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Deputy Chief of Power Planning, Development, and Modernization


Job Location:

Boston, MA - USA

Yearly Salary: USD 183920 - 245160
Posted: 6 August 2026 (30+ days ago)
Application Deadline: 4 November 2026
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

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. MBTAs core values are built around safety service equity sustainability culture and accessibility and each employee that works for the MBTA performs their roles based on our vision mission and includes attendance participation and contribution in local safety committee meetings as needed.

Job Summary

The Deputy Chief of Power Planning Development and Modernization leads the transformation of the Authoritys power infrastructure in support of transit electrification energy resilience and long-term State of Good Repair (SOGR) objectives. This role is central to the MBTAs efforts to modernize and expand its electric transmission and distribution systems integrate distributed energy resources and battery storage and renew legacy electric generation assets that support rail and bus operations across the system. The Deputy Chief leads the development and execution of a system-wide strategy aligned with the Commonwealths decarbonization goals and the MBTAs capital investment priorities.

Duties & Responsibilities

  • Develop and implement a comprehensive modernization strategy for MBTA power systems ensuring alignment with transit electrification resiliency and climate action goals.
  • Lead initiatives to transition the MBTA toward a cleaner and more distributed power model that supports fleet electrification (including battery-electric buses and electric commuter rail).
  • Drive power system projects that support reliability capacity expansion and improved operational performance in line with SOGR needs.
  • Oversee full life-cycle development including scoping engineering permitting commercialization financing and construction and energization of high-value power infrastructure projects including generation assets substation upgrades medium- and high-voltage systems and distributed generation and battery storage assets.
  • Manage planning interconnection and permitting processes with utilities and ISO New England.
  • Coordinate closely with power system maintenance rail modernization bus transformation facility modernization infrastructure planning and engineering and capital delivery teams.
  • Develop innovative commercial and financing strategies using a mix of public funds grants and public-private partnerships.
  • Lead procurement and negotiation of energy services agreements power purchase agreements (PPAs) wholesale power purchases and other alternative delivery models.
  • Represent the MBTA in external forums related to transmission planning energy markets and regulatory compliance.
  • Serve as the agencys key liaison with ISO New England Eversource/National Grid Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) and other relevant state and federal energy policy and planning partners on matters related to power modernization.
  • Advocate for policy and grid access solutions that support public transit electrification.
  • Foster a culture of safety accountability innovation and interdepartmental collaboration.
  • Build internal capacity and develop tools and standards to ensure long-term asset performance and resiliency.
  • Perform all other duties and projects that may be assigned.
Additional responsibilities may include focus on one or more departments or locations. See applicable addendum for department or location specific functions.

Supervision
  • Directly supervise an internal team staffed by energy professionals at various levels.
Minimum Requirements & Qualifications

  • Bachelors degree from an accredited institution in Engineering Energy Systems or a closely related field.
  • Twelve (12) years of progressive experience in energy infrastructure utilities or large-scale power system planning and/or development.
  • Seven (7) years of managerial supervisory and/or leadership experience.
  • Demonstrated experience managing the full lifecycle of energy project development and delivery including design permitting financing construction and operation and maintenance across generation distributed energy resources storage and transmission/distribution.
  • Strong knowledge of ISO New England transmission interconnection and planning processes.
  • Experience working with or within public agencies preferably in a transit utility or infrastructure context.
  • Proven ability to structure and execute innovative commercial and financing solutions including public-private partnerships and energy transactions.
  • Strategic thinker with strong financial technical and project delivery skills.
  • Effective communicator and leader with ability to manage cross-functional teams and obtain internal and external buy-in from key stakeholders.
  • Demonstrated experience and results in collaborating with an executive team to drive organizational change.
  • Effective organizational analytical technical quantitative writing multi-tasking and time management skills.
  • Strong commitment to climate action equity and public service.

Substitutions
  • A high school diploma or GED with an additional seven (7) years of directly related experience substitutes for the bachelors degree requirement.
  • An associates degree from an accredited institution and an additional three (3) years of directly related experience substitutes for the bachelors degree requirement.
  • A masters 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.
Preferred Experience & Skills

  • Experience in state government or another organization that receives federal funds.
  • Experience ensuring compliance with Federal Transit Administration (FTA) requirements.
  • Experience in the Transportation Industry or Energy Industry.
  • Advanced degree (M.S. MBA or MPA) in Energy Infrastructure Public Policy or Business Administration.
  • Change Management and Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
  • Senior executive experience.

Job Conditions:

  • Ability to effectively read comprehend communicate and respond to instructions orders signs notices inquiries 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 diverseworkforce 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 Numberprior to starting pre-employment screenings / pre-boarding working in their positions and throughout the duration of their program.

Disclaimers and Definitions:

  1. 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.
  2. Application Completion: It is each applicants 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.
  3. Application Deadlines:Applicants should apply as soon as possible as the MBTA may stop considering applicants after a sufficiently large applicant pool is established.
  4. 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.
  5. Work Eligibility:All employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States and on an unrestricted 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 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.
  6. 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 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.
  7. Safety Sensitive Positions:Employees working in this classification will be subject to periodic physical examinations plus random drug and alcohol testing.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. ADA Accommodations: The MBTA makes reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation during this process please contact the MBTAs ADA Unit at or .
  11. 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 / Co-Op Benefits: Employees taking part in an internship orco-opat 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-opcommutes to workat no cost. However no additional benefits are currently offered for interns orco-ops.

Required Experience:

Chief