Service Mechanic

Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority•San Jose, CA

About The Position

We are seeking a Service Mechanic to perform routine maintenance, inspections, and minor repairs on transit buses while assisting experienced mechanics. This role supports safe, reliable operations in a team-based maintenance environment. The Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate for the Service Mechanic position is a motivated and dependable individual with a basic understanding of automotive repair and a strong desire to learn and grow in the trade. Candidates should have foundational knowledge of vehicle systems, including brakes, suspension, engine components, and basic electrical diagnostics. Exposure to diesel engines is a plus but not required. The successful applicant will demonstrate good problem-solving skills, a willingness to follow instructions, and the ability to work effectively as part of a team. A positive attitude, strong work ethic, and commitment to safety and quality workmanship are essential. About the Operation Division Under the direction of Naunihal Singh, Chief Operating Officer, the Operations Division operates, analyzes, maintains, and manages VTA's bus and rail transit system and facilities. It also oversees contracted shuttle and ADA paratransit services. Operations consists of the Chief Operating Officer's Administrative unit - Operations Administration - as well as Bus & Rail Transit Operations, Bus & Rail Transit Maintenance, Operations Development, Special Event Service, Facilities Maintenance, Operations Analysis Reporting & Systems, and Regional Transportation Services. Together, Operations comprises 14 functional units - Operations Administration; Bus & Rail Transit Operations; Service Management; Rail Maintenance; Bus Maintenance; Way, Power & Signal Maintenance; Facilities Maintenance; Maintenance Engineering; Warranty & Quality Assurance; Operations Development; Regional Transportation Services; and Operations Analysis, Reporting and Systems.

Requirements

Training and experience equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade and one year of experience maintaining diesel powered heavy equipment or equivalent experience in the maintenance and routine repair of automotive equipment.
Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license and the ability to qualify for and maintain a Class B (Commercial) license with passenger endorsement is required after completion of an appropriate training period.
Must be available to work weekends, holidays, and odd and unusual hours.
Knowledge of: Operations and basic theory of diesel or gasoline internal combustion engines; Operation and basic theory of cooling, heating, fuel, ignition, hydraulic/air, electrical, automatic transmission, and brake systems.
Ability to: Use testing and shop equipment and tools; Follow written and oral directions; Work under conditions of established schedules and deadlines; Keep simple records; Perform computer-related functions that allow for data input and retrieval; Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

Nice To Haves

Exposure to diesel engines is a plus but not required.

Responsibilities

Removes and installs major components
Oils and greases equipment
Services and repairs tools and equipment
May perform necessary service and minor repairs on road calls
Troubleshoots systems to locate causes of simple problems
Uses test equipment, typical shop tools, torque wrenches, jacks, drills, timing lights, tach-dwell meters, and other tools common to the trade
Locates and applies technical information from service manuals and publications
Uses hydrometer and volt meter
Makes simple tests of battery condition and voltage output
Locates and repairs minor air leaks, short circuits and water leaks
Performs full brake lining replacement including wheel bearing replacement
Performs pressure tests of cooling systems
Assists in the completion of engine tune-ups
Makes simple mechanical repairs and adjustments
Performs thorough preventive maintenance inspections
Prepares and maintains simple records and reports
Operates computer for related data input and retrieval
Performs related work as required