LIRR Careers – Explore Job Opportunities & Benefits

As one of the busiest commuter rail networks in the U.S., LIRR careers cover a lot of ground. The Long Island Rail Road offers jobs in engineering, operations, customer service, maintenance, and administration. The MTA offers competitive pay and benefits, as well as opportunities for advancement.

Roles include entry-level positions as well as technical occupations, with training programs to support a variety of areas. Operations for the LIRR means providing safe and reliable service to millions of customers. Prospective job seekers can visit the MTA careers website to search for openings and submit applications.

LIRR Careers Paths

Below are the various LIRR Careers.

Operations & Train Services 

1. Train Conductor

2. Assistant Conductor

3. Train Engineer

4. Locomotive Engineer

5. Brakeman

6. Yardmaster

7. Dispatcher

8. Trainmaster

9. Assistant Trainmaster

10. Train Crew Supervisor

Engineering & Technical 

11. Civil Engineer

12. Electrical Engineer

13. Mechanical Engineer

14. Signal Engineer

15. Track Engineer

16. Systems Integration Engineer

17. Transportation Planner

18. Project Manager (Rail Projects)

19. Structural Engineer

20. CAD Technician

Maintenance & Repair 

21. Signal Maintainer

22. Track Worker

23. Car Repair Technician

24. Electrician

25. Locomotive Mechanic

26. HVAC Technician

27. Welder

28. Rail Car Technician

29. Overhead Catenary Maintainer

30. Elevator & Escalator Technician

Technology & Innovation 

31. IT Systems Administrator

32. Network Engineer

33. Cybersecurity Analyst

34. Data Analyst

35. Software Developer

36. Control Systems Technician

37. SCADA Technician

38. GPS & Telemetry Specialist

39. Mobile App Support Technician

40. Ticketing Systems Analyst

Administrative & Support Roles

41. HR Specialist

42. Safety & Compliance Officer

43. Payroll Clerk

44. Procurement Specialist

45. Operations Analyst

46. Legal Counsel (Transportation Law)

47. Communications Officer

48. Customer Service Agent

49. Scheduling Coordinator

50. Public Relations Specialist

Below is detailed information about these LIRR Career Options.

S No.	Career Path	Category	Description	Qualifications	Min Age	Approx. CTC (Annual)
1	Train Conductor	Operations	Manages crew and ensures passenger safety	High school diploma, conductor cert.	21	$70,000 – $100,000
2	Assistant Conductor	Operations	Supports the conductor with onboard tasks	High school diploma, training	18	$55,000 – $85,000
3	Train Engineer	Operations	Operates trains safely and efficiently	FRA license, prior rail experience	21	$90,000 – $130,000
4	Locomotive Engineer	Operations	Drives electric or diesel trains	FRA certification	21	$95,000 – $140,000
5	Brakeman	Operations	Assists with train movement and signals	Entry-level, training provided	18	$50,000 – $75,000
6	Yardmaster	Operations	Supervises rail yard activities	Rail exp. + leadership skills	21	$85,000 – $115,000
7	Dispatcher	Operations	Coordinates train movement	Dispatch training + computer skills	20	$75,000 – $110,000
8	Trainmaster	Operations	Oversees all train and crew operations	Rail management experience	25	$90,000 – $125,000
9	Assistant Trainmaster	Operations	Supports trainmaster with operations/safety	Associate degree or experience	21	$70,000 – $100,000
10	Train Crew Supervisor	Operations	Supervises train staff	Leadership, rail exp.	25	$85,000 – $120,000
11	Civil Engineer	Engineering	Designs tracks, bridges, and infrastructure	Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering	22	$75,000 – $110,000
12	Electrical Engineer	Engineering	Works on power systems and signals	Electrical Engineering degree	22	$80,000 – $120,000
13	Mechanical Engineer	Engineering	Designs and maintains mechanical systems	Mechanical Engineering degree	22	$80,000 – $115,000
14	Signal Engineer	Engineering	Develops and installs signal systems	Signal design experience	22	$85,000 – $120,000
15	Track Engineer	Engineering	Maintains and upgrades track designs	Civil Engineering or similar	22	$75,000 – $110,000
16	Systems Integration Engineer	Engineering	Integrates tech and rail infrastructure	Systems Engineering	22	$85,000 – $125,000
17	Transportation Planner	Planning	Develops transit plans and future projections	Urban planning, GIS knowledge	22	$70,000 – $100,000
18	Project Manager (Rail)	Management	Manages capital projects from planning to execution	PMP or project experience	25	$95,000 – $135,000
19	Structural Engineer	Engineering	Designs/inspects bridges, tunnels, stations	Structural Engineering degree	22	$80,000 – $120,000
20	CAD Technician	Design	Drafts rail project plans and layouts	AutoCAD certificate or diploma	18	$50,000 – $75,000
21	Signal Maintainer	Maintenance	Repairs signal and electrical systems	Electrical trade knowledge	18	$60,000 – $90,000
22	Track Worker	Maintenance	Builds and maintains railroad tracks	Physical fitness, on-job training	18	$50,000 – $80,000
23	Car Repair Technician	Maintenance	Fixes rail cars and mechanical systems	Mechanical skills	18	$55,000 – $85,000
24	Electrician	Maintenance	Maintains circuits, lighting, motors	Licensed electrician	20	$60,000 – $90,000
25	Locomotive Mechanic	Maintenance	Services engine and train drive systems	Vocational training	18	$65,000 – $95,000
26	HVAC Technician	Maintenance	Repairs climate control in trains and stations	HVAC certification	18	$55,000 – $85,000
27	Welder	Maintenance	Fuses rail joints and metal components	Welding cert. + safety training	18	$55,000 – $90,000
28	Rail Car Technician	Maintenance	Ensures functionality of rail cars	Technical diploma or experience	18	$60,000 – $85,000
29	Overhead Catenary Maintainer	Maintenance	Maintains electric overhead lines	Electrical and safety training	21	$65,000 – $100,000
30	Elevator & Escalator Tech	Maintenance	Installs/repairs elevators and escalators	Certified elevator tech	21	$70,000 – $105,000
31	IT Systems Administrator	Technology	Oversees LIRR servers, systems, and security	IT degree, server experience	21	$75,000 – $110,000
32	Network Engineer	Technology	Maintains network for train and office operations	Networking degree or Cisco cert	21	$80,000 – $115,000
33	Cybersecurity Analyst	Technology	Protects LIRR systems from digital threats	Security+ or CISSP	21	$85,000 – $125,000
34	Data Analyst	Technology	Extracts and interprets LIRR performance data	Excel, SQL, Python preferred	21	$70,000 – $100,000
35	Software Developer	Technology	Develops and maintains rail applications	CS degree or equivalent	21	$80,000 – $115,000
36	Control Systems Technician	Technology	Maintains automated control equipment	PLC and control system exp.	20	$70,000 – $100,000
37	SCADA Technician	Technology	Operates power and rail control systems	SCADA experience	21	$75,000 – $105,000
38	GPS & Telemetry Specialist	Technology	Maintains GPS-tracking and diagnostics	Electronics background	21	$70,000 – $95,000
39	Mobile App Support Technician	Technology	Supports commuter apps and real-time tracking	IT support exp.	20	$60,000 – $85,000
40	Ticketing Systems Analyst	Technology	Maintains ticket vending and digital fare systems	IT, POS system experience	20	$65,000 – $90,000
41	HR Specialist	Admin	Recruitment, payroll, and employee services	HR degree or SHRM cert	21	$65,000 – $95,000
42	Safety & Compliance Officer	Admin	Ensures safety codes are followed	OSHA or FRA certified	21	$70,000 – $100,000
43	Payroll Clerk	Admin	Manages employee salaries and taxes	Accounting background	20	$50,000 – $70,000
44	Procurement Specialist	Admin	Handles purchasing and supplier contracts	Supply chain degree	21	$65,000 – $95,000
45	Operations Analyst	Admin	Reviews train and staff performance metrics	Data analytics or business degree	21	$70,000 – $100,000
46	Legal Counsel	Legal	Handles legal matters and contracts	JD (Law degree)	25	$110,000 – $150,000
47	Communications Officer	PR	Manages internal and external messaging	Journalism or PR degree	21	$65,000 – $95,000
48	Customer Service Agent	Support	Assists riders with tickets and info	High school diploma, friendly attitude	18	$45,000 – $65,000
49	Scheduling Coordinator	Operations Support	Creates train schedules and staffing plans	Excel, planning tools	20	$60,000 – $85,000
50	Public Relations Specialist	PR	Manages media and public perception	PR, marketing degree	21	$70,000 – $95,000

Train Conductor  Job– Detailed Information

Below is the detailed information for the Train Conductor LIRR Careers option.

Category	Details
Job Role	Train Conductor
Responsibilities	Ensure passenger safety, make announcements, check tickets, and coordinate with engineers
Minimum Age	21 years
Education Required	High school diploma or GED
Experience	Preferred but not required; training provided
Training Duration	12-16 weeks of classroom + on-the-job training
Certifications	FRA Conductor Certification (after training)
Work Hours	Shifts including weekends and holidays
CTC (Estimated)	$60,000 – $85,000 annually (based on seniority)
Career Growth	Can move up to Senior Conductor or Trainmaster

Assistant Conductor  Job– Detailed Information

Below is the detailed information for the Assistant Conductor LIRR Careers option.

Category	Details
Job Role	Assistant Conductor
Responsibilities	Assist conductor, handle doors, collect tickets, customer service
Minimum Age	20 years
Education Required	High school diploma or GED
Experience	Entry-level; no prior experience needed
Training Duration	Approx. 12 weeks
Certifications	Provided during training
Work Hours	Rotational shifts, including nights and weekends
CTC (Estimated)	$45,000 – $65,000 annually
Career Growth	Can become a full Conductor

Train Engineer  Job– Detailed Information

Below is the detailed information for the Train Engineer LIRR Careers option.

Category	Details
Job Role	Train Engineer (also called Locomotive Engineer in some roles)
Responsibilities	Operate the train, ensure safe travel, communicate with control centers
Minimum Age	21 years
Education Required	High school diploma or GED
Experience	Mechanical or railroad background preferred
Training Duration	6–12 months intensive training + certification
Certifications	Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Engineer Certification
Work Hours	Long shifts, variable hours, high responsibility
CTC (Estimated)	$85,000 – $120,000 annually
Career Growth	Can advance to Senior Engineer or Instructor

Locomotive Engineer – Detailed Information

Below is the detailed information for the Locomotive Engineer LIRR Careers option.

Category	Details
Job Role	Locomotive Engineer
Responsibilities	Operate and control locomotives, monitor equipment, safety procedures
Minimum Age	21 years
Education Required	High school diploma or GED
Experience	Usually requires prior railroad experience (e.g., conductor)
Training Duration	10–12 months including simulation and live runs
Certifications	FRA Locomotive Engineer Certification
Work Hours	May include overnights, holidays, and weekends
CTC (Estimated)	$90,000 – $130,000 annually
Career Growth	Can transition into senior operations or training roles

Brakeman – Detailed Information

Below is the detailed information for the Brakeman LIRR Careers option.

Category	Details
Job Role	Brakeman
Responsibilities	Connect/disconnect train cars, inspect brakes, assist with switching
Minimum Age	20 years
Education Required	High school diploma or GED
Experience	Helpful but not required; training provided
Training Duration	Around 6–10 weeks
Certifications	Safety and operational certifications offered during training
Work Hours	Physically demanding; may include night shifts and weekends
CTC (Estimated)	$50,000 – $70,000 annually
Career Growth	Can move to Conductor or Yardmaster roles

LIRR Careers: Perks & Benefits You’ll Love

Below are the Perks & Benefits of LIRR Careers.

Health Insurance

• LIRR provides comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits for employees and their family members.

Mental Health Support

• Counseling services and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for personal/work stress

Retirement Plans

• Employees are eligible for state pension plans and retirement savings plans, such as 401(k) or 457 accounts, with employer contributions.

Paid Time Off

• You receive vacation time, paid sick leave, and paid holidays. The service is longer with added days.

Family Leave

• There is parental leave and family medical leave.

Career Growth Opportunities

• LIRR offers on-the-job training, apprenticeships, and tuition reimbursement for continued education assistance, there to support you in your career.

Flexible Work Options

• Some positions allow for flexible hours, shift work,k or other compressed workweeks.

Free Travel Perks

• Employees typically get free or discounted rides on the LIRR and other MTA systems.

Commuter Benefit

• TransitChek’sek’s other commuter savings programs pay you money on trip costs.

Union Support

• Most roles have union representation to protect jobs, ensure fair wages, and establish good working conditions.

Life Insurance & Disability Coverage

• Comprehensive life insurance and short/long-term disability policies.

Employee Recognition

• LIRR recognizes exemplary performance and commitment through its awards programs.

Workplace Safety & Training

• We have to make sure everything is done with proper safety procedures, train people regularly, and give them the necessary protective gear.

How to Apply for LIRR Careers: Step-by-Step Guide

Below are the steps for applying to LIRR Careers.

1: Explore Available LIRR Careers Opportunities

• For more information, please visit the MTA Careers homepage: link
• Hit “Search Jobs,” and select LIRR from the filters to see open positions.
• Look over descriptions of the kinds of jobs you want to get and make a note of qualifications, experience, and age requirements.

2: Create an Account or Log In

• If you’re a new user create a profile with your email address.
• Applicants who have previously canceled their applications must log in to their MTA career portal account to apply or check the status of their application.

3: Prepare Your Resume & Documents

• Once you have updated your resume with relevant skills and experiences, write a cover letter tailored to the M.B.A. program of your choice.
• Collect necessary certifications, licenses, and references.
• Certain positions (e.g., engineers, conductors) require a valid driver’s license or specialized training.

4: Complete the Online Application

• Complete all information fields relating to personal education alone, and work experience.
• Upload your resume and supporting documents.
• Respond to any role-specific supplemental questions.

5: Submit & Monitor Your Application

• Review your information, and apply.
• Be on the lookout for any updates, interview invitations, or further requirements through your email and career portal.