Repair Foreperson, Rail Vehicle Maintenance

Repair Foreperson, Rail Vehicle Maintenance

Salary

$60.66 Hourly

Location

Multiple Locations / Greater Boston Metropolitan Area

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

26-20158

Department

MBTA - Rail Maintenance

Opening Date

08/31/2026

Closing Date

9/14/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Bargaining Unit

MBTA ALL Alliance

Licenses / Certifications

A valid Drivers License is required.

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

The Repair Foreperson for Rail Vehicle Maintenance is responsible for supervising, coordinating, and supporting the safe, efficient, and effective maintenance, repair, inspection, and troubleshooting of the Authority's rail transit vehicles, equipment, and related systems.

• This posting is to hire for positions at Wellington Yard (Area 433) and Cabot Yard (Area 432).

Duties & Responsibilities

• Supervise and support the repair, maintenance, inspection, and troubleshooting of rail transit vehicles, equipment, and related systems.
• Assign, oversee, direct, and support the daily activities of assigned work crews.
• Inspect maintenance and repair activities to ensure assignments are completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with established schedules, procedures, and operating standards.
• Remain current with the MBTA's Safety Plan and the position's related safety responsibilities.
• Enforce Authority safety standards to ensure the safety of employees and customers.
• Ensure inventory, equipment, tools, materials, and facilities under their control are protected, maintained, and kept in safe operating condition.
• Assume the responsibilities of their supervisor as needed.
• Document, maintain, and prepare required maintenance, inspection, and personnel records using manual and computerized tracking systems.
• Ensure work is completed in a timely, efficient, and cost-effective manner consistent with budgetary goals.
• Provide on-the-job training, mentoring, technical instruction, guidance, and support to assigned employees as needed.
• Drive a company or personal vehicle to visit work sites and/or transport crews, materials, or equipment as needed.
• Respond to inquiries from customers, vendors, coworkers, and other stakeholders in a courteous and professional manner.
• Work any and all shifts and/or locations as assigned or directed.
• Respond directly or through others to emergencies twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week.
• Uphold the rights and interests of the Authority while building and maintaining effective working relationships with employees.
• Assist in managing the workforce by ensuring fair and consistent application of, and strict adherence to, Authority rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and applicable collective bargaining agreements, including EEO, anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and anti-retaliation policies.
• Perform all other duties and projects as assigned.

Additional responsibilities may include a focus on one or more departments or locations. See applicable addendum for department- or location-specific functions.

Supervision

• Supervise assigned crews of Rail Vehicle Maintenance Technicians and provide direction, on-the-job training, mentoring, technical guidance, and support for maintenance, inspection, repair, and troubleshooting activities.

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED) from an accredited institution.
• Two (2) years of experience in rail or vehicle maintenance.
• Effective organizational, analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and/or database applications.
• Ability to pass the Rail Vehicle Maintenance Technician exam or a similar applicable exam.
• A valid Drivers License in accordance with MBTA policy.
• English language skills required for the effective performance of the position.
• Ability to pass a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, background screening, and MBTA medical requirements, including a physical examination and drug and alcohol screening.
• Satisfactory work record, including overall employment, job performance, discipline, and safety records.
• For internal candidates, the satisfactory work record requirement applies to the two (2) years immediately prior to the closing date of the posting. Infractions and/or offenses occurring after the closing date and before the filling of a vacancy may preclude a candidate from consideration.
• Must be available to respond directly or through assigned personnel to emergencies and operational needs outside regularly assigned hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as required, twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week.
• Ability to supervise, support, and work effectively with a diverse workforce.
• Ability to provide internal and external customers with courteous, professional, and responsive service.
• Ability to adhere to MBTA rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and applicable collective bargaining agreements, including EEO, anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and anti-retaliation policies.
• Ability to uphold the rights and interests of the MBTA while building and maintaining effective working relationships with employees and coworkers.

Substitutions

• None.

Preferred Experience & Skills

• Technical degree from an accredited institution.
• Related maintenance training from an accredited technical institute or related technical certificates.
• Related supervisory experience.

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

Do you have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED) from an accredited institution?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have at least two (2) years of experience in rail or vehicle maintenance?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and/or database applications?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you have the ability to pass the Rail Vehicle Maintenance Technician exam or a similar applicable exam?

• Yes
• No

05

Do you have a technical degree from an accredited institution and/or related maintenance training from an accredited technical institute or related technical certificates?

• Yes
• No

06

Do you have the availability to respond directly or through assigned personnel to emergencies and operational needs outside regularly assigned hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as required, twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week?

• Yes
• No

07

Do you have any related supervisory experience?

• Yes
• No

08

Do you have a valid U.S. Drivers License?

• Yes
• No

09

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) "True and Attested 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.

10

Please enter your complete Drivers License number (if no license, enter "N/A").

11

Please enter your full name, exactly as it appears on your Drivers License (if no license, enter "N/A").

12

What is the name of your supervisor? (External candidates, please type N/A.)

13

Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?

• Yes
• No

14

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

Required Question

Employer Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority

Address 10 Park Plaza

Boston, Massachusetts, 02116

Phone (617) 222-3200

Website https://www.mbta.com