Master Mechanic

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA); New York (NY); On-site; USD 134,000 - 168,000; Full time

Job summary

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is seeking a Master Mechanic to lead and direct the General Foremen responsible for maintenance, car cleaning, inspection and running repair of rolling stock. The role also handles personnel, labor/union matters, discipline and budget oversight in a 24/7 operation.

You must possess extensive mechanical/electrical experience with rolling stock, FRA regulations, and strong leadership, planning, and budgeting skills. A valid driver’s license is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or 10 years of demonstrated technical/industry experience with 5 years of supervision.
• Minimum 5 years of managerial or front-line supervisory experience.
• Experience managing personnel in a large, unionized organization.
• Strong administrative, planning, scheduling, and computer skills.
• Experience with labor issues, performance management, and discipline.
• Solid knowledge of rolling stock maintenance, FRA regulations, and railroad operations.
• Valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Direct and supervise General Foremen over maintenance, car cleaning, inspection and running repair.
• Oversee personnel, labor issues, disciplinary actions and budget development.
• Analyze daily train performance reports and address failure trends.
• Provide technical guidance on equipment movement to relevant departments.
• Assist long-range planning for capital projects and staffing within budget.
• Promote safe work practices and maintain a professional, inclusive environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Senior Management.

Skills

People leadership

Budget management

Disciplinary action handling

Strategic planning

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Description

Job Title: Master Mechanic

Department: Maintenance of Equipment

MTA Agency: LIRR

Primary Location(s): LIRR Service Area

Salary /Additional Compensation Details: $134,390-167,988

Regulated/ Safety Sensitive: Yes

Union Affiliation: None

Closing Date: Open until Filled

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.

This is a Non-Represented Position.

Please note that this position has been designated as a “Policy Maker” pursuant to the New York State Public Officers Lawand the MTA Code of Ethics. As such, you will be required to complete a Financial Disclosure Statement that will be provided to you by the New York State Joint Commission on Public Ethics.

Summary

Responsible for directing and managing the activities of General Foremen who manage line supervision in maintenance, car cleaning, inspection and runningrepair activities and oversee all activities of workforce. In addition, this position is also responsible for handling all personnel, administrative and labor/union matters, addressing discipline and developing and managing budget activities. Must be able and available to continuously work various shifts, holidays and weekends to support a 24/7 operation.

Responsibilities

• Direct and supervise the activities of General Foremen and oversee all activities of maintenance, car cleaning, inspection and running repair of the rolling stock consistent with the needs of service as well as FRA CFR regulations.
• Manage personnel, administrative and labor issues within jurisdiction. Acts as a charging official in disciplinary situations. Oversees and initiates disciplinary charges and is responsible for enforcing the carrier's policies & procedures. Participates in the formulation of grievance responses, disciplinary actions up to termination and assess discipline decisions. Participates in the development of the budget and manages budget activities
• Evaluation and oversight of all maintenance, repair, and inspection activities to identify training, tooling or other needs. Analyze daily train performance reports and identity failure trends. When needed re-align maintenance or operational practices to address failure trend
• Provide technical expertise and recommend appropriate course of action to pertinent departments regarding the movement of equipment.
• Assist in long-range planning activities for capital projects, facilities, machinery, and materials. Ensure appropriate level of staffing resources are provided within budgetary restraints
• Select, develop, and motivate personnel within the department. Provide career development for subordinates. Provide prompt and effective coaching and counseling. Responsible for discipline/termination of employees when necessary. Review direct reports and approve performance appraisals. Promote safe work practices and provide safe working conditions. Create a professional environment that respects individual differences and enables all employees to develop and contribute to their full potential.
• Ensure a safe working environment and adherence to guidelines of company safety policies and procedures. Lead by example.
• Perform other assignments as requested by Senior Management.
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Complies with all policies and standards
• May be required to work hours outside regular work hours, as applicable
• Observes the work performed by contractors, as applicable
• Reviews invoices and approves them if the work has contractual standards, as applicable
• Addresses performance issues with the contractor when possible, as applicable
• Escalates issues to other parties when needed, as applicable

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Arts/Sciences (BA/BS) a technologically generic field, such as but not limited to industrial management, Engineering, Business or related field. In lieu of a Bachelor's degree, a candidate can be chosen if (s)he possesses minimum of 10 years demonstrated technical experience in an Industrial or related field, 5 of which must be demonstrated managerial or front-line supervisory experience in an Industrial or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of managerial or front-line supervisory experience in an Industrial or related field.
• Must possess 2 years of progressively responsible mechanical equipment related experience demonstrating responsibility for managing employees (represented and management) in a large, complex, unionized organization
• Must possess strong administrative, planning, scheduling, and computer skills
• Must possess experience handling related labor and personnel issues, evaluating the performance of employees, and addressing discipline when necessary
• Must possess solid technical (electrical and mechanical) and practical experience including familiarity with rolling stock equipment including MUs, locomotives and push-pull units, diesel-hauled passenger cars and freight equipment, FRA and other regulations relating to car maintenance and maintenance operations
• Must possess extensive knowledge of railroad operations and railcar maintenance activities at all levels of responsibility. Good understanding of the operational needs of the LIRR.
• Must possess demonstrated effective communications and human relation skills, with ability to professionally deal with all levels of the organization.
• Must possess effective management, leadership, problem-solving, decision-making, and judgment skills.
• Must possess working knowledge of shop craft collective bargaining agreements.
• Must possess prior experience managing a function/projects with budgets management development responsibility.
• Must possess progressively responsible mechanical equipment related experience demonstrating responsibility for managing employees (represented and management) in a large, complex, unionized organization.
• Must possess the ability to deal with Unions, Federal State, and local agencies as well as the public.
• Must possess a valid drivers license
• May be required to work hours outside regular work hours, as applicable

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 should be in their current position 12 months prior to starting a new role and must possess a satisfactory work history, including attendance and discipline record.

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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.

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.