Manager of Track Quality

Salary: $136,496.10 Annually
Location : 10 Park Plaza, Boston
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 25-20862
Department: MBTA - Quality Compliance & Oversight
Area: 002-Quality Compliance & Oversight
Opening Date: 03/05/2025
Closing Date: 3/19/2025 11:59 PM Eastern
Licenses / Certifications: None Required
Union Affiliation: STW Steelworkers
Safety Sensitive: No; this is not a Safety Sensitive position.
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 Manager of Track Quality oversees quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) activities across infrastructure functions, with a focus on the Right-Of-Way (ROW) and track structure, ensuring adherence to established standards and continuous improvement practices. Key responsibilities include conducting audits, collaborating with departments to improve standards, and driving initiatives that foster compliance and operational effectiveness. This role also develops and implements policies, procedures, and standards to ensure compliance with MBTA, state, and federal regulations (FTA, FRA, DPU). The Quality Manager is critical to supporting safety, reliability, and operational excellence at the MBTA.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Support the overall goals, priorities, and strategic initiatives for all QA/QC Track Initiatives.
• Supports assigned QA/QC Track related engineering activities for planning, design, and construction work involving multiple consultants and contractors.
• Develops and maintains QA/QC technical requirements and criteria related to Track design, including but not limited to design criteria, standard specifications, and drawings. Review and assess requests that may deviate from established QA/QC standards.
• Collaborates closely with Construction, Operations, and others to continuously validate and improve requirements based on current industry best practices.
• Establishes goals, priorities, and strategic initiatives for the delivery of QA/QC infrastructure maintenance requirements.
• Leads the development of metrics and other analytical tools to measure the performance of the Track Quality Assurance program.
• Ensures Track QA/QC processes, policies and practices are interpreted and applied consistently and effectively; ensures accountability and compliance with all current MBTA policies and procedures, rules and regulations.
• Provides QA/QC Track related engineering support to Project Managers throughout the planning, design and construction phase of capital projects. Support includes but is not limited to design reviews, construction submittal reviews, response to requests for information, preparation of field clarifications, field inspection etc.
• Provides QA/QC support to the department on matters as directed and requested; serves as staff on a variety of committees; prepares and presents reports, presentations, and other necessary correspondence.
• Reports on the performance of Quality Assurance Standards to MBTA senior managers and other stakeholders.
• Assists in the Authority's response to extraordinary situations including emergencies, derailments, accidents, serious service delays, severe weather in order ensure safety and securement of riders, employees, and MBTA assets.
• Communicate effectively with customers, vendors, and employees.

• Available to work all shifts and locations as assigned or directed.
• Available to work as per assignment by the MBTA twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week as directed by supervisory personnel for severe weather conditions, emergencies or any other circumstances that may potentially impact service or the safety of service.
• 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.
• Perform all other duties and projects that may be assigned.

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Mechanical, Civil, Structural, or other applicable engineering field, Engineering Technology, or closely related field.
• Five (5) years engineering experience preferably in light rail, heavy rail, commuter rail, or freight rail.
• One (1) year managerial, supervisory, or leadership experience working with a diverse workforce.
• Knowledge of operations, services, and activities of an engineering and construction program.
• Professional knowledge of industry engineering principles and practices related to light rail and/or heavy rail including but not limited to special track work, rail geometrical design, rail structure interaction, and rail maintenance and rehabilitation.
• Knowledge of recent developments, current literature, and sources of information related to QA/QC innovations and trends in electrical/power engineering design and development.
• Principles and practices of technical writing.
• Ability to apply project management techniques and principles defining detailed project scope and control scope as a means of achieving overall project objectives.
• Utilizing personal computer software programs affecting assigned work and in compiling and preparing QA/QC standards and reports.
• Ability to interpret and administer policies and procedures sufficient to administer, discuss, resolve, and explain to staff and other MBTA departments.
• Outstanding communication skills and the ability to clearly communicate highly complex technical issues, analysis and recommendations to staff and leadership.
• Engineering consulting services and methods including reports, studies, cost estimates, plans, and specifications.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Knowledge of modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and computerized statistical databases.
• Effective organizational, analytical, quantitative, technical writing, multi-tasking, and time management skills.
• Proficient with the use of MS Office, PowerPoint and Graphic applications.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and present effectively to a diverse group of stakeholders and customers
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other department staff, management, vendors, outside agencies, community groups, and the general public.
• Possession of a valid driver's license without infractions in accordance with MBTA policy.
• Have the ability to work any and all shifts and/or locations assigned or directed.
• Be available to work twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week, 365 days per year.

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.

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Master's degree or above from an accredited institution in a technical field related to Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Railroad Engineering, or a related field.
• Ten (10) years of experience working in electrical engineering.
• Extensive experience in project management, technical design, inspection, rating schemes such as NBIS, and rehabilitation experience on transit infrastructure projects.
• Experience managing and reviewing structural, geotechnical schema and related engineering services.

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 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

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 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

Which of the following best describes your education and experience?

• I did not receive a High School Diploma / GED.
• A High School diploma or GED.
• An associate's degree from an accredited institution.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Mechanical, Civil, Structural, or other applicable engineering field, Engineering Technology, or closely related field with five (5) years of engineering experience preferably in light rail, heavy rail, commuter rail, or freight rail.
• A master's degree in a related subject with three (3) years of engineering experience preferably in light rail, heavy rail, commuter rail, or freight rail.

02

Do you have one (1) year managerial, supervisory, or leadership experience working with a diverse workforce?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have professional knowledge of industry engineering principles and practices related to light rail and/or heavy rail including but not limited to special track work, rail geometrical design, rail structure interaction, and rail maintenance and rehabilitation?

• Yes
• No

04

Please rate your knowledge of MS Office, PowerPoint and Graphic applications.

• No experience
• Beginner
• Intermediate
• Advanced
• Expert

05

Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status)?

• Yes
• No

Required Question