Deputy Director of Software Engineering

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 Deputy Director of Software Engineering in one of three program areas: Rider Tools, Transit Technology, or Fares Technology in the MBTA’s Technology Innovation Department (TID) plays a pivotal role within the software engineering group, collaborating closely with the Director of Engineering, Principal Architect, Software Product Managers, and leaders in design, program, and product management. Together, they strive to uphold engineering excellence in the distinct realm of civic technology, operating within the specific constraints of the MBTA.

Duties & Responsibilities

The Deputy Director of Software Engineering is a key figure in engineering leadership, primarily focusing on the operations of the engineering team. This role is complemented by the Director of Software Engineering, who is dedicated to people operations. While the Director is responsible for Software Engineering Documentation, Levels, and functional direction, the Deputy Director is responsible for the implementation of best practices and ensuring engineering excellence, including:

• Support day-to-day operations of the cross-functional (i.e., combined software engineering, UX Research and Design, product) program to help them efficiently deliver value to MBTA riders and front-line staff.
• Help teams implement best practices and quality standards in software engineering, and provide input into establishing those standards based on modern principles.
  • Review work for quality and ensure relevant software engineering standards are followed and identify and document rationale
  • Synthesize complex or diverse information when receiving design and UX research to include in software development[J1][J2]
  • Contribute to documentation of engineering standards
  • Define scope of complex software engineering work
  • Support software engineers on high priority workstreams
  • Meet and collaborate regularly with other software engineering leaders
• Directly manage research and software engineering staff (including contracted staff) on those teams, including performance management, position descriptions, hiring, and growth as applicable.
  • Identify staffing gaps or needs for the outcomes owned by your team
  • Hire and onboard new software engineering team members
  • Administer [CJ3]performance review processes
  • Coach team members on ideal team behavior
  • Investigate performance concerns and recommend actions
• Build strong relationships within the department, with stakeholders across the MBTA, and in industry to ensure that our work is aligned with the agency’s mission and best practices.
• Implement and manage strategic plans, including by establishing and monitoring ongoing metrics, tracking roadmap milestones, and ensuring execution and alignment.
  • Collaborate with Program Managers to help define and clarify Program Outcomes.
  • Support software engineers and cross-functional teams on the delivery of outcomes and goals.
  • Identify unrealistic or non-user-focused goals and elevate those risks accordingly.
  • Help software engineers think and act strategically towards program outcomes.
• Provide input and support on major procurements; manage vendors and hold them accountable.
• Coordinate the execution of capital projects that improve areas of operational responsibility by working closely with project managers and administrative staff. Monitor capital financial reports, including by conducting basic financial forecasting. Occasionally manage small capital rollouts directly.
  • Observe operations of product teams and attend team rituals.
  • Identify and make plans to address team-level challenges and process issues.
  • Facilitate better communication and coordination among software engineering and engineering teams.
  • Facilitate better coordination on cross-team software engineering initiatives.
• Respond to and manage support requests, inquiries, and other administrative information requests in a professional and timely manner.
  • Escalate all risks in a clear and timely manner; propose means to address risks as necessary.
  • Communicate operational or organizational challenges preventing successful outcomes on the software engineering and product team level[CJ4][TK5][CJ6].
• The Deputy Director of Software Engineering is responsible for practicing and upholding TID’s working agreements, which are essential to the department’s success.
  • Define and articulate standards for how technology is developed and used to serve the public effectively.
  • Perform all other duties and projects that may be assigned.

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor degree from an accredited institution.
• Five (5) years of experience in software engineering practices, processes, and team operations.
• Two (2) years of experience with people management capabilities, including coaching, effective communication, and conflict resolution skills.
• Experience with 2+ programming languages from the TIOBE top 20 (
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to evaluate processes, identify bottlenecks, and recommend strategic improvements for optimizing software delivery.

Substitutions Include

• 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.

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.