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, culture, and accessibility, 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 Office of Performance Management and Innovation (OPMI) develops and tracks performance metrics for MassDOT and the MBTA and implements strategic initiatives with a focus on data analysis to improve rider experience. Some examples of OPMI’s work can be seen on the MBTA Performance Dashboards, the Data Blog, and the MBTA’s Open Data Portal.
We are an office devoted to problem-solving and creative thinking, and there are many opportunities for co-ops to participate in this exciting work. Co-ops will also have the opportunity to participate in training, fieldwork, tours, conferences, and other learning opportunities as available. By the end of their co-op, they will have gained experience managing multiple concurrent projects, collaborating with multiple departments across the MBTA and MassDOT, and working with many datasets to answer a variety of real-world questions.
OPMI is currently working as a “hybrid” office, including both remote and in-office work. The office is set up “hotel” style, where staff members have no assigned desks and reserve space when they expect to come in. Staff are expected to come into the office 2 to 3 days per week, with Tuesday and Thursday being the all-staff days for the team (everyone in-office).
OPMI is seeking a Data Engineering Co-Op to perform a range of data strategy tasks. The specific responsibilities of the role will vary based on project availability but will mainly focus on:
- Assist in the development of data automation pipelines using various technologies.
- Support documentation efforts for ongoing automation projects and enhance documentation for existing processes.
- Assist in data cleaning, transformation, and validation to ensure data quality and reliability.
- Collaborate with data analysts and stakeholders to understand data requirements and improve data accessibility.
- Contribute to the development, publication, and maintenance of the MBTA Open Data Portal.
- Help manage data sources, databases, and data flows across OPMI, MBTA, and MassDOT, collaborating with multiple stakeholders.
The most qualified (or ideal) candidates would be pursuing an undergraduate / bachelor’s degree in computer science, data analytics, math, physics, engineering, public policy, urban planning, government, or a related field; above average skills in at least one programming language (such as R or Python), and experience with at least one DevOps technology and SQL querying. We are looking to hire one (1) co-op, who will work at least 2 - 3 days onsite (40 hours per week) for at least six months (January – June).
Duties & Responsibilities
- Gain familiarity with OPMI’s data infrastructure and workflows, understanding data collection, transformation, and reporting processes at various development stages.
- Develop and maintain automated data pipelines for ingesting, transforming, and publishing transit-related data using GitHub Actions, Docker, and other CI/CD tools.
- Improve data quality control by implementing automated validation, anomaly detection, and monitoring systems.
- Monitor and troubleshoot data pipelines, proactively identifying and resolving failures, bottlenecks, or inconsistencies.
- Analyze and optimize data storage and processing workflows, recommending improvements for efficiency and scalability.
- Support version control best practices for data pipelines and scripts using GitHub and GitHub Actions.
- Perform ad hoc data cleaning, transformation, and integration using SQL, R, or Python, with optional analysis and visualization as needed.
- Assist in documentation and reporting, contributing to dashboards, reports, presentations, and technical protocols for internal and external stakeholders.
- Collaborate with the data team to present findings and support data-driven decision-making across MBTA and MassDOT.
- Engage in team meetings, knowledge-sharing sessions, and organizational events to support collaboration and workflow improvements.
- Participate in fieldwork efforts as needed, assisting in real-world data collection and integration into automated pipelines.
- Participate in team / staff meetings, organizational events, fieldwork, project teams, or other duties as assigned.
- Provide internal and external customers with courteous and professional experience.
- Additional responsibilities may focus on one or more specific departments or locations (refer to department-specific addendums or hiring manager guidance).
- Perform all other duties and projects assigned.
* The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and complexity of the work being performed by staff assigned to this job and do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities required of staff assigned to this position. 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.
Minimum Requirements & Qualifications
- Enrolled, for entire duration of employment, in the graduate / Master’s degree program of an accredited college / university in computer science, data analytics, math, physics, engineering, public policy, urban planning, government, or a related field (must have proof of enrollment).
- Problem-oriented thinking and comfort with ambiguity.
- Above average ability to break down broad problems into answerable questions and identify appropriate tools for addressing each step of answering such questions.
- Above average skills in at least one programming language (such as R or Python) and willingness to pick up new languages.
- At least one year of experience with DevOps technologies, such as Docker, GitHub Action, and Terraform.
- At least one year of experience with basic relational database operations and SQL querying.
- Above average quantitative / analytical perspective and talents.
- Above average ability to critically review data and communicate technical knowledge to a non-technical audience.
- Strong interest or experience with data governance, familiarity with some open data platforms.
- Above average proficiency with standard office software (e.g. Microsoft office) or relevant technical tools.
- Above average ability to communicate effectively in English, both in written and oral forms.
- Highly organized, self-motivated, and detail oriented.
- Demonstrated interest in public transportation, urban planning, engineering, public policy, or public service.
- Proven ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively within diverse, fast-paced environments.
- Ability to commute independently to assigned work locations within the Greater Boston metro area, as required by the role.
- Authorized to work in the United States (international students in CPT, STEM, or OPT programs through a university are eligible to apply). The MBTA does not provide visa sponsorship, such as H1-B status.
* The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and complexity of the work being performed by staff assigned to this job and do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities required.
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 .
- 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.