Machinist

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA); New York (NY); On-site; USD 38,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Commuter assistance

Health insurance

Pension plans

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

MTA Metro-North Railroad seeks a Machinist to maintain, inspect, fabricate, repair and modify mechanical equipment across multiple sites. The role requires strong welding, machining, and inspection skills to support diesel-powered rolling stock and related systems.

Candidates should have vocational training or a Machinist/Mechanic background, with readiness to work various shifts. This is a safety-sensitive position with comprehensive benefits and union support.

Qualifications

• Must have High School Diploma or GED or TASC and Completion of vocation or apprentice training as a Machinist or Mechanic.
• Two years of experience as a Mechanic (building maintenance – generators, automotive mechanic, aircraft and submarines, etc.)

Responsibilities

• Inspects, maintains, repairs, and replaces pneumatic operating units, valves, air brake systems, trucks and car suspension on all diesel-powered equipment, and on rolling stock.
• Installs and removes major components on diesel equipment including engines, main generators, air compressors, APU’s, and drive motors, etc.
• Perform welding on components and equipment related to passenger locomotive and EMU rolling stock.
• Perform periodic visual inspections of internal and external train components for proper operation and functionality.
• Operate support equipment (e.g. crane and truck hoists, truck movers, etc.) as needed.
• May be required to operate machinery including lathes, and milling machines.
• Reference written documents while troubleshooting or maintaining equipment.
• Complete required paperwork.

Skills

Math skills

Reading comprehension

Interpersonal skills

Customer service

Decision making

Communication

Education

High School Diploma

GED

TASC

Vocational/apprentice training

Machinist/Mechanic training

Two years mechanic experience

Tools

Hand tools

Power tools

Lathes

presses

Welding

Job description

Job Title: Machinist

Department: MofE

MTA Agency: Metro-North Railroad

Primary Location(s): Various

Salary Range: See wage progression chart below

Regulated/Safety Sensitive: Safety Sensitive/DOT Regulated

Union Affiliation: Agreement

Closing Date: Until Filled

Shift: Various

Title 55-a: Not Applicable

Other: Not Telework eligible

ABOUT THE AGENCY

MTA Metro-North Railroad is a dynamic organization, operating out of the jewel of New York City, Grand Central Terminal. We provide service to over 86.5 million customers, traveling in and out of New York and Connecticut. A subsidiary of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Metro-North Railroad is one of the busiest commuter railroads in the nation. MTA Metro-North Railroad strives to provide a safe and reliable commute, excellent customer service, and rewarding opportunities for its employees.

Metro-North Railroad reserves the right to remove this posting before the Application Deadline.

JOB SUMMARY

MACHINISTS are responsible for maintaining, inspecting, fabricating, repairing and modifying mechanical equipment.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

THE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO

• Inspects, maintains, repairs, and replaces pneumatic operating units, valves, air brake systems, trucks and car suspension on all diesel-powered equipment, and on rolling stock.


• Installs and removes major components on diesel equipment including: engines, main generators, air compressors, APU’s, and drive motors, etc.


• Perform welding on components and equipment related to passenger locomotive and EMU rolling stock.


• Perform periodic visual inspections of internal and external train components for proper operation and functionality.


• Operate support equipment (e.g. crane and truck hoists, truck movers, etc.) as needed.


• May be required to operate machinery including lathes, and milling machines.


• Reference written documents (e.g. operating or manufacturing manuals) while troubleshooting or maintaining equipment.


• Complete required paperwork.


• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Must have High School Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma or Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC) and


• Completion of vocation or apprentice training as a Machinist or Mechanic or


• Two years of experience as a Mechanic (building maintenance – generators, automotive mechanic, aircraft and submarines, etc.)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to use lathes and presses.


• Understand air piping diagrams.


• Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification.


• CNC machine experience.


• Welding experience.

KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES

• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations; reading comprehension ability; interpersonal skills; customer service oriented; skilled in exercising independent judgment; ability to anticipate and analyze problems and take corrective actions; must be able to evaluate a situation to make decisions and work under pressure; written and verbal communication skills; ability to multi-task; must be able to function effectively under changing priorities; must be safety conscious.


• Mechanical aptitude; knowledge of hand tools and power tools and their appropriate use; ability to work in teams; ability to follow instructions; attention to detail; ability to troubleshoot mechanical errors and take corrective action; problem solving skills; ability and willingness to learn operating and safety rules.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must become and maintain Qualified Maintenance Personnel (QMP) qualification.


• Hearing conservation may be needed for some positions.


• Refer to the required hand tools list.

RATE OF PAY

• The starting rate for this position is $27.75 per hour. The annual wage progression scale is as follows: Years 1&2= $27.75; Year 3=$29.74; Year 4=$31.72; Years 5&6=$33.70; Year 7=$35.69; Year 8=$39.65. This rate is set by the collective bargaining agreement and is non‑negotiable.


• Applicants hired with four (4) or more years of documented mechanic experience shall be paid as follows: Years 1&2=$31.72; Years 3&4=$35.69; Year 5=$39.65.

Seniority

• Applicants will establish seniority in the International Association of Machinist and Aerospace Workers (IAM), the union representing Machinists, in accordance with the union's current collective bargaining agreement.


• Members of IAM are subject to an initiation fee and monthly union dues.

Assignments

• Must be able to work various days, shifts and locations along MNR territory.

Physical Activities of this position include, but are not limited to the following

• Ability to lift and carry tools and materials weighing up to 50 pounds (e.g. disc brake).


• Regularly lift, carry, push tools and materials weighing up to 35 lbs. (e.g. tool bags, carts, ladders).


• Must be able to climb ladders and steps to board equipment.


• Talking and hearing ability required to communicate with coworkers and supervisors.

Working Conditions of this position include, but are not limited to the following

• Works on rolling stock at heights up to 60 feet above ground level.


• Must be able to work on trains inside various maintenance shops and in the yard and on tracks during inclement weather (e.g. hot, cold, rain, snow).


• Ability to walk on uneven surfaces while navigating tracks.


• Works in close proximity of moving equipment.


• Must be able to work various days and shifts.


• Works primarily with others, but must also be able to work independently.

Training:

• Must successfully complete Metro-North Machinist training program to qualify for position. Training includes classroom instruction and on-the-job training.

BENEFITS

• Commuter Assistance – based on operating MTA agency (complimentary transportation pass within the MTA's jurisdiction and tax-advantaged accounts)

• Low Premium – High Quality Health Insurance Plans (lifetime coverage for eligible retirees and their dependents)

• Pension Plans and Retirement Savings Accounts for eligible employees

• Generous Paid Time Off and Holidays provided.

• Tuition Reimbursement for eligible employees

• Employee Assistance Programs

• MTA Exclusive Employee Discount Programs

• Work Life Services team

• Employee Resource Groups

OTHER INFORMATION

Selection Criteria

Due to the competitive nature of the selection process, not all qualified candidates who meet the minimum requirements for the position are guaranteed an interview. To be selected for a position, one must meet the following criteria: (1) satisfy the minimum requirements listed in the job posting, (2) if applicable, successfully pass a written and practical exam, (3) satisfy a background investigation (including but not limited to, employment, education, and criminal history), and (4) pass a verbal interview. Metro-North may also require the applicant to undergo a physical ability test, and, if the Company extends a conditional offer, may require him or her to undergo a medical examination, which may include toxicological testing. Failure to pass any step within the hiring process will result in the disqualification of your application.

This is a safety sensitive position and subject to toxicology testing.

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”).

Employees driving company vehicles must complete defensive driver training once every three years for current MNR drivers; or within 180 days of hire or transfer for an employee entering an authorized driving position.

Additional Criteria for Current Employees:

• Current Metro-North employees must be in active service to be eligible for consideration.

• Agreement Employees applying for a position outside of their present craft are required to have worked in your current union for at least one (1) year preceding the Application Deadline to be eligible to apply for a posted position and have completed the agreed upon formal training commitment, including on-the-job training or lock-in requirement, if applicable (for example Signal Trainee, Foreman-In-Training, etc.). If you are transferring to another craft, you may be required to forfeit your seniority in your present union.

• Non-agreement employees must have worked in their current position for a minimum of one (1) year preceding the Application Deadline. Along with a background investigation (including but not limited to, employment, education, and criminal history), employees are also subject to an internal investigation, which includes an evaluation not limited to discipline records and performance assessments.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY/ADA DISCLAIMER

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers and encourage qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.

If you seek a reasonable accommodation for a medical condition or disability, or for a religious practice or observance, to participate in the job application or interview process, please notify your MTA representative once you have been contacted regarding the role.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.