Car Inspector (Subway Car Mechanic) (Provisional)*

Job ID: 12506


Business Unit: New York City Transit


Location: Brooklyn, NY, United States

Regular/Temporary: Provisional


Department: NYC Transit Authority


Date Posted: Jun 1, 2026

Description


Car Inspector /Road Car Inspector (Subway Car Mechanic)


Last Date of Filing: Until Filled
Authority: New York City Transit (TA)
Department: Subways
Division/Unit: Car Equipment
Reports to: Maintenance Supervisor (Car Equipment)
Work Location: Various
Hours of Work: Various


*This is a civil service position. Selected candidates must pass a civil service exam and be appointed from the resulting list to gain permanent status


**Incumbents who are currently employed in the title of Maintainer's Helper - Group B working in the Division of Car Equipment for at least one year are eligible to be promoted on a provisional basis.


Compensation:

The current minimum salary for Car Inspector is $3 8.80 per hour for a 40-hour work week increasing to $4 5.65 per hour in the sixth year of service. The current minimum salary for Road Car Inspector is $ 46.82 per hour for a 40-hour work week. These rates are subject to change. The benefits of this position include, but are not limited to, night and weekend salary differentials, paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, a comprehensive medical plan and a pension plan.


Responsibilit ies :


Car Inspectors, under supervision, maintain, inspect, test, examine, lubricate, troubleshoot and make repairs and adjustments on any part of MTA New York City Transit's multiple-unit subway cars and subway service cars in the car shops, terminals, yards and on the road, including subway car body, electrical, electronic, mechanical and pneumatic equipment, truck equipment, body and truck brake rigging, electrical and pneumatic brake equipment, subway car bodies and associated fixtures, air conditioning and heating equipment, and electrical and electronic control and motor equipment; maintain and repair subway car washers and shop equipment; operate and maintain lifting and carrying equipment associated with the placement and removal of subway cars and subway car parts; keep records and prepare reports; and perform related work.

Some of the physical activities performed by Car Inspectors and the environmental conditions they experience are: working outdoors in all weather conditions, crouching under subway cars in maintenance pits, reaching into dark spaces and making tactile inspections, making visual inspections of equipment, distinguishing colors, reading gauges and prints, climbing into and out of maintenance pits, using hand tools, hearing warnings (bell, whistle and vocal), and carrying heavy tools and equipment.


Road Car Inspectors , under supervision, detect trouble on any part of MTA New York City Transit's multiple-unit subway cars and subway service cars on the road and in terminals, including subway car body and truck equipment, subway car body and truck brake rigging, electrical and pneumatic brake equipment, and electrical and electronic control and motor equipment; make necessary repairs to keep subway cars in service or enable them to be moved to sidings or terminals; operate a motor vehicle; keep records and prepare reports; and perform related work.

Some of the physical activities performed by Road Car Inspectors and the environmental conditions they experience are: working outdoors in all weather conditions, crouching under subway cars along trackways, reaching into dark spaces and making tactile inspections, making visual inspections of equipment, distinguishing colors, reading gauges and prints, using ladders to climb up to and descend from track ways, working on elevated structures, operating heavy machinery and equipment, using hand tools, hearing warnings (bell, whistle and vocal), communicating verbally with crew and passengers regarding train troubles experienced on the road, and carrying heavy tools and equipment.


How to Qualify :


Internal Candidates: This position is open to each employee of MTA New York City Transit that b y the first date of the assessment , i s permanently (not provisionally) employed in the title of Maintainer's Helper - Group B working in the Division of Car Equipment, and has been permanently employed in such title for not less than one year; and is not otherwise ineligible.

OR

External Candidates and MTA Employees who are not employed in the eligible title listed above: When you apply you must meet the following requirements:

Some examples of acceptable experience include : aircraft/avionics technician, marine technician, power-plant technician, automotive/diesel mechanic/technician, commercial/industrial electrician, electronic systems technician, commercial/industrial HVAC technician, and elevator/escalator mechanic.

1. Three years of full-time satisfactory experience as a journey-level mechanic (i.e., a fully trained, knowledgeable, experienced, proficient and competent mechanic) working from drawings, performing either (a) the troubleshooting, repair and maintenance of large heavy duty electromechanical, electric or electronic equipment and/or machinery; or (b) the inspection, maintenance, troubleshooting and repair of multiple-unit electrical railroad cars or diesel electric locomotives; or

2. Two years of full-time satisfactory experience at the journey level as described in paragraph "1." above, plus completion of one of the following listed below before obtaining your journey-level experience:

A. Two years of full-time experience as a mechanic's helper, apprentice or trainee performing or assisting in the work described above; or

B. Graduation from a recognized trade school or technical school with a major course of study in electromechanical, electrical or electronic technology, or a closely related field totaling at least 600 hours; or

C. Graduation from a vocational high school with a major course of study in electromechanical, electrical or electronic technology, or a closely related field; or

D. An associate degree in applied science, or a higher degree, from an accredited college or university in electromechanical, electrical or electronic technology or a closely related field.

If you have qualifying part-time experience, it will be credited on a pro-rated basis.

Some examples of unacceptable experience include : machinist; CNC machine operator; copy machine mechanic; assembler; basic electrical work, such as residential/commercial lighting and wiring; electronic bench technician; auto-body and fender mechanic; auto or truck assembly mechanic; dealership makeready mechanic; gas station attendant; salvage or junkyard mechanic; automotive specialty work, such as changing mufflers, windshield wipers, tires, oil, etc.; and repair of personal computers .

The vocational high school, technical school, or trade school must be approved by a State's Department of Education or a recognized accrediting organization. The college or university must be accredited by regional, national, professional or specialized agencies recognized as accrediting bodies by the U.S. Secretary of Education, and by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).


How To Apply:


If you meet the Qualification Requirements above, you can submit an online application by clicking on the "APPLY NOW" button from either the CAREERS page or from the JOB DESCRIPTION page. If you have previously applied online for other positions, enter your Username and Password. If it is your first registration, click on the CLICK HERE TO REGISTER hyperlink and enter a User Name and Password; then click on the REGISTER button.

Requirements to be Promoted or Appointed:


Medical Requirement: Medical guidelines have been established for the position of Car Inspector and Road Car Inspector . You will be examined to determine whether you can perform the essential functions of the position of Car Inspector or Road Car Inspector . Where appropriate, a reasonable accommodation will be provided for a person with a disability to enable such person to perform the essential functions of the job.

Drug Screening Requirement: You must pass a drug screening in order to be promoted or appointed, and if promoted or appointed, you will be subject to random drug and alcohol tests for the duration of your employment. Additionally, if you have tested positive on a drug or alcohol test or had a refusal to test during preemployment or while employed by a Federal DOT-regulated employer during the applicable period, you must have completed the Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) evaluation, referral and education/treatment process required by federal law in order to be appointed to this safety-sensitive position.

Driver License Requirement: (For Road Car Inspector appointments only) At the time of promotion or appointment, you must have a Motor Vehicle Driver License valid in the State of New York with no disqualifying restrictions that would preclude the performance of the duties of this title. If you have serious moving violations, a license suspension or an accident record you may be disqualified. This license must be maintained for the duration of your employment in the title. Some assignments may require a Class B Commercial Driver License.

Residency: New York City residency is not required for this position.

English Requirement: You must be able to understand and be understood in English to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position.

Proof of Identity: Under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, you must be able to prove your identity and your right to obtain employment in the United States prior to employment with MTA New York City Transit.


Selection Method / Admission Letter:


Candidates may be asked to complete an education and experience test paper and also participate in one or more of the following assessments: written, practical skills and/or structured interview.

All selected candidates will be subject to a full background investigation that includes employment and education. Discrepancies may lead to dismissal.

Applicants must keep their contact information (email, mailing, phone) up to date. The contact information you entered in your online profile with the MTA will be used to contact you. You can update your address and other contact information.by logging into your MTA profile or by sending an email to [email protected] .


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Probationary Period: You will be required to complete a probationary period. If you do not successfully complete the probationary period, you may be terminated or returned to your previously held permanent title .

Training: You may be required to undergo a formalized training course during your probationary period. Failure to successfully complete the training course may result in termination or a return to your previously held permanent title .


Equal Employment Opportunity:


MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including with respect to veteran status and individuals with disabilities. The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.