Engineer

Salary: $44.89 - $64.13 Hourly
Location : 21 Arlington Avenue, Charlestown
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 25-20776
Department: MBTA - Signals & Comm Maintenance
Area: 312-Communications
Opening Date: 04/03/2025
Closing Date: 4/17/2025 11:59 PM Eastern
Licenses / Certifications: None Required
Union Affiliation: L105 Technical Engineers
Safety Sensitive: Yes; this is a Safety Sensitive position. Employees in this role will be subject to periodic physical examinations plus random drug and alcohol testing.
Essential Classification (Emergency Staff): Yes; this position is classified as essential. Employees in this role are required to report to work for their assigned work hours or as directed by supervisory personnel during declared States of Emergency.
On-Call or 24/7: Yes; this position is classified as on-call or 24/7. Employees in this role must be available to respond to page / text / call and report to work as directed by supervisory personnel.

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

The Engineer will develop Telecommunications engineering plans, designs, specifications, and standards for various engineering projects and conduct studies, surveys, and cost estimates for these projects. Will act as a communications engineering resource and, when appropriate, lead engineers and technicians in projects and/or daily support of communication systems and associated equipment system wide. This person will have the ability to represent the Communications Department regarding network and/or telecommunications design, reviews, installation, and maintenance of communication systems.
Duties & Responsibilities

• As an individual contributor and/or lead other Communication Engineers in gathering requirements, concept documentation through final design, plans, build out, and support of communication systems.

• Prepares and reviews communication design specifications and drawing.
• Submit and review other Communications Engineers' estimates of material and labor costs for various projects.
• Conduct site inspections for vendors and construction materials to ensure quality assurance.
• May act as a technical expert in the investigation of communication projects that require field engineering.
• Provide technical guidance to colleagues and other teams.
• Develop, Review, Test, and Validate theoretical network designs.
• Act as a technical liaison with internal and external customers and vendors.
• Analyzing and interpreting communications data for production networks and/or proposed solutions
• Proven ability to concentrate under pressure to meet tight deadlines as part of a high-performing team, including managing budgets, physical resources, and staff.
• Write or modify processes to ensure all aspects of the communications services are effective, efficient, and smooth.
• Manage projects and/or attend regular meetings to discuss the best solutions for moving projects forward and collaboratively set expectations.
• Participate in conference calls and meetings to discuss products, action plans, and team performance; attending briefings on new networks and new products.
• Prepare high-quality written technical reports and presentations for management and customer review.
• Adaptability and the ability to quickly learn new skills.
• Proven technical presentation and communication skills utilizing Microsoft Office standard applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio, etc.) and AutoCAD.
• The ability to act as a Lead Engineer.
• Respond to each inquiry, whether from a customer, vendor, or coworker, courteously and professionally.
• Respond or report to work as directed by supervisory personnel for emergencies, extreme weather conditions, or any other abnormal conditions that impair service or the safety of service, twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week.
• Direct and check the work of others in lower classifications.
• Perform related duties and special projects as assigned.

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Electrical, Telecommunications or Electronic engineering or other related areas.
• Three (3) years of experience in electrical engineering and/or related experience.
• Effective organizational, analytical, time management, and multitasking skills
• Working knowledge of CAD, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Mainframe, or Database applications.
• Demonstrated knowledge in the principles and design of vital and nonvital logic (both relay and processor based), audio frequency track circuits and cab signaling, AC power track circuits, train stop and absolute block signal systems, block design and safe braking analysis, Automatic Vehicle Identification systems and other ancillary systems which make up a complete signal system, Human Machine Interface (HMI) software, networking systems, even recorder systems.
• Effectively communicate with regulatory agencies, community organizations, and others on technical and sensitive matters.
• Excellent customer service and conflict resolution skills.
• The ability to provide internal and external customers with a courteous and professional experience.
• The ability to work effectively with a diverse workforce.

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Three (3) years of experience as a Communications Engineer in all aspects of Network Project Management, including requirements gathering, document production and review from concept through final design, plans, build out and support of communication systems.
• A Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD) certification is a plus.

• Knowledge of fiber optic & copper cabling infrastructure management or design, and backbone terminations and splicing.
• Experience with reviewing fiber optic & copper infrastructure drawings in new construction or current network infrastructure design.
• Experience with cabling infrastructure costing estimate is a plus.
• Experience with internal and external Fiber Optic solutions, network design, mobile communications, telecommunications, data service requirements, internet, network signaling, and associated protocols.
• Experience in rail signal applications.
• Knowledge of Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) standards.
• Knowledge of American Railway Engineering and Maintenance of Way Association (AREMA) standards.
• Demonstrated knowledge in the principles and design of vital and nonvital logic (both relay and processor based), audio frequency track circuits and cab signaling, AC power track circuits, train stop and absolute block signal systems, block design and safe braking analysis, Automatic Vehicle Identification systems and other ancillary systems which make up a complete signal system, Human Machine Interface (HMI) software, networking systems, and recorder systems.

Substitutions Include

• 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.
• 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 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

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The MBTA is an 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

Employment Benefits at the MBTA

Full-Time Employees:

The MBTA offers comprehensive benefits packages to full-time employees. Types of benefits offered at the MBTA are subject to the union affiliation / Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) of the position to which you apply. Benefits that may apply to your position include the following:

• Insurance: Health, Dental, Vision, Life (basic and supplemental), and Long-Term Disability
• Paid Time Off (PTO): Vacation, Personal Days, Sick Leave, and Holidays
• Retirement: Pension or deferred compensation 401(a), plus MBTA contributions
• Complimentary pass for travel on the MBTA transit system (bus, train, ferry, and Commuter Rail)
• Tuition Reimbursement (up to $10,000 per year)
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) for student loans
• Commuter Choice Parking Program: Pre-tax benefits for parking
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Pre-tax benefits for healthcare-related expenses
• Discounted tickets for concerts, movies, travel / vacation, etc. via TicketsAtWork.com
• Shopping discounts via GovX.com
• Verizon and AT&T service discounts
• And more...

Internships:

Internship positions are not eligible for most MBTA Benefits. However, paid sick time may be incurred. Each intern also receives a complimentary pass for travel on the MBTA transit system (bus, train, ferry, and Commuter Rail) to use throughout the duration of their internship. Please contact the assigned Recruiter directly or email internships@mbta.com for more information.

Disclaimer:

The above information is meant to be a general overview of the benefit programs offered by the MBTA, which may or may not apply to a specific position. This summary is not a contract andis not meant to change the provisions of union contracts or Authority policies and does not establish a binding practice. Please contact the assigned Recruiter directly or email hrstaffing@mbta.com for more information.

The MBTA is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer
01

What is the highest level of education you have completed?

• I did not attain a high school diploma or equivalent / GED.
• High School Diploma or Equivalent
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree or higher

02

If you have a college degree, what was your field of study?
03

Please rate your current proficiency level using CAD, Word, Excel, Main Frame or Database applications.

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04

How many years of experience do you have in electrical and/or communications engineering?

• Less than 1 year
• More than 1 year, but less than 2 years
• More than 2 years, but less than 3 years
• 3+ years

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