Engineer I - III (1021) - Automotive

Secure Your Future with SEPTA - A Leader in Transportation!

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.

Only candidates who are authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship, will be accepted at this time.

We are proud to be recognized as:

2023 FORBES Best in State Employer

Philadelphia Employer of Choice for 2024

We are seeking to hire candidates for our Engineer role in the Automotive department.

Opening Date: 07/23/2026

Closing Date: 08/06/2026

Engineer I Salary: $72,072

Engineer II Salary: $78,702

Engineer III Salary: $87,854

Additional $5,000 for having a Pennsylvania PE/RA license.

OVERALL DESCRIPTION

Engineer I - Entry Level

This position is responsible for undertaking engineering/quality assurance assignments that are considered to be of "basic complexity" in size and scope while receiving on-the-job training. This position is further responsible to provide technical support and direction for engineering/quality assurance activities that are consistent with SEPTA mission values and goals.

Engineer II - Mid-Level

Utilizing knowledge gained from previous years of engineering experience, this position is responsible for undertaking engineering/quality assurance assignments that are considered to be of "moderate complexity" in size and scope contributing to SEPTA's infrastructure and system enhancements. This position is further responsible for providing technical support and direction for engineering/quality assurance activities that are consistent with SEPTA mission values and goals.

Engineer III - Experienced Level

Utilizing knowledge gained from three years of engineering experience, this position is responsible for undertaking engineering/quality assurance assignments that are considered to be of "moderate significant complexity" in size and scope. This position is further responsible to provide technical support and direction for engineering/quality assurance activities including the definition and coordination for design review and implementation, establishing inspection plans, program/project development and consulting, statistical methods, audits, and continuous improvement approaches to ensure activities are consistent with SEPTA mission values and goals.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• Consult with managerial and senior staff/supervision in project definition.
• Exercise good judgment in application of basic engineering and quality assurance principles.
• Assist in the preparation of budgets for proposed projects and work to be accomplished through third party.
• Demonstrates good technical writing skills for general written memoranda, technical reports, scopes of work, audits, etc. in a professional manner.
• Interface with Governmental Agencies and, as necessary, other transit Authorities concerning pertinent matters.
• Adapt to team efforts where indicated in resolution of matters not suitable for singular contribution.
• Interacts frequently with (shop) customers to keep them informed of project status; assesses customer satisfaction; receives new work requests; and provides guidance.
• Supports quality control objectives and activities for operations, maximize product reliability, and minimize cost.
• Assists Senior Project Engineer(s) and Vehicle Technical Manager on request in furtherance of their duties.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

ADDL / DISCIPLINE RESPONSIBILITIES

New Automotive Vehicle Engineering

• Provides technical assistance to vehicle maintenance personnel upon request.
• Writes engineering scopes of work, standard operating procedures, engineering and maintenance bulletins, specifications, etc.
• Coordinates with maintenance management personnel to evaluate, develop, and implement Preventive Maintenance and Inspection Programs and Standard Operating Procedures upon request.
• Participates in periodic review of drawings, specifications, standard operating procedures, and other engineering documents.
• Defines, implements, and documents new or more effective maintenance procedures for an assigned fleet of vehicles.
• Utilizes computerized maintenance records as an aid in resolving issues related to vehicle system fault or malfunction.
• Provides basic statistical process control (SPC) support for New Vehicle Maintenance and other SEPTA divisions as required. Summarizes and presents statistical data on vehicles, material, and operating characteristics throughout SEPTA to enhance delivery of SEPTA service.
• Creates file maintenance inputs to ensure material for vehicle repair/renewal is properly designated.
• Monitors the overall effectiveness of vehicle and material quality activities. Apply findings to the improvement of quality, productivity, safety, and service reliability.
• Performs analysis of problem areas recommending corrective action to be taken regarding defects in materials, procedures, or equipment.

ADDL / DISCIPLINE RESPONSIBILITIES CONTD

New Automotive Vehicle Engineering

• Recommends revisions to new vehicle maintenance procedures to improve vehicle performance.
• Assures proper interpretation of material or service specification requirements for rebuild and/or overhaul processes.
• Participates in audits of New Vehicle Maintenance inspection activities to ensure effectiveness.
• Performs vehicle incident investigations to determine root cause.
• Monitor project progress, and when applicable, performance of in-house SEPTA personnel, 3rd party consultants, and/or contractors participating in project work. Communicate concerns or project delays to all appropriate SEPTA management and stakeholders.
• Complies with all Authority and departmental safety and security policies and procedures and all applicable job safety responsibilities. Reports any safety concerns, compromises or hazards affecting operations, the public, self-and/or other employees. Responsible for personal safety and for promoting the safety of others.
• Makes decisions independently with regard to engineering problems and maintenance procedures.
• Yearly travel requirement: up to 50%.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• B. S. Degree in Mechanical, Electrical or Mechatronics Engineering from an accredited university required for all levels

• Engineer I: No prior experience work required

• Engineer II: 1 year of relevant work experience required

• Engineer III: 3 years of relevant work experience required

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills required.

• Computer skills required. Must be proficient in Adobe Acrobat and MS software applications, including Excel, Access, Outlook and Word.

• Working knowledge of AutoCAD or similar software programs required.

• Valid Driver's License required.

• Previous relevant transit experience within the engineering discipline preferred (e.g., transit automotive or railroad mechanical equipment, transit infrastructure and/or transit operations).

Why Join Our Team? Enjoy Outstanding Benefits!

Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage - Medical, prescription, dental, and vision plans with little to no employee premiums.

Retirement Security - Participate in a Defined Benefit Pension Plan and a 457B Deferred Compensation Plan to build your financial future.

Work-Life Balance - Enjoy paid parental leave, generous vacation time, and paid holidays to recharge and spend time with loved ones.

Employee Wellness - Access wellness programs and resources to support your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Invest in Your Growth - We offer tuition reimbursement to support your education and career advancement.

Student Loan Assistance - Our positions qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, helping you manage and reduce student debt.

Free Travel Perks - Receive a FREE SEPTA Transportation Pass, giving you unlimited access to all SEPTA services!

Join us and take advantage of these incredible benefits while making a difference in your community!

Join the Best in Transit! Apply Today

Click Apply Now and take the next step in your career with SEPTA!

Have Questions? For more information, please visit How We Hire Careers Page.

SEPTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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.