Car Repairman Trainee
Job ID: 16770
Business Unit: Long Island Rail Road
Location: Queens, NY, United States
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Department: M/E Training
Date Posted: Aug 3, 2026
Description
Job Title: Car Repairman Trainee
Department: Maintenance of Equipment
MTA Agency: LIRR
Primary Location(s): Various
Salary Range/Additional Compensation Details:
Regulated/ Safety Sensitive: Safety Sensitive
Union Affiliation:
Closing Date (if applicable): 8/10/2026
Shift (if applicable): Various
Other:
About your agency:
Chartered in 1834, the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) is the largest, busiest, and oldest continuously operating commuter railroad in the United States. In 2024, this 24/7/365 operation served 75.5 million riders on a system that stretches nearly 120 miles - from Penn Station and Grand Central Madison in Manhattan to Montauk on the eastern tip of Long Island.
JOB SUMMARY :
Builds, rebuilds, troubleshoots, repairs, tests, replaces and inspects locomotives, passenger railroad cars and components (diesel and MU) in accordance with Federal (AAR, FRA, DOT) and LIRR/MTA regulations and standards.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :
Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:
Inspect, repair, maintain and install various components, subsystems, and car bodies of rolling stock equipment, including, but not limited to, air-brake, doors, glazing, seats, truck, coupler and draft gear assemblies.
Perform daily and periodic tests of air-brake systems as required by the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).
Perform daily and periodic mechanical inspections as required by the CFR.
Performs scheduled and on demand passenger railroad car equipment maintenance tasks such as: (but not limited to) air brake tests; removing and replacing defective parts; repairs to and maintenance of floors, seats, windows, lights, toilets, coupler assemblies, car body components, HVAC systems, brake rigging, wheels and horns.
Welding, painting and stenciling of numbers/letters on railroad passenger cars (diesel and MU).
Utilize a variety of hand tools, power tools, specialty tools, and measuring instruments.
Work sites may be located throughout the LIRR system which extends from Manhattan to Montauk.
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE :
A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent (GED or TASC) approved by a State's Department of Education or recognized accredited organization.
Must possess one of the following:
A minimum of four years of documented mechanical experience;
A combination of four years of full-time or part-time trade, vocational or military training schools in a mechanical discipline and documented work experience;
Two of more years of railroad or transit railcar maintenance experience;
A Bachelor's Degree or higher with two years of mechanical experience and/or training;
A current LIRR employee with four years of LIRR work history and two years of mechanical experience and/or training.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Mechanical Ability: must possess a working understanding of mechanical principles, as well as the ability to remove and replace various parts and components.
Must possess a working knowledge of the proper use of hand/power tools, measuring and testing devices.
Must be able to trouble shoot mechanical, pneumatic, and electrical systems.
Must be able to perform tasks as directed by procedures, guidelines, and manuals.
Must be able to read/interpret various drawings, diagrams, blueprints, and schematics.
Must be familiar with basic personal computer operations within a Windows environment.
Familiarity with diesel engines and the interplay between electricity and motors is highly desirable.
Must possess an understanding of safety methodology.
Must be able to perform lifting tasks of 70 pounds from track level onto a rail car.
Must be able to work various shifts at various locations throughout the LIRR system, which extends from Manhattan to Montauk.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION :
Candidates must pass a written exam, a panel interview and a practical exam to demonstrate competency.
Upon employment, candidates will be admitted into the Car Repairman training program.
Successful completion of this program is a condition of employment.
Car Repairman hired or transferred into this position under this bulletin must take the Phase II Road Car Inspector (RCI) training program when offered. A Car Repairman who fails to qualify as a Road Car Inspector (RCI) will be handled as per the provisions of the controlling labor agreement, which includes possible termination of employment.
WAGE PROGRESSION :
Employees Hired Before 9/24/2014:
80% - 1st 365 Calendar Days
90% - 2nd 365 Calendar Days
100% - After 730 Calendar Days
New Hires and Employees Hired After 9/24/2014:
80% - First 365 Calendar Days
80% - Second 365 Calendar Days
90% - Third 365 Calendar Days
90% - Fourth 365 Calendar Days
100% - After 1,460 Calendar Days
OTHER INFORMATION:
Pursuant to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics, all employees who hold a policymaking position must file an Annual Statement of Financial Disclosure (FDS) with the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (the "Commission").
Actual salary offers may vary based on individual work experience. The annual salary range is subject to change and may be modified at the company's discretion.
Employees driving company vehicles must complete defensive driver training once every three years for current MTA drivers; or within 180 days of hire or transfer for an employee entering an authorized driving position.
Current employees must be in their current position for the 12 months immediately preceding the close date of this posting and must possess a satisfactory work history, including attendance and discipline record.
Candidates selected for this position may be placed in a competitive or non-competitive class position based on their qualifications. Qualified candidates who are placed in a competitive class position are eligible for the 55-a Program. Please indicate in your cover letter and in the upper right corner of your resume that you would like to be considered for the position under the 55-a Program. For detailed information regarding the 55-a Program, please visit the following link https://www1.nyc.gov/site/dcas/employment/55-a-program.page
LIRR:
In addition to meeting the minimum requirements of the position, the selection process may include but is not limited to, a pre-screening assessment (i.e., physical, written, and/ or practical evaluation) and interview. Candidates forfeit further consideration in the process if they fail to participate in any step of the process when scheduled. Make-up dates/times will not be given. In addition, LIRR employee applicants must be in their current position for the 12 months immediately preceding the close date of this posting and must possess a satisfactory work history, including attendance and discipline record. A record of more than ten sick days without medical documentation in two of the last three years is considered unsatisfactory attendance. Not all qualified applicants are guaranteed an interview due to the competitive selection process. A medical examination and safety-sensitive drug/alcohol test may also be required.
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EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY/ADA DISCLAIMER:
MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including those concerning veteran status and individuals with disabilities.
The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.
If you require reasonable accommodation for a medical condition or disability to participate in the job application or interview process, please notify your MTA representative once you have been contacted regarding the role.
