Deputy Director of Rail, Signal and Power

Deputy Director of Rail, Signal and Power

Salary

$128,540.00 - $159,000.00 Annually

Location

10 Park Plaza, Boston

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

26-20050

Department

MBTA - Capital Delivery

Area

521-North Station Draw 1

Opening Date

07/29/2026

Closing Date

8/12/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Bargaining Unit

MBTA Exec Main Fund

Licenses / Certifications

Please see job description.

Safety Sensitive

Yes; this is a Safety Sensitive position. Employees in this role will be subject to periodic physical examinations plus random drug and alcohol testing.

Essential Classification (Emergency Staff)

Yes; this position is classified as essential. Employees in this role are required to report to work for their assigned work hours or as directed by supervisory personnel during declared States of Emergency.

On-Call or 24/7

Yes; this position is classified as on-call or 24/7. Employees in this role must be available to respond to page/text/call and report to work as directed by supervisor personnel.

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

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, sustainability, culture, and accessibility, 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 position is a project specific position and is limited to the term of the design-build contract. Employment beyond the design-build contract will be at the discretion of the MBTA at the completion of the project, which is currently anticipated to be early 2033.

The Deputy Director of Rail, Signal and Power for the Draw One Bridge Program supports the Deputy Chief and other MBTA Draw One executives in the delivery of this critical infrastructure program. The Deputy Director provides technical support and coordination for the field execution of complex rail, signal and power design and construction activities. This position assists the Deputy Chief in overseeing the work of more than 250 MBTA employees, consultants, and contractor personnel supporting the delivery of the program; within a heavily unionized environment including Resident Engineers, Project Managers, and Construction Inspectors.

The Deputy Director must be adept at solving complex technical field and construction execution issues, and equally adept at obtaining internal and external stakeholder acceptance of project decisions. Must be particularly skilled in working across departments to effectively support this program while minimizing impact to the day-to-day operations of the commuter rail system. The Deputy Director will coordinate with the Deputy Chief and other Draw One executives to deliver strategic priorities, performance goals and metrics, as it relates to rail, signal and power.

About The MBTA and the Draw One Project

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority is Americas fifth largest transit system offering multimodal transportation services to 175 member cities and towns and 4.7 million residents across a 3,200 square mile area. It is a public authority and political subdivision of the Commonwealth. The MBTA operates heavy rail, light rail, commuter rail, bus, and commuter boat services.

The North Station Draw One Program will modernize and replace critical movable bridges and associated rail infrastructure serving North Station: significantly improving reliability, resiliency, and operational flexibility for the MBTA commuter rail network. The program includes major Design-Build construction activities involving bridge replacement, track, signal, power, and systems integration within a complex and heavily trafficked rail terminus. The program will serve as a model for delivering complex infrastructure projects within an active rail terminal environment while maintaining continuous service to customers.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Direct and lead a team of project managers, project coordinators, resident engineers, construction inspectors and other technical professionals who collectively will oversee the efforts of third-party engineering, architectural and construction firms providing the design and construction services under the draw one contract.
• Support the development and implementation of detailed construction and delivery plans in coordination with engineering, design, and construction stakeholders. This includes timelines, budgets and resource allocation.
• Coordinate and monitor construction activities within the integrated schedule that include track realignment, signal work, and power system upgrades and report on progress, risks and schedule adherence to the Deputy Chief
• Collaborate closely with rail and commuter rail operation teams to ensure alignment of construction activities with commuter rail operations to minimize service disruptions and operational constraints. Some coordination may involve night work and/or off-peak hours.
• Support the Deputy Chief and construction teams, as it relates to rail, signal and power, to ensure all work is being done according to specifications, standards, and codes, especially given the complexity of rail, signal, and power systems.
• Aid in the implementation and monitoring of quality assurance processes, safety standards in order to check for compliance with safety and quality standards.
• Identify risks, implement mitigation strategies, and contribute to the resolution of field and construction challenges and escalate complex or high-risk issues to the Deputy Chief.
• Participate and support in the installation, inspection, testing and handover activities, in order to meet rail, signal and power requirements.
• Coordinate and support investigations into system failures and the implementation of corrective actions.
• Serve as a liaison for the Deputy Chief with contractors, subcontractors, rail operators, and other public agencies to support project execution.
• Ensure all crews have received the proper training to operate necessary manual and motorized equipment and vehicles.
• Assist with the integration of new and existing rail, electrical, signal infrastructure, structures and stations.
• Quickly adjust to changing project dynamics and make informed decisions that support the Deputy Chief.
• At the direction of the Deputy Chief, closely collaborate with internal departments of the MBTA to ensure cross functional coordination of project activity with operational outcomes, day-to-day maintenance, finance and administration requirements.
• Coordinate with internal departments, external stakeholders, regulatory agencies, and elected officials, including the Federal Transit Authority (FTA) on planning and execution of assigned projects and the mitigation of associated issues.
• Drive a company or personal vehicle to visit work sites to assist at emergencies, service disruptions, and/or other events as needed.
• Respond to emergencies, either directly or through subordinates, on a twenty-four (24) hour, seven (7) day per weekbasis.
• Uphold the rights and interests of the Authority while building and maintaining an effective relationship with employees.
• Assist in the management of the workforce by ensuring the fair and consistent application and strict adherence to the rules, regulations, and collective bargaining agreements (if applicable) and policies of the Authority including the EEO, Anti-Discrimination, Anti-Harassment and Anti-Retaliation policies.
• Perform all other duties and projects that may be assigned.

Supervision

• Directly supervise project managers, project coordinators, within Draw One team.
• Indirectly supervise project managers, project coordinators, resident engineers, inspectors, consultants and other technical professionals who collectively will oversee the efforts of third-party engineering, architectural and construction firms providing the design and construction services under the Draw One Design Build contract.

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications

• A Bachelors degree in engineering, architecture or construction management.
• Minimum of five (5) years' experience in managing large complex track, signal and power construction programs and projects in the public and/or private sectors.
• Minimum of two (2) years of related experience in a supervisory capacity.
• Strong knowledge of safety standards, construction codes, and industry best practices.
• Demonstrated success developing realistic and attainable project budgets and schedules.
• Demonstrated experience working collaboratively with local, state, and federal agencies and governance boards.
• Effective organizational, analytical, and confidentiality, multitasking and time management skills.
• Leadership experience communicating with customers, employees, vendors, contractors, designers, elected officials, community leaders, and state and federal officials.
• Proven track record of collaboration, transparency, and effective communication.
• Experience developing and monitoring operating and capital budgets.
• Excellent customer service and conflict resolution skills.
• Possession of a valid drivers license without infractions in accordance with MBTA policy.
• Availability to work twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week.
• The ability to supervise and work effectively within a diverse workforce.
• Demonstrated ability and tact to work horizontally and vertically across organizational boundaries to assist project delivery leaders and project managers in resolution of variances in cost and schedule

Substitutions

• A master's degree in a related subject substitutes for two (2) years of general experience.
• A nationally recognized certification, or statewide/professional certification in a related field substitutes for one year of experience.

.

Preferred Experience & Skills

• Seven (7) or more years of experience in managing large rail, signal and power construction, with at least 5 years delivering large ($200M+), complex capital transit projects/programs.
• Experience with all aspects of the inspection, maintenance, repair, upgrade, design, and construction of rail, signal and power systems for a public transit provider in a unionized environment.
• Registration as a Professional Engineer
• Familiar with FTA, FRA, MBTA, and mass dot rules and regulations regarding project delivery, environmental requirements, and permitting.

Job Conditions:

• Ability to effectively read, comprehend, communicate, and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. in English.
• Be at least eighteen (18) years of age, except if participating in an approved high school internship / co-op program.
• Ability to commute to assigned work locations in the Boston, MA metro area, as required by the role.
• Ability to provide internal and external customers with courteous and professional experiences.
• Ability to work effectively, independently, and as part of a diverse workforce 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 current student or 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 / or medical Clinic screening, potentially including 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.
• Intern / co-op staff must be enrolled full or part-time in an accredited educational program and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 for the entire duration of the internship / co-op. Additionally, interns / co-ops 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.

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 Completion: It is each applicant's responsibility to ensure application details are entered completely and correctly, including updated work and education histories (past and current). Incomplete applications may not be considered. Attachments do not substitute for application fields. The recruitment team does not have access to existing employee data / history.
• 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: All employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States and on an unrestricted basis. The MBTA does not have an employer work sponsorship program. However, if you have unrestricted work authorization, or are sponsored by a separate entity, you are welcome to apply. Further, all persons hired will require a U.S. Social Security Number prior to starting the position and employees 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 MBTAs 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.
• Intern / Co-Op Benefits: Employees taking part in an internship or co-op at the MBTA are eligible to receive accrued paid sick leave as well as a monthly transportation pass, based on the city from which the intern / co-op commutes to work, at no cost. However, no additional benefits are currently offered for interns or co-ops.

Employment Benefits at the MBTA

Full-Time Employees:

The MBTA offers comprehensive benefits packages. Types of benefits offered at the MBTA are subject to the union affiliation / Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) of the position to which you apply. Benefits that may apply to your position include the following:

• Insurance: Health, Dental, Vision, Life (basic and supplemental), and Long-Term Disability
• Paid Time Off (PTO): Vacation, Personal Days, Sick Leave, and Holidays
• Retirement: Pension or deferred compensation 401(a), plus MBTA contributions
• Complimentary pass for travel on the MBTA transit system (bus, train, ferry, and Commuter Rail)
• Tuition Reimbursement (up to $10,000 per year)
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) for student loans
• Commuter Choice Parking Program: Pre-tax benefits for parking
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Pre-tax benefits for healthcare-related expenses
• Discounted tickets for concerts, movies, travel / vacation, etc. via TicketsAtWork.com
• Shopping discounts via GovX.com
• Verizon and AT&T service discounts
• And more...

Disclaimer:

The above information is meant to be a general overview of the benefit programs offered by the MBTA, which may or may not apply to a specific position. This summary is not a contract and is not meant to change the provisions of union contracts or Authority policies and does not establish a binding practice. Please contact the assigned Recruiter directly or email hrstaffing@mbta.com for more information.

The MBTA is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer

01

Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?

• Yes
• No

02

Will you now or in the future require visa sponsorship to continue working in the United States (e.g. H-1B visa status)?

• Yes
• No

03

The MBTA needs to review your driving record to process your application. Do you authorize the MBTA to obtain your Massachusetts driving records? If you have a Massachusetts license, you can have the MBTA pull your driving record on your behalf at no cost to you by responding "yes" to this question. If you do NOT have a Massachusetts license, or if you would prefer to provide your driving record to the MBTA, you should answer this question "no."

• Yes, I authorize the MBTA to access my driving records on my behalf. I understand that the MBTA is asking for my drivers license number on this application to make sure that it is accessing the correct driving records and that the MBTA will not use my drivers license number for any other purpose.
• No, I do not authorize the MBTA to obtain my records. I will obtain and provide a copy of my current (within past two weeks) "Unattested Public Driving Record" from the MA RMV, which I will upload as part of my application or email to HRStaffing@mbta.com. I understand that my application is not complete until / unless I attach my driving record.
• No, I do not want my driving record reviewed and understand that I cannot be further considered for this role without that review.
• I do not have a valid U.S. Drivers License.

04

If you answered "Yes" to allow the MBTA to pull your driving record on your behalf, please provide your Drivers License number below. Otherwise enter "n/a"

05

Which of the following best describes your education and experience?

• A bachelors degree in engineering, architecture or construction management with five (5) years' experience in managing large complex track, signal and power construction programs and projects in the public and/or private sectors.
• A bachelors degree in engineering, architecture or construction management with four (4) years' experience in managing large complex track, signal and power construction programs and projects in the public and/or private sectors with a nationally recognized certification, or statewide/professional certification in a related field.
• A masters degree with (3) years' experience in managing large complex track, signal and power construction programs and projects in the public and/or private sectors.

06

Do you have two (2) years of related experience in a supervisory capacity?

• Yes
• No

07

Do you have experience with all aspects of the inspection, maintenance, repair, upgrade, design, and construction of rail, signal and power systems for a public transit provider in a unionized environment?

• Yes
• No

08

Are you familiar with FTA, FRA, MBTA, and mass dot rules and regulations regarding project delivery, environmental requirements, and permitting?

• Yes
• No

09

Are you registered as a Professional Engineer?

• Yes
• No

10

Do you have experience in managing large rail, signal and power construction, with at least 5 years delivering large ($200M+), complex capital transit projects/programs?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority

Address 10 Park Plaza

Boston, Massachusetts, 02116

Phone (617) 222-3200

Website https://www.mbta.com