Onboard Fare Systems, Technology & Engineer Fellow (Fall)

Description

Position at MTA Headquarters

Department: MTA IT

Location: 420 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10170

Position Title: Onboard Fare Systems, Technology & Engineer Fellow

Hourly Rate: $21.00 (Undergraduate), $23.00 (Graduate)

All internship positions are onsite and require regular, in-person attendance at the designated work location.

OVERVIEW OF DEPARTMENT:

The Onboard Fare Systems team provides and supports ticket selling services for both the MNR and LIRR Transportation Departments. These services include both the Onboard Ticket Issuing Machines as well as back-end support to allow for ticket selling and reporting capabilities.

The fellow will need to learn the basics of how credit and debit card information must be protected. Your main task will be to get familiar with how the current Onboard Ticket Issuing Machine works, including the devices connected to it (like card readers, printers, or scanners). After that, you will research other hardware options that could replace or improve the current setup. These options should include devices that can safely accept credit and debit card payments and meet PCI security requirements. Familiarity with Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI) or Mobile Point of Sale is preferred.

At the end of the project, you will create a report that compares the different hardware solutions you found. This report will include:

A simple comparison chart or matrix
A list of pros and cons for each option
A clear summary of which solution you recommend and why

This position begins in Fall 2026; candidates should be ready to commit minimum of 12-months in the role.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Analysis of current devices
• Documentation of existing solution
• Documentation of user requirements/needs of new proposed devices
• Research of new technologies
• Research of new device alternatives
• Communicating with members within the IT team and user community
• Report creation
• Presentation of Findings

PROJECTS:

The projects the intern will work on will include:

• Understand the existing Onboard Ticket Issuing Machine configuration and all peripherals and document requirements for each device.
• Research alternate solutions for an Onboard Ticket Issuing Machine Evaluation and Recommendations report on alternate solutions.
• Provide a clear summary of a recommended solution for the team to pursue

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite is a must.
• The candidate should possess organizational, analytical and communication skills.
• The candidate should be able to work well under pressure and prioritize tasks effectively.
• The candidate should have a keen eye for detail and be able to work independently while being an active team player.
• Familiarity with PCI or Mobile Point of Sale.
• Familiar with IT Security concepts like Encryption, Firewalls, Access Control, Authentication.

REQUIRED EDUCATION:

• Matriculated in an undergraduate program in good standing with at least 2.5 GPA AND/OR matriculated in a graduate program in good standing with at least 2.8 GPA
• Major(s) Preferred: Computers Science, Computer Information Systems, Software Engineering, or related field.

All applicants must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of application. Students' transcript must be submitted.

Equal Employment Opportunity

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including with respect to veteran status and individuals with disabilities. The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.