Data Analyst Co-Op (Procurement & Logistics) - Undergraduate Students

MBTA; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

MBTA is seeking a Data Analyst Co-Op in Boston to work with Procurement & Logistics on large, complex datasets and turn raw data into meaningful insights. You'll support decision-making and help modernize reporting across contracts, vendors, POs, and inventory.

The role provides exposure to enterprise systems, data quality efforts, and cross-functional collaboration with staff and leadership. Ideal candidates are undergraduates with analytical skills and strong English communication.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in an undergraduate program at Northeastern University.
• Proficiency in Excel for data analysis and reporting.
• Analytical mindset with problem-solving interest in data analysis.
• Experience with BI tools like Tableau or Power BI for data visualization.
• Strong communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences.

Responsibilities

• Support data analysis to inform strategic and operational decisions.
• Build, maintain, and enhance dashboards and visualizations (Tableau/Power BI).
• Collect, clean, and reconcile procurement and logistics data across systems.
• Assist in data pipelines and analytics tooling; identify trends and changes.
• Analyze contracts, purchase orders, vendors, and procurement processes.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and document findings.

Skills

Analytical thinking

English communication

Attention to detail

Public service interest

Education

Northeastern University undergrad

Tools

Tableau

Power BI

Git

SQL/No-SQL

Python/Pandas

CLI/Bash

Excel

Job description

Posting number: 26-20264

Department: MBTA - Procurement & Logistics

Division: 766-Proc&Logistics Office

Job classification: Data Analyst Co-Op (Procurement and Logistics)

Posting type: Internship / Co-Op

Categories: Clerical & Data Entry, Internship, Office and Administrative Support, Career Exploration

Summary

The Procurement & Logistics Data Analyst Co-Op is designed for undergraduate students seeking hands-on experience working with large, complex operational datasets in a mission-driven public-sector environment. Procurement & Logistics holds some of the MBTA's most critical and information-rich data, spanning contracts, vendors, purchase orders, invoices, vouchers, and inventory that collectively support daily transit operations and long-term programs. As a result, there is a constant need for improved reporting, system validation, and process modernization to turn raw transactional data into meaningful insights.

Co-Ops work directly with staff and leadership within Procurement & Logistics to support data-driven decision-making and improve how essential goods and services are planned, tracked, and delivered. The role offers exposure to real enterprise systems, imperfect data, and evolving business processes, providing an authentic analytics experience beyond classroom exercises. Co-Ops are encouraged to think critically about how data can be structured, visualized, and automated to increase transparency, efficiency, and accountability across the organization.

This position requires the ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously, collaborate with stakeholders across the MBTA, and communicate analytical insights clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences. While gaining exposure to state and federal procurement regulations in a live operating environment, co-ops produce tangible analytical tools and improvements that are used by leadership and operational teams, directly contributing to stronger decision-making and better outcomes for the MBTA.

Examples of duties

• Support staff & leadership by conducting data analysis that informs strategic and operational decision-making.
• Build, maintain, and enhance dashboards, reports, and visualizations (primarily in Tableau).
• Collect, clean, validate, and reconcile procurement and logistics data across multiple systems to ensure accuracy and reliability.
• Assist in maintaining and improving data pipelines and analytical tools, including compiling historical and current data to identify changes, trends, or anomalies.
• Analyze data pertaining to contracts, purchase orders, vendors, and procurement processes.
• Perform invoice, voucher, and payment data pulls from enterprise systems when automated solutions are unavailable.
• Support system validation and data quality efforts by comparing data between enterprise systems and documenting findings and recommended updates.
• Assist with documentation, process mapping, and modernization initiatives within Procurement & Logistics.
• Collaborate with Sourcing, Non-Inventory, Inventory, and Compliance on projects.
• Participate in team / staff meetings, organization events, fieldwork, project teams, or other duties as needed.
• Additional responsibilities may include focusing on one or more departments or locations. See applicable addendums or hiring manager for department or location specific functions.
• Provide internal and external customers with courteous and professional experience.
• Perform all other duties and projects that may be 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.

Qualifications

• Enrolled, for the entire duration of employment, in the undergraduate / bachelor’s program at Northeastern University; preferably in data analytics, information systems, business analytics, supply chain, or related field.
• Above average proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel for data analysis and reporting.
• Above average analytical and problem-solving skills, with an interest in data analysis, and project-based work.
• Above average proficiency in at least one programming language and work with tools such as Git, SQL/No-SQL, CLI/bash scripting, and R or Python/Pandas.
• Above average proficiency in business intelligence and data visualization tools, such as Tableau and/or Power BI, to develop insightful visualizations and perform in-depth data analysis.
• Above average ability to explain analytical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Above average ability to communicate effectively in English, both in written and oral forms.
• Highly organized, motivated, and have great attention-to-detail.
• Strong interest in public service, transit, or transportation and how it operates.
• Above average ability to work effectively in diverse, collaborative, fast-paced environments as well as independently.
• Ability to independently commute to assigned work locations in the Boston, MA 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.

Supplemental information

• Tableau Desktop Experience
• Tableau Prep Experience