Director of Rail Modernization Delivery

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

MBTA Regional Rail Modernization is a service-focused program that will transform the current commuter rail into a significantly more productive, equitable, and decarbonized enterprise, with higher-frequency, all-day, bidirectional Regional Rail service. Specifically, the rail system of the future will be more similar to rapid transit in its most dense urban rail corridors within Route 128. It will have appropriately scheduled regional service to the network outside the urban core. The modernization will be delivered in phases, with targeted early-action infrastructure improvements delivering improved service in the short term, in parallel with the planning and permitting of the first phase of electrification, utilizing an innovative mix of battery and catenary.

All aspects of the program are organized under one Regional Rail Modernization Office, allowing better configuration management and systems integration as the scope spans everything from demand forecasting, fare strategy, service planning, rail-bus integration, first/last mile strategies, as well as the integrated delivery of new rolling stock, track, station, maintenance facilities, and the power systems they require.

The Director of Rail Modernization Delivery leads the technical and strategic aspects of regional rail modernization-related capital work, initially focusing on the management of the delivery of Early Action projects, including any accepted Innovation Proposals. The role will also support the infrastructure aspects of the current procurement of the Regional Rail Operating Contract and future Electrification/Modernization Contracts.

Other strategic and policy setting roles will include: the investigating of methods to reduce construction carbon emissions and how to apply them to rail modernization; leadership of the development of capital cost forecasts for an outline business plan for the first phase of rail modernization and development of a digital twin for the railroad to facilitate system integration and the transition from construction to operation/whole life asset management.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Primary responsibility for managing the program of Regional Rail Modernization early action projects from initial concepts to scoping, CIP or grant application, and through delivery into operation
• Oversee and coordinate the railroad operations project managers in their work, overseeing individual Early Action projects
• Act as MBTA lead for the infrastructure portion of the Fairmount line 20-minute decarbonized service program once a proposer is selected
• Manage the development of cost forecasts for the rail modernization business plan and the Shadow bid(s) for the future Electrification/Modernization contract(s).
• Responsible for developing digital railroad strategy, including the evaluation of infrastructure monitoring initiatives, as well as the incorporation of requirements into the procurement of new assets
• Responsible for developing the construction decarbonization strategy and performance targets for rail modernization projects and any capital works under the future innovative operating contract(s).
• Responsible for developing supporting technical material for loan or grant applications, including discretionary grant proposals in conjunction with Capital Program Planning, and supporting applications for USDOT loan programs.
• Act as a subject-matter resource on engineering, mitigation of construction risk, value engineering approaches, alternative construction approaches, cost-effective due diligence and site investigation, construction packaging, and potential modifications to law or regulation relating to technical matters.
• Represent the Rail Modernization Office to other departments, elected officials, and outside agencies as directed, including at public meetings; coordinate assigned activities with those of other departments and outside agencies and organizations.
• Prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence for the MBTA Board and senior management.
• Develop consultant budgets for proposed planning and construction activities.
• Perform all other duties and projects that may be assigned.

Supervision

• Manage multiple teams of advisors and consultants and share oversight of the Railroad Operations project managers with potentially dedicated future PM hires.

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in a railroad infrastructure-related engineering field (Civil, Structural, Geotechnical, or similar).
• Eight (8) years of experience in structural, geotechnical, or general civil engineering fields.
• Of that, at least three (3) years of such engineering experience in public transit, or the railroad industry.
• Five (5) years of supervisory, managerial, and/or leadership experience.
• Three (3) years of experience in project management of multimillion-dollar projects.
• Proficient with the use of CAD systems, MS Office, especially Excel-based cost forecasting, PowerPoint, and Graphic applications.
• Demonstrate ability to lead multiple teams of advisors and projects simultaneously.
• Have the ability to supervise and work effectively with a diverse workforce.
• Be intellectually curious, with a strong desire to develop professionally in the railroad engineering sector.

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 with 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 and Skills

• A master's degree from an accredited institution in structural, geotechnical, or general civil engineering
• Professional Engineer registered in the US
• Experience in Transportation planning
• Experience managing projects in the Boston construction market
• Experience developing MEPA applications and managing environmental specialist input to planning and design.
• Familiarity with Envision and specifically carbon reduction strategies for construction
• Experience with BIM models or equivalent for horizontal infrastructure
• Experience developing procurement documents for construction contracts.
• Experience developing technical information packages for USDOT discretionary grant applications.
• Experience with quantitative risk analysis.

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.