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

MBTA; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 2,755,000 - 4,133,000; Part time

Job summary

MBTA is seeking an undergraduate Data Analytics Co-Op (Procurement & Logistics) in the Boston area. You will work with large, complex datasets spanning contracts, vendors, POs, invoices, vouchers, and inventory to generate actionable insights and dashboards.

You’ll gain exposure to enterprise systems, data cleaning, and modernization initiatives, collaborating with cross-functional teams to improve reporting and decision-making for transit operations.

Qualifications

• Enrolled for the entire duration in the undergraduate/bachelor’s program at Northeastern University (data analytics, information systems, business analytics, supply chain or related field).
• High proficiency in Excel for data analysis and reporting.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with interest in data analysis and project-based work.
• Experience with at least one programming language and familiarity with tools like SQL/No-SQL, CLI/bash, and Python/Pandas.
• Experience with business intelligence and data visualization tools (Tableau and/or Power BI) to develop insightful visualizations and perform in-depth data analysis.
• Ability to explain analytical concepts to technical and non-technical audiences; strong written and spoken English.

Responsibilities

• Support staff and leadership by conducting data analysis to inform decisions.
• Build, maintain, and enhance dashboards and visualizations (Tableau, Tableau Prep, Power BI).
• Collect, clean, validate, and reconcile procurement and logistics data across systems to ensure accuracy.
• Assist in data pipelines and analytical tools, compiling historical and current data to identify changes and trends.
• Analyze data related to contracts, purchase orders, vendors, and procurement processes.
• Perform data pulls from enterprise systems when automation is unavailable; support system validation and data quality efforts.
• Assist with documentation, process mapping, and modernization initiatives.

Skills

Tableau

Python

SQL

Excel

Data visualization

Power BI

Git

Communication

Education

Undergraduate student at Northeastern University

Tools

Tableau Desktop

Tableau Prep

Power BI

Git

SQL

Python/Pandas

Job description

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Tableau Desktop Experience
• Tableau Prep Experience