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Rail Vehicle Machinist 1st Class (0811)

SEPTA
Philadelphia, PA Full Time
POSTED ON 1/9/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 2/18/2026
Category: Vehicle Mechanic (bus, rail, car)
Facility:
City: Philadelphia
Date: Dec 16, 2025
Req ID: 3166

Secure your FUTURE with SEPTA today!


The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) is the sixth largest transportation system in the United States, with a vast network of fixed route services including bus, subway/elevated, trackless trolley, light rail, and commuter rail serving a 2,200 square mile service region. SEPTA has become an integral force in the economic success of the Philadelphia region, providing an efficient and reliable source of transportation.


We are seeking candidates for the position of Rail Vehicle Machinist 1st Class (0811) within our Rail Vehicle Maintenance Shops.


OVERALL DESCRIPTION

Sets up and operates a variety of machine tools to produce precision parts and instruments. Fabricates, modifies, or repairs mechanical instruments. May also fabricate and modify parts to make or repair machine tools. Specific duties include laying-out, machining, shaping, and fabricating castings, beams, plates, shafts, various types of assemblies and other similar items. Additional duties include: setting-up, aligning, adjusting, and operating various types of shop equipment such as milling machines, shaper machines, grinders, presses, boring mills, drilling, etc. Grinds, shapes, and forms new cutters or machines. Sharpens and retempers drills, bits, cutter assemblies and balance blade assemblies.

Compensation Data

For SEPTA Regional Rail Division, the pay rate is $37.14/hr, with an increase to $41.27/hr after 1 year.

For SEPTA City Transit Division, the pay rate is $37.11/hr, with an increase to $41.23/hr after 1 year.

For SEPTA Suburban Transit Division, the pay rate is $36.23/hr, with an increase to $40.36/hr after 1 year.

(*Note* - Candidate division selection will be based upon the needs of SEPTA)

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Reviews and studies specifications, drawings, sketches, or other descriptions of parts to be fabricated; plans and implements sequence of operations to repair or manufacture work to .0005 tolerances.
  • Measures, marks/scribes dimensions and determines reference points to lay components/stock for machining, metallizing, electroplating, sleeving, etc.
  • Machines, shapes, fabricates, straightens, rebuilds various components to O.E.M. specifications of Authority drawings, e.g. gear drive units, journal bearings, wheel/axle assembles, etc.
  • Sets up, loads workpiece into machine with lifting equipment and operates lathes, wheel truing machines, milling, balancing, grinding, or other similar type machines; fits and assembles parts to fabricate/repair metal components; operates presses of various types (hydraulic/mechanical/pneumatic, etc.), drill, cutting, or other such machines to repair/fabricate components during machine shop operations.
  • Performs non-destructive testing through the magnaflux, magnaglo, or other such devices and practices for magnetic-particle inspections.
  • Maintains and repairs machine shop equipment and tooling, according to drawings, specifications, standard maintenance practices, or as other specifically described practices as detailed by Original Equipment Manufacturer (O.E.M.).
  • Performs metal hardening and hardness testing in accordance with approved practices. Has knowledge of metal properties, general characteristics and property requirements for component repair/fabrication.
  • Performs other duties related to the performance of the job.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

  • High school diploma or GED
  • Two (2) years vocational training or equivalent and minimum three (3) years of experience as a machinist
  • Must pass written skills testing
  • Must be familiar with air equipment repair work, saw and machine tool use and maintenance
  • Must be able to work from blueprints and drawings
  • Must have own hand tools
  • Must possess a valid driver's license

IDEAL QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Completion of related apprenticeship preferred


BENEFITS


SEPTA offers a comprehensive benefits and retirement program for ALL employees, including:

  • Medical – “Minimal annual premium contribution”


Benefit plans with “No Employee annual premium contribution”:

  • Prescription

  • Dental

  • Vision


Additional benefits we offer:

  • Pension Plan / Retirement Savings

  • Defined Benefit Pension Plan

  • Voluntary Governmental 457B Deferred Comp Plan

  • Life Insurance

  • Tuition Reimbursement

  • SEPTA Transportation Pass – FREE travel on all SEPTA modes of transportation

  • SEPTA employees qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program


SEPTA is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.



Nearest Major Market: Philadelphia

Salary : $40 - $41

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