Asset Management Co-Op

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority•Boston, MA

9d•Hybrid

About The Position

The MBTA Asset Management Department supports the agency’s capital and operational needs across Electrical, Maintenance of Way (MOW), Facilities, and Signals. The co-op supports data-driven decisions that promote the safety, reliability, and longevity of MBTA infrastructure, working with Asset Information Managers, Analysts, and Coordinators on asset lifecycle management, condition monitoring, and process improvement. The position is 40 hours per week, requires at least two to three onsite days per week, and lasts at least six months, from January through June. The co-op may support specific departments or locations and perform other assigned duties and projects. The role involves fieldwork and travel throughout the MBTA system to gather asset and equipment-related information. Work locations are within the Greater Boston metro area. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Interns and co-ops must remain enrolled in an accredited educational program throughout employment and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5. Applicants must have valid work authorization and a U.S. Social Security Number before pre-employment screening and throughout the program. The MBTA does not provide visa sponsorship. Co-ops receive accrued paid sick leave and a monthly transportation pass based on their commuting city; no additional benefits are currently offered.

Requirements

Be currently enrolled and maintain active enrollment throughout employment in an accredited undergraduate/bachelor’s degree program in computer science, asset management, data analytics, systems engineering, or engineering (such as mechanical, electrical, industrial, facilities, civil, or structural).
Maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 throughout the internship or co-op.
Have above-average ability to work independently with limited instructions, gather and organize information, investigate situations for diagnosis, and navigate and ride the MBTA system.
Have above-average knowledge of relevant technical tools, such as CAD, and proficiency with standard office software, such as Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat.
Communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing, and be able to read, comprehend, and respond to instructions and other communications in English.
Be highly organized, self-motivated, and detail-oriented.
Demonstrate interest in public transportation, urban planning, engineering, public policy, or public service.
Be able to work effectively both independently and collaboratively in diverse, fast-paced environments.
Be able to commute independently to assigned work locations in the Greater Boston metro area.
Be legally authorized to work in the United States and maintain valid work authorization and a U.S. Social Security Number throughout the program; the MBTA does not provide visa sponsorship.
Be at least 18 years old, except when participating in an approved high school internship or co-op program.
Be able to work assigned shifts and locations as needed, including during emergencies or severe weather when required.
Pass applicable background, CORI, medical, physical, and drug and alcohol screening requirements.
Meet the stated work-record requirement, subject to the exception for current students or recent graduates.

Nice To Haves

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and an interest in data modeling and statistical analysis.
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and data visualization tools such as Tableau or Power BI.
Familiarity with asset management software such as Maximo or Infor.
A passion for improving public transportation infrastructure and contributing to asset safety and performance initiatives.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with Asset Information Analysts to develop mathematical models and analytics for monitoring asset performance using condition-inspection data.
Sample asset data to assess accuracy and reliability, conduct trend analyses to identify potential defects, and report findings for further action.
Follow up on inspections and process reviews to ensure improvements align with the MBTA Asset Management Program’s standards.
Develop workflows based on field research, stakeholder interviews, and meetings.
Assist with field inspections and desktop reviews of infrastructure and transit assets.
Analyze inspection findings, condition ratings, photographs, maintenance records, and historical data to identify trends, potential deficiencies, and changes in asset condition; support recommendations for further assessment or corrective action.
Collaborate across disciplines to support an asset management strategy integrating engineering, maintenance, and safety processes.
Collect and analyze data to statistically verify reductions in safety incidents.
Perform root-cause analysis of asset defects to improve system safety and performance.
Collaborate with engineers and subject matter experts on condition assessments of rail, facilities, and transit assets.
Develop and use mathematical models to evaluate asset performance, lifecycle costs, and risk mitigation.
Travel throughout the MBTA system to gather information and data on equipment-related systems.
Organize data for ease of use and navigation with tools such as Microsoft Office Suite, CAD software, and ERP systems.
Participate in team and staff meetings, organizational events, fieldwork, and project teams, and perform other assigned duties.
Provide internal and external customers with courteous and professional service.