Metra wants you on our team!

Metra wants those who have served our country to bring their skills, knowledge and experience to our agency. We believe a background in the military is great preparation for many of Metra's job categories and we highly encourage veterans to consider a career here.

Go to our Careers Portal here to see a list of current openings and apply for your desired position.

Click here to send us an email to ask about the hiring process or ask other questions. Click here to see a brochure about Metra benefits for union employees and here to see a brochure about benefits for non-union employees. 

Apprenticeship programs at Metra are an exciting opportunity to learn a trade while actively working. These three-year programs prioritize hands-on experience in the field as well as classroom instruction.

Metra apprentices receive a percentage of a full journeyman’s wage which increases over the period of the apprenticeship. VA education benefits, including the Post-9/11 GI Bill, are available to veterans while completing apprenticeships. Metra has four apprenticeship programs approved by the VA for use of GI Bill benefits:

• Carman Apprentice,
• Electrician Apprentice,
• Machinist Apprentice, and
• Sheetmetal Workers Apprentice.

For information and to determine eligibility for VA education benefits, click here.

To apply for the GI Bill, click here.

Metra jobs

Please see videos and information below about some common Metra jobs. The chart below outlines some of the prerequisites for each position.

All Metra positions require that candidates pass a preemployment physical (including a drug test) and background check.

Metra is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Its policy is to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, gender identity, disability or any protected categories, assuming an individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.

Engineering: Assistant B&B Mechanic

The Building and Bridges (B&B) Mechanic Assistants ensure proper construction and maintenance of culverts, sanitary sewers, storm sewers, water lines, fences and retaining walls, buildings, station platforms, highway grade crossings, general masonry, and carpentry to guarantee the safe and efficient operation of trains. Incumbents work under both inside and outside environmental conditions under prevailing conditions of heat, cold, rain, and snow. They perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Job Requirements:

• High School Diploma or General Educational Development certificate
• Construction/maintenance experience
• Must be able to lift, carry, and move equipment and materials weighing up to 70 lbs.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license
• Must be willing to travel within Metra’s six-county region
• Preferences:
  • Carpentry experience
  • Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)

Engineering: Assistant Signalman

Duties include digging, installing wire/cable, and working outside in different weather conditions. Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Job Requirements:

• Have the ability to bend, crouch, lift, carry, and move weight up to 75 lbs.
• Must be able to distinguish colors (red, blue, green, and yellow)
• Be available to work different shifts, holidays, and weekends and travel to different work locations within Metra’s six-county regions
• Preferences:
  • Experience with operating equipment, e.g., backhoes and trenchers
  • Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
  • Computer skills

Engineering: Electrical DC Apprentice

Electrician DC Apprentice is responsible for assisting electricians with construction, testing, inspection, installation, maintenance, removal, and operation of the 1500-volt DC overhead catenary system and underground electrical feeders in manholes. This is a three-year apprentice training program that includes classroom instruction and on-the-job training with an experienced Journeyman Electrician.

Job Requirements:

• High School Diploma or General Educational Development certificate.
• Must have a certificate/degree in an electrical discipline or equivalent training/work experience.
• Must:
  • Possess a valid driver’s license and be able to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) within 60 days of hire
  • Pass Maintenance of Way (M.O.W.) rules exam within 90 days of hire
  • Pass Roadway Worker rules within 30 days of hire
  • Be able to lift 150 lbs. with assistance
  • Be able to perform heavy physical labor for long periods of time; must be able to climb ladders, structures and poles, and work from an elevated position
  • Be able to work all shifts scheduled (days, nights and/or weekends) and emergency overtime at night, and/or on weekends, and holidays
  • Be willing to be available on-call 24 hours/day, 7 days/week, 365 days/year, including weekends and holidays
• Preference: Military, trade school, or college experience.

Engineering: Substation Electrician

Responsible for the maintenance, testing, inspection, installation, removal and operation of substation high voltage conversion and distribution equipment.  This includes but is not limited to 12kv ac switchgear, 4kv ac light and power switchgear, 2.3kv ac signal switchgear, 1500v dc rectifiers, 1500v dc switchgear, high voltage transformers, motor operated overhead disconnect switches, vacuum contactors and computer based “Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition” equipment.  Also responsible for the paperwork, inventory, vehicle and tool maintenance related to the position. Must perform other related duties as necessary to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Job Requirements:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Must be a Journeyman Electrician with a minimum of four years of experience in conversion substation or utility substation maintenance
• Proficient in interpreting substation one line and switchgear schematic diagrams
• A strong background in troubleshooting
• Must have computer hardware and software background
• Able to lift, carry, and move equipment and materials weighing up to 75 lbs.; up to 150 lbs. with assistance
• Able to pass Metra’s Roadway Worker rules within 30 days of hire
• Must have a valid driver’s license

Engineering: Trackman

This position uses the lottery process for selection. Metra uses a lottery process to assign a unique number to external applicants who pass the prescreen. The lottery process allows Metra to select candidates in an impartial manner and aids in detecting duplicate applications. Internal applicants are added to the pool, but not assigned a number.

Trackmen maintain, construct, and dismantle all track and roadway facilities. Trackmen replace and renew defective cross ties, tracks, and switches in accordance with Metra safety rules and standards. They maintain roadways including the removal of snow and ice from switches and platforms, remove brushes from Right of Way, and mow station grounds. In addition, they load and unload track materials from company vehicles using a truck crane when necessary. They also perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Job Requirements:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Able to lift, carry, and move equipment and materials weighing up to 60-70 lbs.
• Able to withstand all kinds of inclement weather, which includes extreme cold and heat, rain, snow, humidity
• Flexibility to work at any location. Must have dependable transportation to work at any of the several yards and work locations in the six-county region
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license. Class D License (Commercial Driver’s License - CDL) is preferred
• Able and willing to work weekends

Mechanical: Carman Apprentice

This position uses the lottery process for selection. Metra uses a lottery process to assign a unique number to external applicants who pass the pre-screen. The lottery process allows Metra to select candidates in an impartial manner and aids in detecting duplicate applications. Internal applicants are added to the pool, but not assigned a number.

This position also requires that successful candidates pass an online/written assessment to evaluate, measure, and document the candidate’s knowledge and experience. The assessment showcases the candidate’s abilities.
Carman apprentices learn how to inspect, repair, and maintain air brake systems and the interiors/exteriors of passenger railcars. Training includes formal classroom instruction and on-the-job training with an experienced Journeyman Carman.

Job Requirements:

• Candidates must be at least 18 years of age
• Candidates must have a high school diploma or GED
• Candidates must complete the minimum qualifications on-line questionnaire within the application posting period
• Candidates must be able to bend, stoop, and lift up to 50 lbs.
• Candidates must be able to work different shifts

Mechanical: Coach Cleaner

This position uses the lottery process for selection. Metra uses a lottery process to assign a unique number to external applicants who pass the prescreen. The lottery process allows Metra to select candidates in an impartial manner and aids in detecting duplicate applications. Internal applicants are added to the pool, but not assigned a number.

Coach cleaners are responsible for cleaning and maintaining passenger cars and equipment.

Job Requirements:

• Must have experience in manual-type labor that includes functions such as climbing, reaching, bending, pushing, and pulling
• Able to lift and carry up to 30 lbs. of water to mop floors
• Preference: Experience using shop and highway vehicles, brooms, mops, and hoses

Mechanical: Electrician Apprentice

This position uses the lottery process for selection. Metra uses a lottery process to assign a unique number to external applicants who pass the prescreen. The lottery process allows Metra to select candidates in an impartial manner and aids in detecting duplicate applications. Internal applicants are added to the pool, but not assigned a number.

This position also requires that successful candidates pass an online/written assessment to evaluate, measure, and document the candidate’s knowledge and experience. The assessment showcases the candidate’s abilities.
Electrician apprentices learn how to read and interpret electrical schematics and inspect, repair, and maintain electrical components/systems of passenger railcars and locomotives. Training includes formal classroom instruction and on-the-job training with an experienced Journeyman Electrician.

Job Requirements:

• Candidates must be at least 18 years of age
• Candidates must have a high school diploma or GED
• Candidates must be able to bend, stoop, and lift up to 50 lbs.
• Candidates must be able to work different shifts

Transportation: Extra List Clerk

This position uses the lottery process for selection. Metra uses a lottery process to assign a unique number to external applicants who pass the pre-screen. The lottery process allows Metra to select candidates in an impartial manner and aids in detecting duplicate applications. Internal applicants are added to the pool, but not assigned a number.

This position also requires that successful candidates pass a computer-based typing test.

Extra List Clerks serve in numerous capacities and may be called upon to work as a Tower Operator, Office Clerk, Ticket Agent, Janitor, and/or other duties and functions outlined by Metra. Responsible for the safety objectives, goals, and programs of the organization, ensuring compliance with applicable safety rules and regulations. Performs other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization Positions are subject to 24/7 on-call status including nights, weekends, and holidays. Must be available to work any shift at any location.

Job Requirements:

• High School diploma or GED equivalent
• Must be able to type 25 wpm and possess basic data entry skills
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Must possess good verbal, written, and basic arithmetic skills
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license
• Must be willing to travel within Metra’s six-county region

For more information contact: HireVets@metrarr.com