs of our communities within the municipal, transit, transportation, airport, and port sectors.

With a staff of diversified, licensed professionals, our philosophy stems from the idea that successful project execution starts with people.

We are seeking an Inspector for Traction Power Substations & Overhead Contact Systems to perform field inspection work as Owner's Representative on a light rail extension program's trackwork and systems construction contract. The Inspector verifies that the Contractor's installation of traction power substations (TPSS), the overhead contact system (OCS), and traction power distribution conforms to the contract documents, approved submittals, RFIs, and all applicable codes and design standards. The Inspector works under the direction of the Resident Engineer and the Construction Engineer (TPSS & OCS), documents the Contractor's daily activities, and reports non-conforming work for resolution.

Responsibilities

• Understands and verifies Contractor conformance to all contract documents, submittals, RFIs, and applicable codes and design standards for TPSS and OCS work.
• Inspects on-site traction power activities according to the approved Staffing Plan, and prioritizes inspection coverage in coordination with the Authority's construction management representatives.
• Inspects substation equipment setting, cable installation and terminations, grounding and bonding, and conduit and duct bank installation.
• Inspects OCS foundations, poles, cantilevers, contact and messenger wire installation, tensioning, and registration.
• Observes and documents site acceptance testing and energization activities.
• Monitors contractor operations for compliance with OSHA regulations and Authority electrical safety requirements, including arc flash, lockout/tagout, and work near energized equipment, and reports unsafe conditions.
• Completes Inspector Daily Reports (IDRs) documenting work performed, labor, equipment, materials, and site conditions.
• Records field quantities in support of progress payments.
• Communicates non-conforming work to the Resident Engineer and quality management staff and documents it in the IDR.
• Takes and logs construction photos and supports as-built redline documentation.
• Supports punch list, commissioning, and closeout inspections.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical training or a degree in electrical engineering or electrical technology preferred.
• Approximately 5+ years of inspection, installation, or testing experience on traction power substations, overhead contact systems, or high-voltage electrical systems, preferably on rail or transit projects.
• Working knowledge of DC traction power equipment, grounding and bonding, and OCS installation standards.
• Familiarity with NEC, NESC, and NFPA 70E requirements.
• OSHA 30-Hour Construction certification preferred; NETA or journeyman electrician background a plus.
• Valid driver's license.
• Must be able to work on-site in Seattle full-time during construction, including night and weekend work as required.
• Ability to read, write and understand English for purposes of comprehending written job-related communications and verbal instructions and interactions.

Compensation: $90,000 to $160,000 per year (depending on qualifications)

What We Offer

Ramos Consulting Services, now a part of Colliers Engineering & Design, offers competitive benefits that support our employees in their life and career. This position is eligible for company benefits including but not limited to:

• Employer-Provided Healthcare: 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for employee base plans. We also provide a 40% employer contribution toward dependent or family coverage plans.
• Paid Time Off: 120 hours of combined PTO and Sick Time annually, in addition to paid holidays.
• Retirement Planning: Participation in a 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match of 50% on the first 6% of employee contributions.
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Pre-tax FSA/HSA options for medical, dental, and dependent care expenses to help manage out-of-pocket costs.
• Employee Wellness & Support: 100% employer-paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providing 24/7 confidential support for work-life balance, financial wellness, and emotional well-being.
• National Resources & Career Growth: As part of the Colliers Engineering & Design national platform, employees have access to expanded technical resources, mentorship, and diverse career development opportunities across the Western United States and beyond.