Director of Infrastructure Engineering

At the MBTA, we envision a thriving region enabled by a best-in-class transit system. Our mission is to serve the public by providing safe, reliable, and accessible transportation. MBTA’s core values are built around safety, service, equity, and sustainability and each employee that works for the MBTA performs their roles based on our vision, mission, and values. This includes attendance, participation, and contribution in local safety committee meetings as needed.

Job Summary

This role sits within the Engineering Division within the Engineering and Capital Department and will be responsible for needs assessment, design for capital delivery projects, as well as building a team to support the project work.

The role is responsible for: Infrastructure Engineering (track, signals, power, and facilities), Engineering Standards and Quality, strategic planning, and design of capital improvement projects, repairing and rehabilitating MBTA transit facilities, infrastructure system-wide, and for the design of new infrastructure projects that align and support the MBTA operations. In addition, the Director of Infrastructure Engineering will lead and coordinate with other departments and outside agencies as needed; orchestrate design reviews and quality management; and provide highly complex administrative support to the Chief Engineer.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Responsible for the ongoing enhancement of the customer experience by designing and planning engineering, maintenance, and capital projects to align and support the MBTA operations.
• As the Operations liaison with Capital Delivery, designing, setting, and communicating project priorities to design and develop future capital projects, and scopes of work, and keep apprised of Capital Delivery's progress toward completing capital projects.
• Responsible for all departmental activities including research and development, architectural and engineering, track structures, power systems, mechanical systems, signal systems, and communication system maintenance, recommending and administering policies and procedures.
• Develop and implement departmental goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for each assigned service area; meet with key staff to identify and resolve problems.
• Provide leadership and supervision to a team of professional engineers and planners involved in the maintenance strategy, design review, modification, and construction of facilities and the acquisition and modification of equipment.
• Represent Infrastructure Engineering to other departments, elected officials, and outside agencies as directed by the Chief Engineer and Senior Director of Infrastructure Engineering and Planning; coordinates assigned activities with those of other departments and outside agencies and organizations.
• Provide staff assistance to the Chief Engineer; participate on a variety of boards, commissions, and committees; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
• Develop budgets for proposed projects, evaluate various impacts of proposed projects to determine feasibility, provide recommendations to executive management and department managers, and participate in technical committees and panels.
• Support operational, facilities, real estate, and planning functions by examining and identifying deficiencies within existing systems, facilities, and structures, preparing recommendations for improvements, providing technical advice and guidance, reviewing development projects that may impact existing rail systems and facilities, and participating in internal audits as needed.
• Responsible for evaluating, selecting, and managing work being performed by 3rd party engineering and architectural firms.
• Respond or report to work as directed by supervisory personnel for emergencies, extreme weather conditions, or any other abnormal conditions that impair service or the safety of service, twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week.
• Drive a company or personal vehicle to visit work sites and assist at emergencies and/or events as needed; respond to each inquiry courteously and professionally consistent with the Authority’s customer service quality standard.
• Uphold the rights and interests of a workforce by ensuring the fair and consistent application and strict adherence to the rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable), and policies of the Authority including the EEO, Anti-Discrimination, and Anti-Harassment and Anti-Retaliation policies.
  
  
  

Additional responsibilities may include focusing on one or more departments or locations. See applicable addendum for department or location-specific functions.

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s Degree in civil, electrical, or mechanical engineering from an accredited institution.
• Seven (7) years of experience performing professional engineering work in design, estimating, construction, operations, and maintenance, as well as transit and tunnel system maintenance and construction experience.
• Five (5) years of supervisory experience managing a major professional engineering and/or maintenance program including responsibility for budget development and policy development and/or enforcement.
• A Massachusetts Professional Engineering (PE) license, or the ability to become registered in Massachusetts within 6 months.
• Effectively communicate with customers, employees, vendors, contractors, designers, public legislators, and state and federal agencies.
• Excellent customer service, conflict resolution, and negotiation skills.
• Effective organizational, analytical, confidentiality, quantitative, multi-tasking, and time management skills.
• Proficient with MS Office, PowerPoint, and Graphic applications.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license without infractions per MBTA policy.
• Able to supervise and work effectively with a diverse workforce.
  
  
  

Substitutions Include

• None
  
  
  

Preferred Experience/Skills

• Public Transit Experience
• Proficient with MS Project 2013 or Primavera P3; resource loading within construction schedules.
  
  
  

Job Conditions:

• Ability to effectively read, comprehend, communicate, and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. in English
• Ability to provide internal and external customers with courteous and professional experiences
• Ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team (or supervise, if required)
• Ability to uphold the rights and interests of the MBTA while building and maintaining effective relationships with employees and co-workers
• Ability to adhere to rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable), and policies of the MBTA, including the EEO, anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and anti-retaliation policies
• Have a satisfactory work record for the two (2) years immediately prior to the closing date of this posting (unless if recent graduate), including overall employment, job performance, discipline, and safety records (infractions and/or offenses occurring after the closing of the posting and before the filling of a vacancy may preclude a candidate from consideration for selection)
• Ability to pass a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, comprehensive background screening, and medical Clinic screening, potentially including a physical examination and drug and alcohol screenings
• Ability to work all shifts and / or locations assigned, directed, or necessary for this position, including (for some transit / operations roles) up to twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week as necessary to accommodate severe weather conditions, emergencies, or any other circumstances that may potentially impact service or the safety of service
  
  
  

Disclaimers and Definitions:

• General Disclaimer: The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe a summary, general nature, and complexity of typical job functions and do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities required of staff assigned to this position.
• Application Deadlines: Applicants should apply as soon as possible, as the MBTA may stop considering applicants after a sufficiently large applicant pool is established.
• Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here-in are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. See job description for role-specific requirements.
• Work Eligibility: Although the MBTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, all employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer and on an unrestricted basis (the MBTA does not sponsor non-US citizens). However, if you have an unrestricted work authorization, or sponsored by a separate entity, you are welcome to apply for open positions. International students taking part in CPT / STEM / OPT programs through a university are eligible for internships and co-ops with the MBTA. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to complete a Form I-9 to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the U.S.
• Interviews: Candidates should ensure they arrive on time, are prepared, can remain for the duration, and if remote, are in a quiet place without distraction, for the interview. Candidates who do not attend their interview without advance authorization, including an email confirmation of a rescheduled time/date from Human Resources, will be considered a no-show and disqualified from consideration for the position. Related to rescheduling, on a one-time basis, and due to something emergent, you may be allowed to reschedule the interview. In addition, Human Resources may require documentation supporting the request. However, should you need to reschedule, you will need to contact your Recruiter directly by email.
• Safety Sensitive Positions: Employees working in this classification will be subject to periodic physical examinations plus random drug and alcohol testing.
• On-call or 24/7 Positions: Employees working in this classification must be available to respond to page / text / call and report to work as determined by assigned department or the Authority.
• Essential / Emergency Staff: During declared "states of emergency," employees working in this classification are required to report to work for their assigned work hours or as directed by management.
• ADA Accommodations: The MBTA makes reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation during this process, please contact the MBTA's ADA Unit at 617-222-5751 or [email protected] .
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The MBTA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer . For terms, descriptions, and definitions related to diversity, equity, inclusion, veteran status, and immediate family members that you may find on the application form, please visit mbta.com/careers-app-definitions .