Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Transit Technician

🎯 Role Definition

Are you a skilled mechanic with a passion for keeping complex machinery running at peak performance? As a Transit Technician, you are the backbone of public transportation, responsible for the diagnosis, repair, and preventative maintenance of a diverse fleet of vehicles, including diesel, CNG, hybrid, and all-electric buses or rail cars. This critical, hands-on role ensures the safety, reliability, and efficiency of the transit system that thousands of people depend on daily. You'll work with cutting-edge vehicle technology in a structured, safety-focused environment, making a direct and tangible impact on your community.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Automotive Technician or Mechanic
Heavy-Duty Diesel Mechanic
Military Vehicle Maintenance Specialist
Heavy Equipment Technician

Advancement To:

Lead Transit Technician / A-Level Technician
Maintenance Supervisor or Foreman
Fleet Manager
Quality Assurance Inspector
Technical Trainer

Lateral Moves:

Transit Parts Specialist
Service Writer / Planner
Facilities Maintenance Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Perform comprehensive preventative maintenance inspections (PMIs) on transit vehicles, including buses and/or rail cars, following established procedures and checklists.
Diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair complex failures in diesel, compressed natural gas (CNG), hybrid-electric, and fully electric propulsion systems.
Utilize advanced diagnostic software, laptops, and specialized tools to accurately identify faults in engine, transmission, and electronic control modules.
Troubleshoot and repair intricate multiplex electrical systems, including wiring harnesses, sensors, and control units.
Conduct major and minor repairs on engines, transmissions, differentials, and other core drivetrain components.
Inspect, diagnose, repair, and certify heavy-duty air brake systems, ensuring compliance with all federal and state regulations.
Service, repair, and charge vehicle heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in accordance with EPA standards.
Perform repairs on steering, suspension, and chassis components to ensure vehicle stability and passenger comfort.
Respond to and effectively repair in-service vehicle breakdowns ("road calls") in a timely and safe manner.
Accurately document all maintenance activities, parts usage, and labor time in a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
Perform skilled welding, cutting, and fabrication to repair vehicle frames, body panels, and supporting structures.
Inspect, repair, and maintain accessibility systems, such as wheelchair lifts and ramps, to ensure ADA compliance.
Troubleshoot and repair auxiliary systems, including destination signs, passenger doors, interior/exterior lighting, and fare collection equipment.
Mount, dismount, and balance tires, performing inspections for wear and damage.
Read and interpret complex technical manuals, electrical schematics, and hydraulic diagrams to guide repair processes.
Perform complete component overhauls and rebuilds according to OEM specifications.
Conduct post-accident inspections to assess vehicle damage and perform necessary structural and system repairs.
Operate transit vehicles for the purpose of diagnostics, road testing, and shop movement.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area, adhering to all shop safety protocols and procedures.
Ensure all repairs and maintenance activities meet or exceed the standards set by the agency, FTA, DOT, and other regulatory bodies.
Calibrate vehicle systems and newly installed components to ensure proper functionality.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis related to vehicle performance and maintenance trends.
Contribute to the organization's data strategy and roadmap by providing accurate maintenance records.
Collaborate with business units like operations and planning to translate data needs into engineering requirements.
Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the data engineering team.
Assist in mentoring and providing on-the-job training to apprentice technicians.
Participate in safety committee meetings and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Heavy-Duty Vehicle Diagnostics: Proficiency in troubleshooting and repairing diesel engines, transmissions, and drivetrains.
Electrical & Electronic Systems: Strong ability to diagnose and repair complex multiplexed electrical systems, read schematics, and use multimeters.
Air Brake Systems: In-depth knowledge of diagnosing, repairing, and certifying heavy-duty air and hydraulic brake systems.
HVAC Systems: Skill in servicing and repairing vehicle air conditioning systems, often requiring EPA 608 certification.
Advanced Propulsion Systems: Experience or formal training with CNG, hybrid-electric, or battery-electric vehicle (BEV) systems.
Diagnostic Software Proficiency: Hands-on experience with OEM diagnostic software such as Cummins Insite, Allison DOC, Bendix ACom, or similar platforms.
Welding and Fabrication: Competency in MIG, TIG, or Stick welding for structural and body repairs.
Hydraulic Systems: Knowledge of troubleshooting and repairing hydraulic systems, including those for lifts, ramps, and steering.
CMMS Usage: Ability to accurately input and retrieve data from a Computerized Maintenance Management System.
Technical Manual Interpretation: Skill in reading and understanding technical diagrams, schematics, and service manuals.

Soft Skills

Problem-Solving: Exceptional analytical and diagnostic skills to efficiently identify the root cause of complex malfunctions.
Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to repairs and inspections to ensure quality and safety.
Teamwork & Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with other technicians, supervisors, and operations staff.
Time Management: Capable of prioritizing tasks and working efficiently in a fast-paced environment to meet deadlines.
Adaptability: Willingness to learn and adapt to new vehicle technologies and evolving repair procedures.
Safety Consciousness: A strong commitment to following all safety rules and maintaining a safe work environment.
Communication Skills: Clearly and concisely communicate technical issues and repair statuses verbally and in writing.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED.
Possession of a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with appropriate endorsements, or the ability to obtain one.

Preferred Education:

Associate's Degree or technical certificate from an accredited program in Diesel Technology, Automotive Technology, or Heavy Equipment Maintenance.
ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certifications in relevant heavy-duty truck or transit bus series (e.g., T2, H2, E-series).

Relevant Fields of Study:

Diesel and Heavy Truck Technology
Automotive Engineering Technology
Electrical Systems Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2-7 years of journey-level experience performing maintenance and repair on heavy-duty diesel trucks, buses, construction equipment, or military vehicles.

Preferred:

Direct experience working on public transit buses (e.g., Gillig, New Flyer, Proterra, BYD) or rail vehicles.
Demonstrated experience with alternative fuel systems (CNG, Hybrid) or high-voltage electric vehicle systems.
A comprehensive set of personal tools required for a heavy-duty technician role.