Signal & Interlocking Inspector

Signal & Interlocking Inspector

Salary

$73.34 Hourly

Location

Arborway Office Complex

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

26-11329

Department

MBTA - Signals & Comm Maintenance

Area

321-Signals

Opening Date

05/11/2026

Closing Date

5/26/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Licenses / Certifications

None Required

Union Affiliation

ALL Alliance

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 supervisory 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. MBTAs Core Values are built around safety, service, equity, sustainability, and culture. 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 Signal & Interlocking Inspector will assign, oversee, direct, and assist with the activities of the work crew(s) under his/her jurisdiction.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Responsible for the testing, maintenance, repair, and installation of wayside control equipment as required for automatic train operation, block signal systems, and other related equipment.
• Responsible for the construction, installation, testing, maintenance, and repair of a variety of equipment/systems/projects at miscellaneous Authority locations.
• Plan, order, schedule and expedite the procurement of all materials and equipment necessary to complete area projects, ensuring that all inventory is accounted for and safeguarded and that equipment and facilities under his/her control are protected and maintained in a safe operating condition.
• Use manual and/or automated systems for the preparation, documentation and maintenance of records detailing equipment usage, breakdowns, accidents, and maintenance.
• Perform any signal equipment test to industry standards, such as MTBAs SM1 and SM2, manufacturers equipment manuals, AREMA, FRA and DOT.
• Measure actual work results against established standards or custom requirements.
• Drive a company or personal vehicle to visit work sites and to assist at emergencies and/or events as needed.
• Respond to each inquiry, whether from a customer, vendor, or co-worker in a professional and courteous manner.
• Work any and all shifts and/or locations assigned or directed.
• Respond or report to work as directed by supervisory personnel for emergencies, extreme weather conditions, or any other abnormal conditions that impair service or the safety of service, twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week.
• Uphold the rights and interests of the Authority while building and maintaining an effective relationship with employees.
• Assist in the management of a workforce by ensuring fair and consistent application and strict adherence to the rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable) and policies of the Authority including the EEO, Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment and Anti-Retaliation policies.
• 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

• None

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications

• A high school diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.) from an accredited institution.
• Five (5) years of experience in rail or transit signaling where the major duties were the installation, maintenance and repair of wayside control equipment, block signal systems and other related automatic train operation equipment.
• Ability to inspect job sites to ensure compliance with work schedules, standards of quality and safety requirements.
• Working knowledge of AC and DC electrical distribution systems.
• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• Related experience in a supervisory capacity.
• Effective organizational and analytical skills.
• Ability to use Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel as determined by the department for communication, preparation, and documentation of maintenance records.
• Have excellent customer service skills.
• Ability to provide internal and external customers with a courteous and professional experience.
• Have a satisfactory work record including overall employment, job performance, discipline, and safety records.
• Must possess a valid drivers license.
• The ability to supervise and work effectively with a diverse workforce.
• Successful applicants must have English language skills required for the effective performance of the position.

Substitutions Include

• None

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Two (2) years of experience supervising the installation, maintenance and repair of wayside control equipment, block signal systems and other automatic train operations equipment.

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 applicants 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 theMBTA

Full-Time Employees:

The MBTA offers comprehensive benefits packages to full-time employees. 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...

Internships:

Internship positions are not eligible for most MBTA Benefits. However, paid sick time may be incurred. Each intern also receives a complimentary pass for travel on the MBTA transit system (bus, train, ferry, and Commuter Rail) to use throughout the duration of their internship. Please contact the assigned Recruiter directly or email internships@mbta.com for more information.

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

Which of the following best describes your education and experience?

• I did not attain a High School diploma or GED.
• A High School Diploma or GED with (5) years of experience in rail or transit signaling where the major duties were the installation, maintenance and repair of wayside control equipment, block signal systems and other related automatic train operation equipment.

02

Do you have working knowledge of AC and DC electrical distribution systems?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have the ability to inspect job sites to ensure compliance with work schedules, standards of quality and safety requirements?

• Yes
• No

04

The MBTA needs to review your driving record to process your application. Do you authorize the MBTA to obtain your 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.

05

If you answered "Yes" to question #4, please provide your Drivers License number below. Otherwise enter "n/a"

06

If you answered "Yes" to question #4, please enter your full name as it appears on your Drivers license below. Otherwise enter "n/a".

Required Question

Employer Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority

Address 10 Park Plaza

Boston, Massachusetts, 02116

Phone 617-222-5855

Website http://www.mbta.com