Procurement & Logistics Data Analyst Co-Op (Northeastern Undegraduate Students)

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.

Job Summary

The Procurement & Logistics Data Analyst Co-Op is designed for undergraduate students seeking hands-on experience working with large, complex operational datasets in a mission-driven, public-sector environment. Procurement & Logistics holds some of the MBTA’s most critical and information-rich data, spanning contracts, vendors, purchase orders, invoices, vouchers, and inventory that collectively support daily transit operations and long-term programs. As a result, there is a constant need for improved reporting, system validation, and process modernization to turn raw transactional data into meaningful insights.

Co-Ops work directly with staff and leadership within Procurement & Logistics to support data-driven decision-making and improve how essential goods and services are planned, tracked, and delivered. The role offers exposure to real enterprise systems, imperfect data, and evolving business processes, providing an authentic analytics experience beyond classroom exercises. Co-Ops are encouraged to think critically about how data can be structured, visualized, and automated to increase transparency, efficiency, and accountability across the organization.

This position requires the ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously, collaborate with stakeholders across the MBTA, and communicate analytical insights clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences. While gaining exposure to state and federal regulations in a live operating environment, co-ops produce tangible analytical tools and improvements that are used by leadership and operational teams, directly contributing to stronger decision-making and better outcomes for the MBTA.

The most qualified (or ideal) candidates would be enrolled in an undergraduate / Bachelor’s degree program in data analytics, information systems, business analytics, supply chain, or related field. They’d have above average skills in at least one programming language (and work with tools such as Git, SQL/No-SQL, CLI/bash scripting, and R or Python/Pandas), MS Office, and Tableau and/or Power BI. We are looking to hire two (2) interns, who will work at least 2 to 3 days in-office (40 hours per week) for six months.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Analyze data to support staff and leadership in making informed strategic and operational decisions.
• Build, maintain, and enhance dashboards, reports, and visualizations (primarily in Tableau).
• Collect, clean, validate, and reconcile procurement and logistics data across multiple systems to ensure accuracy and reliability.
• Assist in maintaining and improving data pipelines and analytical tools, including compiling historical and current data to identify changes, trends, or anomalies.
• Analyze data pertaining to contracts, purchase orders, vendors, and procurement processes.
• Perform invoice, voucher, and payment data pulls from enterprise systems when automated solutions are unavailable.
• Support system validation and data quality efforts by comparing data between enterprise systems and documenting findings and recommended updates.
• Assist with documentation, process mapping, and modernization initiatives within Procurement & Logistics.
• Collaborate with Sourcing, Non-Inventory, Inventory, and Compliance teams on projects.
• Participate in team meetings, organizational events, and project teams.
• Additional responsibilities may include focusing on one or more departments or locations. See applicable addendums or hiring manager for department or location specific functions.
• Perform other related duties and projects as assigned.

• The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and complexity of the work being performed by staff assigned to this job and do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities required of staff assigned to this position. 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.

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications

• Enrolled, for the entire duration of employment, in an undergraduate / Bachelor’s degree program at Northeastern University, preferably in data analytics, information systems, business analytics, supply chain, or related field.
• Above average proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel for data analysis and reporting.
• Above average analytical and problem-solving skills, with an interest in data analysis, and project-based work.
• Above average proficiency in at least one programming language and work with tools such as Git, SQL/No-SQL, CLI/bash scripting, and R or Python/Pandas.
• Above average proficiency in business intelligence and data visualization tools, such as Tableau and/or Power BI, to develop insightful visualizations and perform in-depth data analysis.
• Above average written and verbal communication skills in English, with the ability to explain analytical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Highly organized, motivated, and have great attention-to-detail.
• Ability to independently commute to assigned work locations in the Boston, MA metro area, as required by the role.
• Authorized to work in the United States (international students in CPT, STEM, or OPT programs through a university are eligible to apply). The MBTA does not provide visa sponsorship, such as H1-B status.

• The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and complexity of the work being performed by staff assigned to this job and do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities required.

Substitutions Include

• No substitutions.

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Tableau Desktop experience
• Tableau Prep 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 MBTA's ADA Unit at 617-222-5751 or [email protected].

• 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.