Senior Data Engineering Co-Op

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority • Boston, MA

9d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Office of Performance Management and Innovation (OPMI) at the MBTA focuses on developing and tracking performance metrics, implementing strategic initiatives, and improving the rider experience through data analysis. OPMI is a hybrid office, requiring staff to work remotely and in-office 2-3 days per week, with Tuesdays and Thursdays designated as all-staff in-office days. The office operates on a hotel-style model with no assigned desks. This co-op position will focus on data strategy tasks, with responsibilities varying based on project availability. The role offers opportunities to gain experience in managing multiple projects, collaborating across departments, and working with diverse datasets to answer real-world questions. Co-ops can also participate in training, fieldwork, tours, and conferences.

Requirements

• Enrolled, for entire duration of employment, in the graduate / Master’s degree program of an accredited college / university in computer science, data analytics, math, physics, engineering, public policy, urban planning, government, or a related field (must have proof of enrollment).
• Problem-oriented thinking and comfort with ambiguity.
• Above average ability to break down broad problems into answerable questions and identify appropriate tools for addressing each step of answering such questions.
• Above average skills in at least one programming language (such as R or Python) and willingness to pick up new languages.
• At least one year of experience with DevOps technologies, such as Docker, GitHub Action, and Terraform.
• At least one year of experience with basic relational database operations and SQL querying.
• Above average quantitative / analytical perspective and talents.
• Above average ability to critically review data and communicate technical knowledge to a non-technical audience.
• Strong interest or experience with data governance, familiarity with some open data platforms.
• Above average proficiency with standard office software (e.g. Microsoft office) or relevant technical tools.
• Above average ability to communicate effectively in English, both in written and oral forms.
• Highly organized, self-motivated, and detail oriented.
• Demonstrated interest in public transportation, urban planning, engineering, public policy, or public service.
• Proven ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively within diverse, fast-paced environments.
• Ability to commute independently to assigned work locations within the Greater Boston metro area, as required by the role.
• Authorized to work in the United States (international students in CPT, STEM, or OPT programs through a university are eligible to apply).
• Must have valid work authorization and U.S. Social Security Number prior to starting pre-employment screenings / pre-boarding, working in their positions, and throughout the duration of their program.
• Maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 for the entire duration of the internship / co-op.

Nice To Haves

• Above average skills in at least one programming language (such as R or Python)
• Experience with at least one DevOps technology and SQL querying.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the development of data automation pipelines using various technologies.
• Support documentation efforts for ongoing automation projects and enhance documentation for existing processes.
• Assist in data cleaning, transformation, and validation to ensure data quality and reliability.
• Collaborate with data analysts and stakeholders to understand data requirements and improve data accessibility.
• Contribute to the development, publication, and maintenance of the MBTA Open Data Portal.
• Help manage data sources, databases, and data flows across OPMI, MBTA, and MassDOT, collaborating with multiple stakeholders.
• Gain familiarity with OPMI’s data infrastructure and workflows, understanding data collection, transformation, and reporting processes at various development stages.
• Develop and maintain automated data pipelines for ingesting, transforming, and publishing transit-related data using GitHub Actions, Docker, and other CI/CD tools.
• Improve data quality control by implementing automated validation, anomaly detection, and monitoring systems.
• Monitor and troubleshoot data pipelines, proactively identifying and resolving failures, bottlenecks, or inconsistencies.
• Analyze and optimize data storage and processing workflows, recommending improvements for efficiency and scalability.
• Support version control best practices for data pipelines and scripts using GitHub and GitHub Actions.
• Perform ad hoc data cleaning, transformation, and integration using SQL, R, or Python, with optional analysis and visualization as needed.
• Assist in documentation and reporting, contributing to dashboards, reports, presentations, and technical protocols for internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborate with the data team to present findings and support data-driven decision-making across MBTA and MassDOT.
• Engage in team meetings, knowledge-sharing sessions, and organizational events to support collaboration and workflow improvements.
• Participate in fieldwork efforts as needed, assisting in real-world data collection and integration into automated pipelines.
• Participate in team / staff meetings, organizational events, fieldwork, project teams, or other duties as assigned.
• Provide internal and external customers with courteous and professional experience.
• Perform all other duties and projects assigned.

Benefits

• Accrued paid sick leave
• Monthly transportation pass

What This Job Offers

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