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
The Deputy Chief of Technical Engineer & Design is responsible for overseeing the Engineering Technical Resource Groups (TRG) within the Engineering and Capital Division, including Infrastructure TRG, Facilities/ Structures TRG and Design Quality Assurance/ Standards TRG. The primary function is to provide engineering support and technical expertise to Operations and Maintenance, and to support the delivery of the MBTA's capital program. The Deputy Chief is responsible for updating existing engineering and design standards in all infrastructure asset classes, developing Design Directives, updating technical requirements, supporting infrastructure planning, and supporting the development and execution of the Authority's Capital Investment Plan (CIP). The Deputy Chief will report to the Chief Engineer, to support the execution of ECD's goals and missions.
Duties & Responsibilities
The MBTA is a capital-intensive Authority, and as such, the execution of the capital plan is fundamental to effective service performance. The Deputy Chief of Technical Engineer & Design is responsible for supporting the leadership of Engineering & Capital Division in principal activities to support the internal client - Operations and to support the delivery of the capital program. The primary duties and responsibilities consist of the following areas:
Infrastructure Engineering- Develops and lead the strategic technical vision for MBTA assets by engaging Operations' stakeholders from Infrastructure (E&M), Stations and Facilities (TFM), Vehicle Maintenance, modal service delivery groups (Transportation), Service Planning, as well as Safety, Real Estate, Environmental, Capital Program delivery groups, and others.
- Manage and oversee the Engineering TRGs in executing engineering and design initiatives.
- Oversee the transfer of projects from design to delivery.
- Develop, update and oversee the MBTA's engineering (design and construction) standards.
- Develop Design Directives that supersede existing outdated, obsolete documents as interim design and engineering requirements until a formal DSG can be developed.
- Update technical requirements within standard construction specifications, especially with new asset information requirements for project delivery.
- Identify historical practices and procedures for updating, in conjunction with functional stakeholders across the MBTA.
- Provide technical support to Operations and Maintenance, including developing CIP charters, and react to pressing needs, engineering design review of MBTA-sponsored and externally sponsored projects affecting MBTA infrastructure.
- Provide augmented engineering support for asset condition assessments as part of a routine or as an emergency response.
- Provide engineering and technical support for emergency response.
- Strengthen the collaborative ties between ECD and Operations, to identify Operations' needs and develop Engineering & Capital solutions, as well as execute on Capital initiatives.
- Representing ECD in organizational committees and cross-functional work groups, as needed.
- Provide input, insight, and processes to support building an organization capable of executing the Capital Program.
- Support major capital maintenance programs with project management and technical support.
- Perform Operational review and approval/acceptance of externally sponsored projects and Real Estate transactions.
- Actively involved in Engineering Root Cause Analysis on behalf of the asset owners.
- Perform all other duties and projects that may be assigned.
- Responsible for the implementation of the MBTA Quality Assurance Plan, which meets the requirements of the FTA Quality Management System Guidelines.
- Ensure that all design work meets the requirements of the MBTA QA program.
- Provide the necessary resources to ensure that project teams have the means to meet the QA program's requirements.
- Verify that the project teams have established a design control plan and procedures for design verification and design reviews.
- Conduct periodical QA audit to monitor project development and design product quality.
- Responsible for implementing quality improvement initiatives or corrective actions for design quality deficiencies.
- Support MBTA staff through establishing, managing and overseeing design quality objectives based on MBTA design standards, codes and procedures.
- Additional duties as assigned.
- Assist Capital Planning efforts in the development of asset specific Master Plans
- Assist and/or execute project specific predesign efforts
- Support project specific design efforts through milestone deliverable reviews.
- Support project specific design efforts by representing asset owner interests as a stakeholder
- Support construction quality control efforts through NCR and DCR processes.
- Support the development and execution of the Authority's Capital Investment Plan (CIP).
- Additional Duties May be tasked with developing and managing additional project design-related resources,
Minimum Requirements & Qualifications
- A Bachelor's Degree in civil, electrical, or mechanical engineering from an accredited institution.
- Professional Engineer (PE) license
- Twelve (12) years of experience in large-scale, multi-year capital- heavy organizations programs.
- Seven (7) years of related experience in a managerial capacity.
- Demonstrated success in developing subordinates through effective leadership and the setting of realistic. but challenging goals.
- Demonstrated success in capital program execution leadership.
- Thorough understanding of the capital development process from planning and budgeting through design, funding, procurement, construction, and close-out.
- Demonstrated experience in collaboratively working with local, state, and federal agencies.
- Demonstrated understanding of the public transit Operations, Capital Programs or Administrative matters
- Experience in making presentations to senior government executives, boards, and the public.
- Effective organizational, analytical, confidentiality, multi-tasking, and time management skills.
- Leadership experience communicating with customers, employees, vendors, contractors, designers, elected officials, community leaders, and state and federal officials.
- Solid presentation and conflict resolution skills.
- Proven track record of collaboration, transparency, and effective communication.
- Strong communication skills worthy of a senior executive.
- Ability to adhere to rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable), and policies of the MBTA including the EEO, anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and antiretaliation policies.
- Ability to supervise and work effectively with a diverse workforce.
Preferred Experience and Skills- Master's Degree in civil, electrical and mechanical engineering, or construction management.
- Experience in a capital-intensive public agency.
- Experience in multiple program areas, including design standard development, design QA.
Substitutions Include
- A master's degree in a related subject substitute for two (2) years of general work experience.
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 hradaaa@mbta.com.
- 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.