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, 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.

The Deputy Director of Operational Programs and Design is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing the planning, development, and implementation of programs and design initiatives that enhance the safety, functionality, and user experience of MBTA stations, structures, and facilities. This position plays a key role in ensuring that facility and infrastructure designs align with operational needs, accessibility standards, and long-term service goals.

• Assist the Director in developing and implementing short- and long-term strategies to align facilities engineering with operational goals.
• Provide leadership to architects, engineers, and technical managers across multiple programs; oversee staffing, training, mentorship, and professional development.
• Manage the planning, design, and execution of projects involving MBTA facilities, including stations, maintenance shops, and administrative buildings.
• Lead the development and implementation of operations and maintenance programs that enhance reliability, safety, and efficiency; allocate resources to support delivery across facilities engineering initiatives.
• Oversee change management for new program rollouts, including stakeholder engagement, communications, and training.
• Identify and implement technologies (e.g., CMMS, BIM) to improve oversight, tracking, and reporting of facility programs.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive design standards to ensure consistency, safety, and efficiency across engineering and architectural projects.
• Define and enforce standardized systems, materials, and components to streamline maintenance, reduce costs, and ensure system-wide compatibility.
• Coordinate with consultants, contractors, and internal stakeholders on the delivery of engineering projects.
• Support budget development and management for operational and capital programs; prepare grant applications and monitor expenditures, forecasts, and financial reporting.
• Conduct site visits to assess infrastructure conditions, monitor active work, and identify engineering solutions for emerging issues.
• Oversee collection and analysis of field data to inform condition assessments, project scoping, and design planning.
• Develop project scopes, schedules, and budgets; monitor performance against key metrics and timelines.
• Review and direct architectural and engineering designs to ensure compliance with MBTA standards, ADA requirements, building codes, and operational needs.
• Guide the development of technical specifications and design criteria for capital and operational projects.
• Serve as the operational liaison between the Office of Stations, Structures, and Facilities and departments such as Capital Delivery, Technical Engineering Design, and Engineering & Maintenance to ensure operational needs are represented in all project teams.
• Ensure that all facility designs and improvements support broader service, safety, and accessibility goals.
• Prepare and deliver reports, briefings, and presentations to MBTA leadership, the Board, and community stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including environmental regulations and permitting.
• Oversee quality assurance and control procedures throughout project development and implementation.
• Promote a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement; support professional growth within the team.
• Identify and mitigate project risks; troubleshoot issues affecting scope, schedule, cost, or performance.
• Perform other related duties and projects as assigned.
  

• Bachelor's Degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in infrastructure design and construction management
• Two (2) years in a leadership or managerial capacity.
• Demonstrated experience in managing large-scale transit, transportation, or public infrastructure programs.
• Knowledge of design and construction standards relevant to transit stations and public buildings.
• Strong understanding of project finance, contract management, and regulatory compliance.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and negotiation skills.
• Proven ability to lead complex programs in a fast-paced, politically sensitive environment.
• Have the ability to work any and all shifts and/or locations assigned or directed.
• Be available to work twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week, 365 days per year.
  

• A Master's degree in a related subject substitute 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

• A Master's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or related field from an accredited institution. 
• Experience working within a public agency or large transit organization.
• Eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in infrastructure design and construction management
• Three (3) years or more in a leadership or managerial capacity.
• Professional Engineer (PE), Registered Architect (RA), or Project Management Professional (PMP)certification preferred.
• Familiarity with FTA regulations and funding processes.
• Experience incorporating equity, accessibility, and climate resilience into infrastructure design.
• Familiarity with tools such as AutoCAD, Revit, Primavera P6, and/or project management software.
  

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 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.
• 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 their positions and throughout the duration of their program.

Disclaimers and Definitions:

1. 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.
2. 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. Recruitment team does not have access to existing employee data / history.
3. Application Deadlines: Applicants should apply as soon as possible, as the MBTA may stop considering applicants after a sufficiently large applicant pool is established.
4. 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.
5. 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, but a valid work authorization and U.S. Social Security Number are required prior to starting work. 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.
6. 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.
7. Safety Sensitive Positions: Employees working in this classification will be subject to periodic physical examinations plus random drug and alcohol testing.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. Intern / Co-Op / Fellow Benefits: Employees taking part in an internship, co-op, or fellowship at the MBTA are eligible to receive accrued paid sick leave as well as a monthly transportation pass, based on city from which the employee commutes to work, at no cost. However, no additional benefits are currently offered for interns, co-ops, or fellows.