Senior Network Administrator (Bus Technology)

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority
  • Boston, MA
  • $401
2 days ago

Job Description

Senior Network Administrator (Bus Technology)

Salary

$140,672.90 Annually

Location

10 Park Plaza, Boston

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

26-20083

Department

MBTA - Technology Innovation Division

Area

863-Technology Innovation Division

Opening Date

07/27/2026

Closing Date

8/10/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Bargaining Unit

MBTA L453 Professional

Licenses / Certifications

Please see job description.

Safety Sensitive

No; this is not a Safety Sensitive position.

On-Call or 24/7

No; this position is not classified as on-call or 24/7.

Essential Classification (Emergency Staff)

No; this position is classified as non-essential (during declared States of Emergency).

  • 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 Senior Network Administrator (Bus Technology) will lead Bus Technology team's goals to implement secure cellular connectivity on all existing 1,100 MBTA buses and all new buses. This connectivity will enable the Authority to provide riders and operators timely information through features like headsigns, automated public address (PA) announcements, and real-time vehicle tracking even when service is unexpectedly disrupted. This role will deploy and manage on-bus cellular routers across the MBTA's bus fleet and provide expertise to the team related to the design, deployment, and operation of critical enterprise and network environments.

Duties & Responsibilities

  • Own end-to-end network administration, including monitoring, configuration, troubleshooting, and technical support of over 1,000 Cradlepoint routers on buses and related networks.
  • Establish practices and mechanisms for the MBTA's existing on-bus technology maintenance contractors and staff to follow to support these routers.
  • Manage day-to-day hardware administration tasks including troubleshooting and coordinating vehicle availability with relevant maintenance staff.
  • Establish and enforce governance standards, best practices, and ground rules for on-bus cellular wi-fi.
  • Support implementation of MBTA on-vehicle Access Point Name (APN) and its relevant connections to hardware across onboard vehicle technology.
  • Execute on the Bus Technology vision for a simplified network architecture and support connecting all relevant hardware to Cradlepoint routers.
  • Work closely with the Bus Technology team to provide support for the networking needs of the bus dispatching system.
  • Collaborate with Security & Emergency Management (security cameras), Fares Transformation (fare boxes) and other partners who will use the on-bus cellular networks.
  • Collaborate with other network administrators to evaluate and implement potential solutions.
  • Protect the network security of the MBTA by working with Information Security to ensure routers adhere to current best practices, and by assessing, identifying, and proposing remediation of security threats and vulnerabilities.
  • Attend site visits at bus garages and other facilities, and make recommendations and evaluatuations in coordination with the Bus Technology team, vendors, and other stakeholders.
  • Support the MBTA Transformation and Technology Networking Team with ongoing projects as needed.
  • Perform all other duties and projects that may be assigned.

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

Supervision

  • No direct reports.

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications

  • Bachelors degree from an accredited institution in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
  • Four years (4) of professional experience in data communications configuration, maintenance, operations, or repair with a focus on distributed (e.g., cellular) networks.
  • Practical working knowledge of 4G and 5G wireless infrastructure, architecture, concepts and network flows.
  • Knowledge of foundational networking protocols such as Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (EIGRP), Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), Open Shortest Path First (OSPF), Intermediate System to Intermediate System (IS-IS), routing and Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) configurations.
  • Experience managing routers, switches, or other networking devices with a focus on active health monitoring and tracing issues across a complex network.
  • Experience identifying network security threats and vulnerabilities and applying security best practices to network infrastructure.
  • Experience developing and documenting operational standards, procedures, or best practices for a network or technology environment.

Substitutions

  • A High School Diploma or GED with an additional seven (7) years of directly related experience substitutes for the bachelor's degree requirement.
  • An associate degree from an accredited institution an additional three (3) years of directly related experience substitutes for the bachelor's degree requirement.
  • 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

  • Ability to communicate effectively with customers, employees, and vendors.
  • Experience with Cradlepoint routers.
  • Experience with Cisco networking technologies.
  • Experience with dispatching technology.
  • Experience working with or in the public sector.
  • Excellent customer service skills including negotiation, conflict resolution, communication, and presentation.
  • Proficiency with Word, Excel, or Database applications.
  • Cisco Certified Network Associate.
  • Cisco Certified Network Professional.

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 at least four years (4) of professional experience in data communications configuration, maintenance, operations, or repair with a focus on distributed (e.g., cellular) networks?

  • Yes
  • No

02

Do you have practical working knowledge of 4G and 5G wireless infrastructure, architecture, concepts and network flows?

  • Yes
  • No

03

Do you have knowledge of foundational networking protocols such as Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (EIGRP), Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), Open Shortest Path First (OSPF), Intermediate System to Intermediate System (IS-IS), routing and Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) configurations?

  • Yes
  • No

04

Do you have experience managing routers, switches, or other networking devices with a focus on active health monitoring and tracing issues across a complex network?

  • Yes
  • No

05

Do you have experience identifying network security threats and vulnerabilities and applying security best practices to network infrastructure?

  • Yes
  • No

06

Do you have experience developing and documenting operational standards, procedures, or best practices for a network or technology environment?

  • Yes
  • No

07

Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?

  • Yes
  • No

08

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

Numbers & Facts

LocationBoston, MA

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