Vehicle Equipment Mechanic -1st Class (0601)

About the role

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) is the sixth-largest transportation system in the U.S., connecting communities across a 2,200-square-mile service region. SEPTA is at the forefront of innovation in the transit industry, ensuring reliable and efficient services while driving economic growth in the Philadelphia region. This position (Vehicle Equipment Mechanic - 1st Class, requisition 0601) plays a key role in diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining vehicle systems to ensure optimal performance and safety. Candidates under the age of 21 who do not currently hold a Pennsylvania driver’s license are not eligible to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with Passenger (P) endorsement, which is required for this role.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose complex mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic troubles; disassemble, repair, replace, reassemble, and adjust diesel or gasoline engines, clutches, transmissions, refrigeration units, and other automotive equipment.
• Diagnose mechanical, pneumatic, and electrical trouble of an intricate nature; determine the extent of repairs or replacement needed.
• Test, diagnose, troubleshoot, repair, and adjust all types of air conditioning systems and units, including mechanical, electrical, and refrigeration components and piping.
• Check, adjust, repair, replace, and/or clean evaporator core filters, compressors, expansion valves, and all other electrical, pneumatic, and mechanical controls, relays, regulators, alternators, valves, switches, wiring, and other units.
• Perform duties of and direct activities of employees of lesser classifications as required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must satisfactorily complete written qualification tests and performance tests.
• Must have a valid driver's license and be able to obtain a CDL (SEPTA will provide CDL training).
• Must possess tools pertinent to the occupation.
• Must be able to work varied shifts.
• Graduate from an accredited technical school in the automotive repair field with certification required.
• In lieu of recent certification from an accredited technical school in a related field, one year of work experience in the repair of gas or diesel engines is an acceptable equivalent.
• Must have experience as an automotive mechanic, with experience repairing engines, transmissions, etc.
• Only candidates authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship will be accepted.

Benefits

• Comprehensive healthcare coverage – medical, prescription, dental, and vision plans with little to no employee premiums.
• Retirement security – defined benefit pension plan and a 457B deferred compensation plan.
• Work-life balance – paid parental leave, generous vacation time, and paid holidays.
• Employee wellness – access to wellness programs and resources supporting physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
• Tuition reimbursement to support education and career advancement.
• Student loan assistance – positions qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.
• Free SEPTA transportation pass – unlimited access to all SEPTA services.

Pay

Starting pay rate: $38.41/hour; after 12 months: $42.67/hour, based on applicable contract.

Schedule

Must be able to work varied shifts.