Federal Regulatory Specialist

Transdev North America; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Bay State Rail, a joint venture pursuing MBTA Regional Rail, seeks a highly experienced Federal Regulatory Specialist to support the General Manager and executive leadership in ensuring FRA, FTA, and public funding compliance during service commencement and transition operations.

This senior advisory role provides regulatory, operational, and financial compliance guidance to ensure adherence to federal requirements, funding conditions, and industry best practices, for up to two years from the

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in compliance with FRA regulations and federal oversight requirements.
• Experience supporting compliance programs, audits, and regulatory reporting in passenger transportation operations.
• Strong working knowledge of rail and mass transit regulatory environments.
• Thorough knowledge of public funding regulations and GAAP requirements.

Responsibilities

• Advise executive leadership on compliance with FRA, FTA, and other federal regulatory requirements.
• Develop, implement, and oversee compliance programs, audits, reporting, and regulatory readiness initiatives.
• Interpret and implement railroad safety regulations, operating requirements, and compliance obligations.
• Coordinate internal reviews, corrective action planning, and oversight with regulators.

Skills

FRA/FTA regulatory knowledge

Rail regulatory experience

Public funding regulations

GAAP knowledge

Budget and financial planning

Financial reporting

Regulatory program management

HR in regulated environments

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Transportation, Business, Finance, Public Administration, Engineering or related field

Job description

Position Contingency Notice: This position is associated with Bay State Rail’s proposal to operate the MBTA Commuter Rail network. Employment opportunities for this role are contingent upon Bay State Rail being awarded the contract and successful contract mobilization.

About Bay State Rail

Bay State Rail is a joint venture between Transdev North America and Transport UK and is one of three teams pursuing the opportunity to operate the MBTA Regional Rail network. Our team brings the expertise and vision needed to transform Boston regional rail into a service built for the common good. We are committed to delivering a modern, dependable rail system that strengthens communities, eases congestion, and drives a more sustainable future.

We’re Proud To Offer

• Competitive compensation package of minimum $80,000 – maximum $120,000

Position Summary

If required, Transdev will appoint a highly experienced Federal Regulatory Specialist to support the General Manager and executive leadership team in ensuring compliance with Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) requirements, federal transit regulations, and public funding obligations during service commencement and transition operations.

This senior advisory role provides regulatory, operational, and financial compliance support, helping ensure the commuter rail system operates in accordance with federal requirements, funding conditions, and industry best practices. The Federal Regulatory Specialist will support the General Manager for up to two years from the Service Commencement Date, or as otherwise determined.

Key Responsibilities

Regulatory Compliance & Oversight

• Advise and support executive leadership on compliance with FRA, Federal Transit Administration (FTA), and other applicable federal regulatory requirements.
• Support development, implementation, and oversight of compliance programs, audits, reporting, and regulatory readiness initiatives.
• Assist in interpreting and implementing railroad safety regulations, operating requirements, and compliance obligations.
• Support internal reviews, corrective action planning, and coordination with oversight agencies.

Funding, Financial & Business Compliance

• Provide subject matter support regarding FTA and other public funding regulations, grant compliance requirements, and associated reporting obligations.
• Support compliance related to public funding use, allowable costs, documentation standards, and financial controls.
• Advise leadership on regulatory implications related to business planning, operating budgets, and production planning.
• Support financial information collection, reporting practices, and compliance monitoring consistent with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.

Strategic & Operational Support

• Serve as a resource to executive leadership on rail industry regulatory practices, risk management, and governance requirements.
• Support integration of compliance considerations into operations, planning, and organizational decision-making.
• Provide guidance on human resource management considerations related to regulatory compliance and labor-sensitive operating environments.
• Support coordination with regulatory agencies, auditors, funding partners, and key stakeholders.

Qualifications

Required

• Demonstrated experience in compliance with FRA regulations, federal oversight requirements, and passenger rail regulatory programs.
• Strong working knowledge of the rail and mass transit industry, including regulatory and operating environments.
• Thorough knowledge of FTA and other public funding regulations and requirements.
• Knowledge and practical experience with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
• Experience in:
• Business and financial planning
• Budget and production plan development and implementation
• Financial information collection and reporting
• Human resource management in regulated environments
• Experience supporting compliance programs, audits, and regulatory reporting in passenger transportation operations.

Preferred

• Experience supporting commuter rail or public transit operators subject to federal oversight preferred.
• Experience with public agency contracting and grant-funded operations is strongly preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Transportation, Business, Finance, Public Administration, Engineering, or related field required; advanced degree preferred.

The ideal candidate is a high-performing strategic leader who drives results and inspires others through integrity, accountability, and strong communication. Combines business acumen and continuous improvement to achieve sustainable business outcomes and enhance customer experience. Builds trust through self-awareness and ethical leadership while empowering others to reach their full potential. Cultivates strong stakeholder relationships, high-performing teams, and creates organizational agility to successfully navigate change and deliver long-term success.

Job Category: Management

Job Type: Full Time

Req ID: 8790

Pay Group: VDD

Cost Center: NONE

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions upon request.

Transdev is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic data, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or other legally protected status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law.

Drug-free workplace

If based in the United States, applicants must be eligible to work in U.S. without restrictions for any employer at any time; be able to pass a drug screen and background check.

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About Transdev

Cities, counties, airports, companies, and universities across the U.S. contract with Transdev to operate their transportation systems, maintain their vehicle and fleets, and deliver on mobility solutions. Transdev U.S. employs a team of 32,000 across 400 locations while maintaining more than 17,000 vehicles.

Part of a global company, Transdev is a leader in mobility with operations in 19 countries, proudly operated by 110,000 team members from around the world. As an operator and global integrator of mobility, we are driven by our purpose. Transdev – the mobility company – empowers the freedom to move every day thank to safe, reliable, and innovative solutions that serve the common good. Find out more at http://www.TransdevNA.com or watch an overview video.