Deputy Director of Rail, Signal and Power

Posting number: 26-20050

Department: MBTA - Capital Delivery

Division: 521-North Station Draw 1

Job classification: Deputy Director of Rail, Signal and Power

Posting type: Open/External and Promotional/Internal

Categories: Management

Summary

This position is a project specific position and is limited to the term of the design-build contract. Employment beyond the design-build contract will be at the discretion of the MBTA at the completion of the project, which is currently anticipated to be early 2033.

The Deputy Director of Rail, Signal and Power for the Draw One Bridge Program supports the Deputy Chief and other MBTA Draw One executives in the delivery of this critical infrastructure program.  The Deputy Director provides technical support and coordination for the field execution of complex rail, signal and power design and construction activities.  This position assists the Deputy Chief in overseeing the work of more than 250 MBTA employees, consultants, and contractor personnel supporting the delivery of the program; within a heavily unionized environment including Resident Engineers, Project Managers, and Construction Inspectors.

The Deputy Director must be adept at solving complex technical field and construction execution issues, and equally adept at obtaining internal and external stakeholder acceptance of project decisions. Must be particularly skilled in working across departments to effectively support this program while minimizing impact to the day-to-day operations of the commuter rail system. The Deputy Director will coordinate with the Deputy Chief and other Draw One executives to deliver strategic priorities, performance goals and metrics, as it relates to rail, signal and power.  

About The MBTA and the Draw One Project
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority is America's fifth largest transit system offering multimodal transportation services to 175 member cities and towns and 4.7 million residents across a 3,200 square mile area. It is a public authority and political subdivision of the Commonwealth. The MBTA operates heavy rail, light rail, commuter rail, bus, and commuter boat services.

The North Station Draw One Program will modernize and replace critical movable bridges and associated rail infrastructure serving North Station: significantly improving reliability, resiliency, and operational flexibility for the MBTA commuter rail network. The program includes major Design-Build construction activities involving bridge replacement, track, signal, power, and systems integration within a complex and heavily trafficked rail terminus. The program will serve as a model for delivering complex infrastructure projects within an active rail terminal environment while maintaining continuous service to customers.

Examples of duties

• Direct and lead a team of project managers, project coordinators, resident engineers, construction inspectors and other technical professionals who collectively will oversee the efforts of third-party engineering, architectural and construction firms providing the design and construction services under the draw one contract.
• Support the development and implementation of detailed construction and delivery plans in coordination with engineering, design, and construction stakeholders. This includes timelines, budgets and resource allocation.
• Coordinate and monitor construction activities within the integrated schedule that include track realignment, signal work, and power system upgrades and report on progress, risks and schedule adherence to the Deputy Chief
• Collaborate closely with rail and commuter rail operation teams to ensure alignment of construction activities with commuter rail operations to minimize service disruptions and operational constraints.  Some coordination may involve night work and/or off-peak hours.
• Support the Deputy Chief and construction teams, as it relates to rail, signal and power, to ensure all work is being done according to specifications, standards, and codes, especially given the complexity of rail, signal, and power systems.
• Aid in the implementation and monitoring of quality assurance processes, safety standards in order to check for compliance with safety and quality standards.
• Identify risks, implement mitigation strategies, and contribute to the resolution of field and construction challenges and escalate complex or high-risk issues to the Deputy Chief.
• Participate and support in the installation, inspection, testing and handover activities, in order to meet rail, signal and power requirements.
• Coordinate and support investigations into system failures and the implementation of corrective actions.
• Serve as a liaison for the Deputy Chief with contractors, subcontractors, rail operators, and other public agencies to support project execution.
• Ensure all crews have received the proper training to operate necessary manual and motorized equipment and vehicles.
• Assist with the integration of new and existing rail, electrical, signal infrastructure, structures and stations.
• Quickly adjust to changing project dynamics and make informed decisions that support the Deputy Chief.
• At the direction of the Deputy Chief, closely collaborate with internal departments of the MBTA to ensure cross functional coordination of project activity with operational outcomes, day-to-day maintenance, finance and administration requirements.
• Coordinate with internal departments, external stakeholders, regulatory agencies, and elected officials, including the Federal Transit Authority (FTA) on planning and execution of assigned projects and the mitigation of associated issues.
• Drive a company or personal vehicle to visit work sites to assist at emergencies, service disruptions, and/or other events as needed.
• Respond to emergencies, either directly or through subordinates, on a twenty-four (24) hour, seven (7) day per weekbasis.
• Uphold the rights and interests of the Authority while building and maintaining an effective relationship with employees.
• Assist in the management of the workforce by ensuring the fair and consistent application and strict adherence to the rules, regulations, and collective bargaining agreements (if applicable) and policies of the Authority including the EEO, Anti-Discrimination, Anti-Harassment and Anti-Retaliation policies.
• Perform all other duties and projects that may be assigned.

Supervision

• Directly supervise project managers, project coordinators, within Draw One team.
• Indirectly supervise project managers, project coordinators, resident engineers, inspectors, consultants and other technical professionals who collectively will oversee the efforts of third-party engineering, architectural and construction firms providing the design and construction services under the Draw One Design Build contract.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree in engineering, architecture or construction management.
• Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in managing large complex track, signal and power construction programs and projects in the public and/or private sectors.
• Minimum of two (2) years of related experience in a supervisory capacity.
• Strong knowledge of safety standards, construction codes, and industry best practices.
• Demonstrated success developing realistic and attainable project budgets and schedules.
• Demonstrated experience working collaboratively with local, state, and federal agencies and governance boards.
• Effective organizational, analytical, and confidentiality, multitasking and time management skills.
• Leadership experience communicating with customers, employees, vendors, contractors, designers, elected officials, community leaders, and state and federal officials.
• Proven track record of collaboration, transparency, and effective communication.
• Experience developing and monitoring operating and capital budgets.
• Excellent customer service and conflict resolution skills.
• Possession of a valid driver's license without infractions in accordance with MBTA policy.
• Availability to work twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week.
• The ability to supervise and work effectively within a diverse workforce.
• Demonstrated ability and tact to work horizontally and vertically across organizational boundaries to assist project delivery leaders and project managers in resolution of variances in cost and schedule

Substitutions 

• 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.

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Supplemental information

• Seven (7) or more years of experience in managing large rail, signal and power construction, with at least 5 years delivering large ($200M+), complex capital transit projects/programs.
• Experience with all aspects of the inspection, maintenance, repair, upgrade, design, and construction of rail, signal and power systems for a public transit provider in a unionized environment.
• Registration as a Professional Engineer
• Familiar with FTA, FRA, MBTA, and mass dot rules and regulations regarding project delivery, environmental requirements, and permitting.