Deputy Director of Mechanical and Facilities Engineering, PE

Mass Transit magazine; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

MBTA in Boston seeks Deputy Director of Mechanical and Facility Engineering to lead planning, design, construction, and maintenance of mechanical and facility systems across stations, buildings, and infrastructure. You will direct multidisciplinary teams for HVAC, plumbing, fire protection, energy management, and related building systems.

The role requires PE licensure, 5+ years of progressive engineering and 2+ years in supervision; responsibilities include approving designs, managing budgets,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Professional Engineer (PE) licensure in MA.
• 5+ years of engineering experience.
• 2+ years in supervision/management.
• Experience with HVAC, fire protection, plumbing on large facilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and technical leadership for all mechanical and facility engineering functions supporting MBTA assets.
• Oversee the development, review, and approval of engineering plans, designs, specifications, and standards for capital and maintenance projects.
• Direct and coordinate the work of professional engineering staff and consultants to ensure timely delivery of projects within approved budgets and schedules.
• Supervise, mentor, and guide engineers and technical personnel; assign and review work, conduct performance evaluations, and foster professional development and PE licensure.
• Review and approve design submissions, calculations, and specifications prepared by in-house and consultant engineers for technical accuracy and compliance with MBTA standards.
• Serve as the primary technical advisor to the Director of Engineering and Support on all mechanical and facility systems.
• Coordinate with other MBTA departments, state agencies, and external partners to integrate mechanical and facility initiatives into broader infrastructure programs.
• Oversee the development and implementation of preventive maintenance and reliability programs to ensure optimal performance and life-cycle management of mechanical systems.
• Evaluate and prioritize capital needs, prepare cost estimates, and support the development of annual and long-range engineering budgets.
• Manage procurement activities for design and construction services, ensuring compliance with contract and quality requirements.
• Lead investigations and technical studies to address operational challenges, system performance issues, and emerging technology opportunities.
• Ensure that all work is performed in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local codes, including environmental, energy, and safety regulations.
• Promote sustainable engineering practices, energy efficiency, and resilience in all facility projects.
• Represent the department in meetings, presentations, and coordination efforts with executive management, consultants, contractors, and the public.
• Serve as Acting Director in the absence of the Director of Engineering and Support.
• Perform related duties and projects as assigned.

Skills

HVAC systems

Fire protection

Plumbing

Energy management

Mechanical design

Leadership

Mentoring

PE licensure

CAD

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

PE licensure

Tools

CAD

Revit

Primavera P6

MS Office

Project management software

Job description

The Deputy Director of Mechanical and Facility Engineering provides leadership, direction, and oversight for the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of all mechanical and facility engineering systems across MBTA stations, buildings, and infrastructure.

This role will lead multidisciplinary teams of engineers and technical staff responsible for HVAC, plumbing, fire protection, energy management, and other critical building systems. The Deputy Director ensures that all mechanical and facility assets are designed, maintained, and rehabilitated in compliance with applicable codes, safety standards, and sustainability goals.

• Provide strategic and technical leadership for all mechanical and facility engineering functions supporting MBTA assets.
• Oversee the development, review, and approval of engineering plans, designs, specifications, and standards for capital and maintenance projects.
• Direct and coordinate the work of professional engineering staff and consultants to ensure timely delivery of projects within approved budgets and schedules.
• Supervise, mentor, and guide engineers and technical personnel; assign and review work, conduct performance evaluations, and foster professional development and PE licensure.
• Review and approve design submissions, calculations, and specifications prepared by in-house and consultant engineers for technical accuracy and compliance with MBTA standards.
• Serve as the primary technical advisor to the Director of Engineering and Support on all mechanical and facility systems.
• Coordinate with other MBTA departments, state agencies, and external partners to integrate mechanical and facility initiatives into broader infrastructure programs.
• Oversee the development and implementation of preventive maintenance and reliability programs to ensure optimal performance and life-cycle management of mechanical systems.
• Evaluate and prioritize capital needs, prepare cost estimates, and support the development of annual and long-range engineering budgets.
• Manage procurement activities for design and construction services, ensuring compliance with contract and quality requirements.
• Lead investigations and technical studies to address operational challenges, system performance issues, and emerging technology opportunities.
• Ensure that all work is performed in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local codes, including environmental, energy, and safety regulations.
• Promote sustainable engineering practices, energy efficiency, and resilience in all facility projects.
• Represent the department in meetings, presentations, and coordination efforts with executive management, consultants, contractors, and the public.
• Serve as Acting Director in the absence of the Director of Engineering and Support.
• Perform related duties and projects as assigned.

Supervision

• This position will supervise engineers and other technical staff.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited institution.
• Registered Professional Engineer (PE) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, with the ability and willingness to apply professional licensure by stamping and sealing engineering drawings, designs, and specifications prepared under their direct supervision in accordance with applicable laws and MBTA standards.
• Five (5) or more years of progressively responsible engineering experience.
• Two (2) or more years in a supervisory or managerial capacity.
• Demonstrated expertise in the design and maintenance of HVAC, fire protection, plumbing, and mechanical systems for large facilities or transit infrastructure.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and leadership skills with the ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Proficiency in CAD, project management software, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex technical information to diverse audiences.
• Valid driver's license in accordance with MBTA policy.
• Available to respond to emergencies and critical service needs on a 24/7 basis.

Substitutions

• A master's degree in a related subject substitutes for two (2) years of general experience.
• Master's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Experience working within a public agency or large transit organization.
• Eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in infrastructure design and construction management
• Three (3) years or more in a leadership or managerial capacity.
• Registered Architect (RA) or Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
• Familiarity with FTA regulations and funding processes.
• Experience incorporating equity, accessibility, and climate resilience into infrastructure design.
• Familiarity with tools such as AutoCAD, Revit, Primavera P6, and/or project management software.