Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA)
Rail Vehicle Maintenance Technician Trainee
Boston 02127), MA
Jun 19, 2025
$27.50 an hour
Full-time
Full Job Description

At the MBTA, we envision a thriving region enabled by a best-in-class transit system. Our mission is to serve the public by providing safe, reliable, and accessible transportation. MBTA’s Core Values are built around safety, service, equity, sustainability, and culture. Each employee that works for the MBTA performs their roles based on our vision, mission, and values. This includes attendance, participation, and contribution in local safety committee meetings as needed.

Job Summary


The Rail Vehicle Maintenance Technician Trainee will go through a combination of classroom and hands-on training to become knowledgeable in electronic, electrical, and mechanical principles applied to rail car; interpret technical publications, blueprints, and wiring diagrams.

Duties & Responsibilities

  • Assist in conducting time-based or mileage-based inspections for major and minor repairs. 
  • Assist with scheduled overhaul and preventative maintenance; and correction of defects on such equipment as differentials, trucks, wheel bearings, axles, springs, shock absorbers, heating ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC), propeller shafts, universal joints, instruments, and various auxiliary equipment. 
  • Assist using and operating various types of equipment including hand tools, power tools, complex testing instruments and railcar equipment. 
  • Remain current with the MBTA's Safety Plan as well as the position's outline responsibilities. 
  • Assist performing timely repairs in response to road failures and vehicle defects. 
  • Assist input of daily work into computerized system. 
  • Assist using a variety of measuring and portable test equipment to maintain vehicle operating parameters and to troubleshoot system defects. Use various hand and power tools. 
  • Drive a company or personal vehicle to visit work sites, to inspect work and/or transport crews or equipment and assist at emergencies and/or as needed. 
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of electronic, electrical, and mechanical principles applied to rail car/ interpret technical publications, blueprints, and wiring diagrams. 
  • Assist with writing equipment reports and records.   
  • Assist in responding to each inquiry, whether from a customer, vendor, or co-worker in a courteous and professional manner. 
  • Work any and all shifts and/or locations as assigned or directed. 
  • Respond or report to work as directed by supervisory personnel for emergencies, extreme weather conditions, or any other abnormal conditions that impair service or the safety of service, twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week. 
  • Adhere to the rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable) and policies of the Authority including the EEO, Anti-Discrimination, Anti-Harassment and Anti-Retaliation policies. 
  • Perform related duties and projects as assigned.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions
  • The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Available to work all shifts and locations as assigned or directed.
  • Available to work as per assignment by the MBTA twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week as directed by supervisory staff for severe weather conditions, emergencies or any other circumstances that may potentially impact service or the safety of service.
  • Have the ability to work any and all shifts and/or locations assigned or directed. 

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications


  • High school diploma or equivalent in a Mechanical, Aviation, Diesel, or Automotive program
  • The ability to comprehend, communicate and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. in English.
  • Effective multi-tasking and time management skills
  • Ability to use various software applications.
  • The ability to pass: a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check; background screenings; and the MBTA's medical requirements, including a physical examination and drug and alcohol screening. 
  • The ability to provide internal and external customers with a courteous and professional experience. 
  •  Internal candidates must have a satisfactory work record including overall employment, job performance, discipline, and safety records for the two (2) years immediately prior to the closing date of the posting. Infractions and/or offenses occurring after the closing of the posting and before the filling of a vacancy may preclude a candidate from consideration. 
  • The ability to work any and all shifts and/or locations as assigned or directed.
  •  Be available to work twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week.
  • The ability to work effectively with a diverse workforce.
  • Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age.
  • Possession of a valid driver's license for at least one (1) year.
  • A satisfactory driving record for at least one (1) year prior to the date of hire.

Substitutions Include


none

Preferred Experience and Skills

  • Vocational school graduate
  • Prior technical training
  • Military Service (MOS) Mechanical background or related field
  • Experience repairing high-tech vehicles or equipment currently used in rail, bus, or aviation transportation.

Job Conditions:

  • Ability to effectively read, comprehend, communicate, and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. in English.
  • Be at least eighteen (18) years of age, except if participating in an approved high school internship / co-op program.
  • Ability to commute to assigned work locations in the Boston, MA metro area, as required by the role.
  • Ability to provide internal and external customers with courteous and professional experiences.
  • Ability to work effectively, independently, and as part of a diverse  workforce team (or supervise, if required).
  • Ability to uphold the rights and interests of the MBTA while building and maintaining effective relationships with employees and co-workers.
  • Ability to adhere to rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable), and policies of the MBTA, including the EEO, anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and anti-retaliation policies.
  • Have a satisfactory work record for the two (2) years immediately prior to the closing date of this posting (unless if current student or recent graduate), including overall employment, job performance, discipline, and safety records (infractions and/or offenses occurring after the closing of the posting and before the filling of a vacancy may preclude a candidate from consideration for selection).
  • Ability to pass a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, comprehensive background screening, and / or medical Clinic screening, potentially including a physical examination and drug and alcohol screenings.
  • Ability to work all shifts and / or locations assigned, directed, or necessary for this position, including (for some transit / operations roles) up to twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week as necessary to accommodate severe weather conditions, emergencies, or any other circumstances that may potentially impact service or the safety of service.
  • Intern / co-op staff must be enrolled full or part-time in an accredited educational program and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 for the entire duration of the internship / co-op. Additionally, interns / co-ops must have valid work authorization and U.S. Social Security Number prior to starting their positions and throughout the duration of their program.

Disclaimers and Definitions:

  1. General Disclaimer: The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe a summary, general nature, and complexity of typical job functions and do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities required of staff assigned to this position.
  2. Application Completion: It is each applicant’s responsibility to ensure application details are entered completely and correctly, including updated work and education histories (past and current). Incomplete applications may not be considered. Attachments do not substitute for application fields. Recruitment team does not have access to existing employee data / history.
  3. Application Deadlines: Applicants should apply as soon as possible, as the MBTA may stop considering applicants after a sufficiently large applicant pool is established.
  4. Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here-in are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. See job description for role-specific requirements.
  5. Work Eligibility: Although the MBTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, all employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer and on an unrestricted basis (the MBTA does not sponsor non-US citizens). However, if you have an unrestricted work authorization, or sponsored by a separate entity, you are welcome to apply for open positions. International students taking part in CPT / STEM / OPT programs through a university are eligible for internships and co-ops with the MBTA, but a valid work authorization and U.S. Social Security Number are required prior to starting work. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to complete a Form I-9 to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the U.S.
  6. Interviews: Candidates should ensure they arrive on time, are prepared, can remain for the duration, and if remote, are in a quiet place without distraction, for the interview. Candidates who do not attend their interview without advance authorization, including an email confirmation of a rescheduled time/date from Human Resources, will be considered a no-show and disqualified from consideration for the position. Related to rescheduling, on a one-time basis, and due to something emergent, you may be allowed to reschedule the interview. In addition, Human Resources may require documentation supporting the request. However, should you need to reschedule, you will need to contact your Recruiter directly by email.
  7. Safety Sensitive Positions: Employees working in this classification will be subject to periodic physical examinations plus random drug and alcohol testing.
  8. On-call or 24/7 Positions: Employees working in this classification must be available to respond to page / text / call and report to work as determined by assigned department or the Authority.
  9. Essential / Emergency Staff: During declared "states of emergency," employees working in this classification are required to report to work for their assigned work hours or as directed by management.
  10. ADA Accommodations: The MBTA makes reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation during this process, please contact the MBTA's ADA Unit at 617-222-5751 or hradaaa@mbta.com.
  11. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The MBTA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. For terms, descriptions, and definitions related to diversity, equity, inclusion, veteran status, and immediate family members that you may find on the application form, please visit mbta.com/careers-app-definitions.
  12. Intern / Co-Op / Fellow Benefits: Employees taking part in an internship, co-op, or fellowship at the MBTA are eligible to receive accrued paid sick leave as well as a monthly transportation pass, based on city from which the employee commutes to work, at no cost. However, no additional benefits are currently offered for interns, co-ops, or fellows.
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Job Information
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Facilities
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Rail Vehicle Maintenance Technician Trainee
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA)
Boston 02127), MA
Jun 19, 2025
$27.50 an hour
Full-time
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