Deputy Director of Mechanical and Facilities Engineering, PE

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority seeks a Deputy Director of Mechanical and Facility Engineering to lead planning, design, construction, and maintenance of systems across MBTA stations, buildings, and infrastructure.

The role directs multidisciplinary teams for HVAC, plumbing, fire protection, energy management, and other critical building systems, ensuring compliance with codes, safety standards, and sustainability goals. The position also oversees budgets and procurement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering is required.
• PE license in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or ability to obtain.
• Five or more years of progressively responsible engineering experience.
• Two or more years in a supervisory capacity.
• Expertise in HVAC, fire protection, plumbing, and mechanical systems for large facilities or transit infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and technical leadership for mechanical and facility engineering functions supporting MBTA assets.
• Oversee the development, review, and approval of plans, designs, specifications, and standards for capital and maintenance projects.
• Direct and coordinate the work of professional staff and consultants to ensure timely delivery within budgets and schedules.
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate engineers and technical personnel and support professional development.
• Review and approve design submissions and calculations for compliance with MBTA standards.
• Serve as primary technical advisor to the Director of Engineering and Support.
• Coordinate with MBTA departments, state agencies, and external partners on initiatives.
• Oversee preventive maintenance and reliability programs for lifecycle management of mechanical systems.
• Evaluate capital needs, prepare cost estimates, and support engineering budgets.
• Manage procurement activities for design and construction services.
• Lead investigations and studies addressing operational challenges and new technologies.
• Ensure work complies with codes, safety, and environmental regulations; promote sustainability.
• Represent the department in meetings and coordination efforts; act as Director in their absence.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Mentoring

Regulatory compliance

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering

Professional Engineer (PE) license

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

Primavera P6

MS Project

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.