Deputy Director of Mechanical and Facilities Engineering, PE

MBTA • Full-time • Boston, MA, US • 1w ago

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

The Deputy Director of Mechanical and Facility Engineering provides leadership, direction, and oversight for the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of all mechanical and facility engineering systems across MBTA stations, buildings, and infrastructure.

Reporting directly to the Director of Engineering and Support, this position leads multidisciplinary teams of engineers and technical staff responsible for HVAC, plumbing, fire protection, energy management, and other critical building systems. The Deputy Director ensures that all mechanical and facility assets are designed, maintained, and rehabilitated in compliance with applicable codes, safety standards, and sustainability goals.

Duties & Responsibilities

Provide strategic and technical leadership for all mechanical and facility engineering functions supporting MBTA assets.
Oversee the development, review, and approval of engineering plans, designs, specifications, and standards for capital and maintenance projects.
Direct and coordinate the work of professional engineering staff and consultants to ensure timely delivery of projects within approved budgets and schedules.
Supervise, mentor, and guide engineers and technical personnel; assign and review work, conduct performance evaluations, and foster professional development and PE licensure.
Review and approve design submissions, calculations, and specifications prepared by in-house and consultant engineers for technical accuracy and compliance with MBTA standards.
Serve as the primary technical advisor to the Director of Engineering and Support on all mechanical and facility systems.
Coordinate with other MBTA departments, state agencies, and external partners to integrate mechanical and facility initiatives into broader infrastructure programs.
Oversee the development and implementation of preventative maintenance and reliability programs to ensure optimal performance and life-cycle management of mechanical systems.
Evaluate and prioritize capital needs, prepare cost estimates, and support the development of annual and long-range engineering budgets.
Manage procurement activities for design and construction services, ensuring compliance with contract and quality requirements.
Lead investigations and technical studies to address operational challenges, system performance issues, and emerging technology opportunities.
Ensure that all work is performed in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local codes, including environmental, energy, and safety regulations.
Promote sustainable engineering practices, energy efficiency, and resilience in all facility projects.
Represent the department in meetings, presentations, and coordination efforts with executive management, consultants, contractors, and the public.
Serve as Acting Director in the absence of the Director of Engineering and Support.
Perform related duties and projects as assigned.

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited institution.
Registered Professional Engineer (PE) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, with the ability and willingness to apply professional licensure by stamping and sealing engineering drawings, designs, and specifications prepared under their direct supervision in accordance with applicable laws and MBTA standards or the ability to obtain a MA. PE within six (6) months.
Eight (8) or more years of progressively responsible engineering experience, including three (3) or more years in a supervisory or managerial capacity.
Demonstrated expertise in the design and maintenance of HVAC, fire protection, plumbing, and mechanical systems for large facilities or transit infrastructure.
Strong organizational, analytical, and leadership skills with the ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
Proficiency in CAD, project management software, and Microsoft Office applications.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex technical information to diverse audiences.
Valid driver’s license in accordance with MBTA policy.
Availability to respond to emergencies and critical service needs on a 24/7 basis.

Substitutions Include

A master’s degree in a related subject substitute 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 in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or related field from an accredited institution.
Experience working within a public agency or large transit organization.
Eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in infrastructure design and construction management
Three (3) years or more in a leadership or managerial capacity.
Registered Architect (RA), or Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
Familiarity with FTA regulations and funding processes.
Experience incorporating equity, accessibility, and climate resilience into infrastructure design.
Familiarity with tools such as AutoCAD, Revit, Primavera P6, and/or project management software.

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.