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Director of Railroad Capital Programs


Job Location:

Boston, MA - USA

Yearly Salary: $ 144020 - 165600
Posted: 17 May 2026 (30+ days ago)
Application Deadline: 14 August 2026
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy
The job posting is outdated and position may be filled

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 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 Director of Railroad Capital Programs Reporting who reports to the Senior Director of Railroad Capital Programs will oversee Commuter Rail capital projects executed by the Railroad Operations department including station facility track communication and signal power and rolling stock initiatives. This position is responsible for financial oversight resource management and administrative activities; directing and managing Commuter Rail projects from initiation and scoping through close-out to ensure all budgetary staffing and operational requirements are met. This position also supports the Ferry Operations department in the execution of Commuter Ferry vessel barge terminal and related projects.


The Director will manage staff oversee training and administrative tasks manage contract budgets and coordinate with interdepartmental teams on a wide range of capital program requirements and railroad-specific topics.

Duties & Responsibilities

  • Oversee and manage a team of Project Managers Project Coordinators consultants contractors vendors and other staff throughout the execution of project assignments to ensure program requirements contract costs and schedule milestones are met.
  • Oversee all projects and initiatives managed internally within the Railroad and Ferry Operations departments as well as those executed externally through Keolis Amtrak CSX Mass Coastal Boston Harbor City Cruises and other force account providers.
  • Lead the strategic development of project scopes budgets and schedules to drive the capital planning and development process for Commuter Rail and Commuter Ferry initiatives.
  • Direct the procurement of consultants and contractors and approve staff recommendations for contract proposals or bids.
  • Oversee negotiations for project assignments task orders amendments change orders and the strategic use of contingency funds.
  • Manage the timely review and analysis of monthly payment and schedule submissions from consultants and contractors.
  • Organize and manage stakeholder update meetings value engineering sessions constructability reviews and risk workshops among other meetings.
  • Support groups within the Railroad Operations department including Engineering Mechanical Transportation PTC and the Rail Modernization team. Also responsible for providing similar support to the Ferry Operations department.
  • Coordinate and collaborate with other MBTA departments including Capital Planning Finance Procurement Contract Administration Capital Delivery and Vehicle Engineering among other departments.
  • Coordinate and collaborate with external stakeholders such as Keolis Amtrak CSX Mass Coastal the FTA FRA and the NECC to ensure regulatory compliance and effective project delivery.
  • Ensure proactive communication and coordination with outside agencies abutters utility companies community groups and other affected third parties.
  • Ensure all pre-construction requirements including environmental permits real estate actions and municipal agreements are finalized and approved before projects are advertised for construction.
  • Oversee the construction process from procurement to contract closeout to ensure projects remain on time and within budget.
  • Proactively engage in the resolution of potential field issues and complex tasks in active rail environments.
  • Secure critical resource commitments from engineering mechanical and transportation disciplines; lead the planning of construction access diversions and track outages in coordination with the Railroad Operations Track Outage Committee and MBTA Right-of-Way (ROW) Diversion Program Planning team.
  • Organize and prioritize departmental workload while proactively identifying infrastructure needs and state-of-good-repair requirements.
  • Prepare and present comprehensive financial reports and analyses for senior management the Board of Directors and external agencies.
  • Respond to inquiries from customers vendors and colleagues in a professional manner consistent with Authority customer service standards.
  • Maintain 24/7 availability to respond to project or operational emergencies either directly or through delegated staff.
  • Operate a company or personal vehicle to conduct site visits and attend off-site meetings.
  • Perform all other duties and projects that may be assigned.


Additional responsibilities may include a focus on one or more departments or locations. See applicable addendum for department or location-specific functions.

Supervision

  • Direct and manage Railroad Capital Program staff including five (5) Project Managers three (3) Project Coordinators and two (2) contract employees with the capacity for additional personnel as program needs expand.
  • Consultants contractors vendors and external staff supporting Commuter Rail and Commuter Ferry projects.


Minimum Requirements & Qualifications

  • Bachelors degree in Engineering Architecture Construction Management Facilities Management or Project Management from an accredited institution.
  • Seven (7) years of relevant experience in design construction development and/or project management of large and complex capital projects.
  • Five (5) years of relevant experience in the management of railroad or transit projects or related experience in a supervisory or leadership capacity.
  • Advanced knowledge of project controls with the ability to critically evaluate and validate consultant and contractor cost and schedule submissions.
  • Demonstrated success managing and supervising staff and consultants in a technical or operational environment.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel PowerPoint Outlook) and experience utilizing data visualization tools such as Tableau.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in Project Management Information Systems and scheduling software such as Procore e-Builder Primavera P6 MS Project etc.
  • Superior analytical strategic thinking and problem-solving skills with a focus on resolving complex infrastructure challenges.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively present to and coordinate with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
  • A valid drivers license in accordance with MBTA policy.

Substitutions Include

  • A High School Diploma or GED with an additional seven (7) years of directly related experience substitutes for the bachelors degree requirement.
  • An associate degree from an accredited institution with 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 year of experience.

Preferred Experience and Skills

  • Masters degree in Engineering Architecture Construction Management Facilities Management or Project Management from an accredited institution.
  • Five (5) years of additional relevant experience in design construction development and/or project management of large and complex capital projects.
  • Experience delivering projects utilizing alternate delivery methods.
  • Experience managing on-call ROW repair or rehabilitation construction contracts.


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:

Director