Deputy Director of Mechanical and Facilities Engineering, PE

MBTA; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

MBTA is seeking a Deputy Director of Mechanical and Facility Engineering to lead planning, design, construction, and maintenance of all mechanical and facility systems across MBTA stations, buildings, and infrastructure. You will guide multidisciplinary teams responsible for HVAC, plumbing, fire protection, energy management, and related systems to ensure safety, reliability, and sustainability.

You will supervise engineers and technicians, review designs for compliance with MBTA standards, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering required.
• PE licensure or ability to obtain PE licensure in MA within a reasonable period.
• Experience with HVAC, fire protection, plumbing, and large facilities systems preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and technical leadership for all mechanical and facility engineering functions.
• Oversee engineering plans, designs, specs, and standards for capital and maintenance projects.
• Direct and coordinate work of engineers and consultants to meet budgets and schedules.
• Supervise and mentor engineers and staff; support professional development and licensure.

Skills

PE License

HVAC Systems

Leadership

CAD

Project Management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

Primavera P6

Job description

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 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.

Duties & 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.

Supervision

• This position will supervise engineers and other technical staff.

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications

• 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.

Preferred Experience & Skills

• 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.

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