Deputy Director of Mechanical

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority • Boston, MA

7d

About The Position

The Deputy Director of Mechanical assists the Director of Mechanical in planning and supervising the day-to-day and long-range functions of commuter rail and water service contractors. The role supervises a small professional staff and helps ensure contractor compliance with contract requirements. It focuses on mechanical services and operations, including revenue and non-revenue rolling stock.

The position manages capital, operating, and force account projects and budgets, including multi-million-dollar initiatives, facility and yard expansions, upgrades, and state-of-good-repair improvements. It develops and manages programs, procedures, and standards for the Commuter Mechanical Department, oversees contractors and vendors, and coordinates fleet maintenance and service delivery with agency staff and railroad partners.

The Deputy Director helps uphold maintenance and safety standards, directs inspections and investigations of mechanical issues, and supports operational planning and response to emergencies. The role may involve assigned shifts and locations, driving to work sites, and responding to emergencies or other conditions affecting service or safety at any time. It also supports community relations and special events, and helps ensure fair and consistent application of Authority policies and rules.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Transportation, Engineering, Business, or a related field from an accredited institution, or an applicable substitution described in the posting.
• Five years of experience in railroad transportation operations, maintenance, and/or operations management, subject to the stated education and certification substitutions.
• Two years of leadership experience managing staff and/or large-scale projects.
• Experience with FRA operations compliance.
• Valid driver’s license in accordance with MBTA policy.
• Effective organizational and analytical skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive information appropriately.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to communicate effectively with customers, employees, and vendors.
• Excellent customer service and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to provide customers with a courteous and professional experience.
• Ability to supervise and work effectively with a diverse workforce, independently and as part of a team.
• English language skills sufficient to perform the position effectively.
• Ability to commute to assigned work locations in the Boston, Massachusetts metro area.
• Ability to work assigned shifts and locations, including as necessary during severe weather, emergencies, or other circumstances affecting service or safety.
• Satisfactory work record for the two years immediately before the posting’s closing date, subject to the stated exception for current students or recent graduates.
• Ability to pass CORI, comprehensive background, and/or medical clinic screening, potentially including physical examination and drug and alcohol screenings.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States on an unrestricted basis and able to provide a U.S. Social Security Number and complete Form I-9.
• Employees in this classification are subject to periodic physical examinations and random drug and alcohol testing.
• Employees in this classification must be available to respond to page, text, or call and report to work as directed.
• During declared states of emergency, employees in this classification must report for assigned work hours or as directed by management.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with contract or vendor management in a passenger railroad environment.
• Experience with passenger train railroad operations and/or maintenance.
• Familiarity with FTA, FRA, NORAC, DPU, and NTSB policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Director of Mechanical with day-to-day and long-range planning and supervision of commuter rail and water service contractors.
• Supervise a small professional staff and oversee commuter rail contractors and administrative staff to ensure compliance with contract requirements.
• Initiate and manage capital, operating, and force account projects, including multi-million-dollar project initiatives, budgets, facility and yard expansions, upgrades, and state-of-good-repair improvements.
• Develop, award, and manage capital and operating budgets, ensuring budget goals, timely completion, and cost-effective work.
• Develop, implement, and manage programs, procedures, and standards for Commuter Mechanical Department employees.
• Supervise contractors and vendors to ensure work meets contract specifications, MBTA standards, and deadlines, and take corrective action when needed.
• Coordinate with agency staff, contractors, vendors, and federal and state agencies on rolling stock maintenance requirements and service demands.
• Coordinate fleet planning and service delivery, including maintenance scheduling and production, alternative service plans, defect mitigation, and service improvements.
• Collaborate with MBTA officials and Railroad Operations departments to prioritize daily work and plan for impacts to commuter rail passenger movement.
• Define, uphold, and direct maintenance standards and ensure adherence to applicable policies and regulations.
• Direct and assist employees conducting inspections of passenger trains, facilities, and other transportation assets.
• Direct investigations of mechanical failures and issues and implement compliant, effective solutions.
• Analyze and make recommendations and decisions concerning vendors and mechanical parts purchasing through the RRO Mechanical Parts Program.
• Assist with community relations activities and coordinate special events, including special train operations.
• Respond to emergencies, extreme weather, and abnormal conditions affecting service or safety, and direct available personnel on a 24/7 basis.
• Drive a company or personal vehicle to work sites and assist during emergencies or events as needed.
• Respond courteously and professionally to inquiries from customers, vendors, and co-workers.
• Work assigned shifts and locations as directed.
• Uphold the Authority’s rights and interests while maintaining effective employee relationships.
• Help manage the workforce through fair and consistent application of Authority rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements where applicable, and policies, including EEO and anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and anti-retaliation policies.
• Perform other assigned duties and projects.

Benefits

• Intern/co-op participants are eligible for accrued paid sick leave and a monthly transportation pass at no cost; the posting states that no additional benefits are currently offered for interns or co-ops.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager