Job at a glance
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) is a leading provider of public transportation services in North America, and the 4th largest agency in the United States. Serving Boston Massachusetts and the surrounding communities, we provide and are responsible for multi-modal transit operations within Greater Boston, including commuter rail service that extends beyond the core of the MBTA service area.
As a key driver for the greater MBTA mission, the Vehicle Engineering (VE) Department is responsible for new fleet initiatives as well as investigating and implementing innovative vehicle enhancements to ensure all vehicles meet their intended service life. We work collaboratively with other departments, we strive to provide continuous improvements to safety, reliability and efficiency for all of the MBTA’s passenger fleets.
In line with these efforts, VE has an extensive new project portfolio for the procurement of state of the art (revolutionary) vehicles (Bus, Commuter Rail, Light Rail, Heavy Rail and Ferry) that provide safe, clean, efficient and reliable transportation for the communities serviced, as well as implement innovative technologies during vehicle midlife overhaul. VE is looking for highly motivated, detail oriented and energetic Engineer team members to join our team.
In this role, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with Project Teams in the development of specifications (providing input into the future design parameters of passenger vehicles), perform vehicle compliance testing and certification, perform detailed review of subsystems and components to help determine the root cause of failures, participate in vehicle long term reliability reviews, and provide professional feedback on emerging technology through pilot initiatives undertaken to test products and improve vehicle fleets.
The selected candidate(s) will have the opportunity to be involved with all aspects of new vehicle and/or overhaul vehicle procurement programs, as assigned. Have a working knowledge of transit buses, subway cars, commuter rail coaches / locomotives and ferries. Participate in the qualification and routine testing of vehicles of all transit vehicle types. Assist with preparation of vehicle technical specifications (new / overhaul) Actively participate in design performance review meetings to evaluate vehicle and system design requirements.
Inspection of all systems / components at vendor or car builder facilities. Review drawings, manuals and test procedures. Participate in the coordination and planning of testing. Perform, collect and analyze test data, including preparation of detailed test reports and presentations. Review systems and vehicle modifications. Assist in the preparation of responses to technical issues. Conduct failure analysis testing of systems/components.
Complete warranty evaluation and analyses. Drive a company or personal vehicle to perform testing, inspection of vehicles or conduct component level or vehicle investigations. Respond to each inquiry, whether from a customer, vendor or co-worker in a courteous and professional manner consistent with the Authority’s customer service quality standard. Work any and all shifts and/or locations as assigned or directed.
Respond either directly or through others to emergencies on a twenty-four (24) hour, seven (7) day per week basis. Perform related duties and projects as assigned. Supervision None. Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or a related field from an accredited institution. Three (3) years of experience in mechanical or electrical engineering in the transportation industry. Ability to comprehend the operational, mechanical, and/or electrical characteristics of bus and rail transit vehicles Effective organizational, analytical, time management and multi-tasking skills.
Knowledge of e-builder, Solidworks, CAD, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, Primavera database applications. Excellent customer service and presentation skills Have a valid driver’s license. Substitutions An associate’s degree from an accredited institution and 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 (1) year of experience. A Master’s degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering in related field from an accredited institution. Experience with public transit vehicles. Transit or transit agency vehicle engineering work experience. Six (6) additional years of experience in mechanical or electrical engineering in the public transportation industry.