About Sound Transit
What is Sound Transit?
Sound Transit describes itself this way: "We plan, build and operate express buses, light rail, and commuter train services for the central Puget Sound Region so that people can get to where they’re going, safely and economically." It "builds and operates regional transit service throughout the urban areas of Pierce, King and Snohomish Counties", with Link light rail, Sounder trains, ST Express Bus and Tacoma Link light rail, "and soon, Bus Rapid Transit."
Its "founding in 1993" was followed by voter-approved expansion: "With voter-approval, Sound Transit is in the process of planning and building the most ambitious transit expansion in the country." It is governed by an 18-member Board of Directors, and its news page on 2026-10-08 listed the Everett Link Extension draft environmental review and the opening of Pinehurst Station.
Where will I work?
Its main offices are in historic Union Station at 401 S. Jackson St. in Seattle. The careers page says "we offer flexible and hybrid work options for many positions" and that "employees must maintain Washington state residency". Hybrid means "Working three or more days per week on-site", and "on-site work is mandatory for some (for example, service operation roles)". Its office postings repeat it: "a hybrid environment with an expectation of working in office a minimum of 3 days per week".
On 2026-10-08 the board listed 34 roles: program and project managers, design and construction managers on the West Seattle Link Extension, engineers, IT and ERP project managers, finance, real property and human resources roles. Several are term-limited. The two Tacoma Link shop and platform roles are not listed here.
What is the Sound Transit team like?
The careers page promises "industry-best benefits and policies" that "give employees the freedom and flexibility to build quality of life and make the most of it all." The agency offers "one-on-one retirement counseling", "an on-site gym", a well-being fair and free flu shots, grants employees "16 hours or two days of volunteer time per year", and lets staff "take a paid holiday for events that have special significance to them", such as religious observances, cultural celebrations or their own birthday.
Work-Life Balance
"Employees accrue 25 days of paid time off annually with increases at four, eight and 12 years. Employees at the director level and up accrue additional days. Employees also receive 11 paid holidays, and two paid floating holidays." That is 38 days off a year before volunteer days, and the postings count 12 holidays. The agency also runs "a flex work program which includes flexible schedules and telework options based on position and management approval", and offers 12 weeks of parental leave for new parents, plus medical leave and caregiver leave.
Perks and Benefits
- 25 days of paid time off, 11 paid holidays and 2 paid floating holidays
- Two medical plans, a dental plan and a vision plan at no cost for employee coverage
- Long-term disability and life insurance
- A 401(a) plan with a 12% employer match on a 10% employee contribution, plus a 457(b)
- 12 weeks of parental leave for new parents
- Up to $5,000 a year in tuition reimbursement
- 16 hours of volunteer time a year
- An Employee Assistance Program
- An ORCA transit card at no cost for full-time employees
- Flexible schedules and telework by position