Deputy Director, Signals & Communications Production

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, and sustainability and 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

This position will manage and develop the day-to-day work scope and activities associated with internal signal production projects. These projects include heavy maintenance, switch, signal, and signal system upgrades, replacement and Capital programs related to the Authority's safety-critical signal and communications infrastructure.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Enhancing the customer experience through oversight and direction of all activities associated with repairing, maintaining, and modifying signal and communications infrastructures.
• Provide support and leadership as needed to the three other functional areas of Engineering & Maintenance (E&M): Maintenance of Way (MOW), Power Systems Maintenance (PSM), and Transit Facilities Maintenance (TFM)
• Through process development, data analytics, and strategic planning, the deputy director of signal production will provide its department with the structure and support needed to strive for modernization and renewal of signal and communication equipment through data analytics as they apply to equipment life cycle management and ensuring system safety and reliability.
• Responsible for providing and developing internal signal production capabilities.
• Provide work scopes, planning, and oversight of heavy maintenance/repair programs, signal equipment replacement, modernization, and upgrade programs.
• Provide the Director of Signals & Communications with ongoing leadership, direction, and information regarding Signal production and Signal Programs.
• Supervise, through Inspectors and Forepersons, all staff responsible for inspecting, maintaining, repairing, modifying, and installing signals and communications infrastructure in a heavily unionized environment.
• Review all specifications and RFPs associated with the selection of consultants and/or vendors for services and materials related to signals & communications infrastructure maintenance, repairs and modifications.
• Ensure all crews have received the proper training to operate necessary manual and motorized equipment and vehicles.
• Review all submittals from contractors and/or vendors and participate in the selection process.
• Assist in establishing and monitoring annual preventative maintenance schedules to be implemented by field staff.
• Assist in establishing project goals and monitor progress to ensure the efficient and timely use of department resources.
• Manage and coordinate any investigations into systems failures and the implementation of corrective actions.
• Assist in developing strategic plan for capital needs and preventative maintenance and monitor all capital spending for the department.
• Ensure the availability and deployment of support to Service Performance divisions during emergencies and other service disruptions.
• Ensure all inventory, equipment, facilities, and materials under their control are protected and maintained and stored in a safe operating condition.
• Participate in the development and management of the department's annual operating and capital budgets ensuring sound fiscal oversight of all resources.
• Work with the Office of Administration to review and assess current and future staffing needs Participate in all phases of the recruitment and selection of employees for the department.
• Ensure the department's compliance with Authority policies and procedure, including compliance with all applicable safety standards, discipline processes, and mandated trainings.
• Establish and maintain sound union/management relations while upholding the rights and interests of management and adhering to collective bargaining agreements.
• Respond to each inquiry, whether from a customer, vendor or co­worker in a courteous and professional manner
• Drive a company or personal vehicle to visit work sites and to assist at emergencies, service disruptions, and/or other events as needed.
• 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 the fair and consistent application and strict adherence to the rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable) and policies of the Authority including the EEO, Antidiscrimination and Antiharassment and Antiretaliation policies.
• Perform related duties and projects as assigned.
  
  
  

Supervision

• Team of up to fifty (50) signals and communications staff, including forepersons, inspectors, wirepersons, etc.
  
  
  

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in Signal, Electrical or Electronic Engineering or related field from an accredited institution
• Five (5) years of experience in a transit or industrial setting managing, reviewing, designing, and implementing contract & procurement, engineering and/or maintenance processes.
• Two (2) years of leadership people management or large projects.
• Experience working Signal Construction/Replacement Projects
• Experience working or supporting Signal/Track Programs
• Experience developing and monitoring operating and capital budgets.
• Experience developing and articulating capital investment programs.
• Experience making presentations as needed to executive manage staff and regulatory agencies.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information in an appropriate manner.
• Have excellent customer service and conflict resolution skills
• Possession of a valid driver’s license without infractions in accordance with MBTA policy
• Ability to provide internal and external customers with a courteous and professional experience.
• The ability to supervise and work effectively with a diverse workforce.
  
  
  

Substitutions Include

• A master’s degree in business, Engineering or Related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience.
• A high school diploma from an accredited institution with an additional seven (7) years of experience with all aspects of the inspection, maintenance, repair, upgrade, design and/or construction signals and communicators systems for a public transit provider or other transportation industry including supervising in a unionized environment may be substituted for the degree requirement.
• An associate’s degree from an accredited institution an additional three (3) years of experience with all aspects of the inspection, maintenance, repair, upgrade, design and/or construction signals and communicators systems for a public transit provider or other transportation industry including supervising in a unionized environment may be substituted for the degree requirement substitutes for the bachelor’s degree requirement
• A nationally recognized certification, or statewide/professional certification in a related field substitutes for one (1) year of experience
  
  
  

Preferences

• Ten (10) years of experience in a transit or industrial setting managing, reviewing, designing, and implementing contract & procurement, engineering and/or maintenance processes.
• Five (5) years of experience of people management and/or enterprise-wide project leadership in a transit and/or industrial environment
• Experience with all aspects of the inspection, maintenance, repair, upgrade, design, and/or installation of signals and communications systems for a public transit provider or other transportation industry
• Experience in supervising and managing personnel responsible for the inspection, maintenance, repair, upgrade, design and/or installation of signals and communications systems in a unionized environment.
• A bachelor’s degree in Signal, Electrical or Electronic Engineering from an accredited institution
• A master’s degree in engineering or related field from an accredited institution
• A Professional Engineering (PE) Certification
• Class B or better Commercial Driver License (CDL)
  
  
  

Job Conditions:

• Ability to effectively read, comprehend, communicate, and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. in English.
• 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 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.
  
  
  

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. 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: 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. 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.
• 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 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 .