Senior Associate, Special Projects - Rolling Stock Program

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA); New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 105,000 - 117,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Telework one day per week

Job summary

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) seeks a Senior Associate, Special Projects to support strategic initiatives within the Rolling Stock Program. You will work with senior leadership to analyze data, develop executive-level materials, and coordinate cross-functional efforts that enhance fleet performance and lifecycle cost management.

The role combines strategy, analytics, and project management, partnering with operations, engineering, procurement, legal, and finance teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, economics, engineering, public policy, mathematics, statistics, or related analytical field.
• Minimum 4 years of progressive analytical/strategy experience.
• Master’s degree preferred; exposure to complex negotiations is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Conduct financial, operational, and business analyses informing major Rolling Stock initiatives.
• Perform quantitative analysis, benchmarking, financial modeling, process mapping, and research for executive decision-making.
• Research rolling stock procurement, manufacturing, and transportation best practices.

Skills

Quantitative analysis

Executive communications

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Strategic thinking

Attention to detail

Independent problem solving

Education

BA/BS in analytical field

Master’s degree (preferred)

Job description

Senior Associate, Special Projects - Rolling Stock Program

Department: Rolling Stock Strategy

Supervisor: Senior Manager Special Projects Rolling Stock Program

Work Location: 2 Broadway, New York, NY 10004

Hours: 9:00 am - 5:30 pm (7.5 hours/day, or as required)

Employment Type: FULL

Salary Range: $105,000 - $117,144

Application Deadline: Until filled

Telework: Eligible one day per week. New hires are eligible to apply 30 days after their effective date of hire.

Opening

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is North America's largest transportation network, serving a population of 15.3 million people across a 5,000-square-mile travel area surrounding New York City, Long Island, southeastern New York State, and Connecticut. The MTA network comprises the nation's largest bus fleet and more subway and commuter rail cars than all other U.S. transit systems combined. MTA strives to provide a safe and reliable commute, excellent customer service, and rewarding opportunities.

Job Summary

The Senior Associate, Special Projects will support the development and execution of high-impact strategic initiatives across the Rolling Stock Program. Working closely with the Senior Manager, Special Projects and the Chief of Rolling Stock Program, the incumbent will conduct rigorous quantitative analysis, develop executive-level communications, coordinate cross-functional initiatives, and help drive projects that improve the value, performance, and long-term stewardship of the MTA's rolling stock portfolio.

This role combines strategy, analytics, project management, and executive support to help shape North America's largest rolling stock capital programs. The incumbent will partner with stakeholders across MTA operating agencies and headquarters – including operations, engineering, procurement, legal, finance, data, and capital programs – to solve complex business problems, support executive decision-making, and advance initiatives that improve fleet acquisition, lifecycle cost management, and organizational effectiveness.

Responsibilities

• Conduct financial, operational, and business analyses that inform major initiatives across the Rolling Stock Program, such as procurement strategy, fleet planning, cost optimization, and organizational improvement efforts.
• Perform quantitative analysis, benchmarking, financial modeling, process mapping, and research to inform executive decision-making and evaluate strategic opportunities.
• Conduct market, industry, and policy research related to rolling stock procurement, manufacturing, commercial strategy, and transportation best practices.
• Coordinate interdepartmental working groups and facilitate collaboration among diverse stakeholders to advance high-priority initiatives.
• Support the planning and execution of cross-functional projects involving stakeholders across MTA operating agencies and headquarters departments. Develop project plans, monitor progress, identify risks, and help drive initiatives to successful completion.
• Develop executive presentations, Board materials, briefing documents, talking points, and other communications that clearly articulate complex analyses, recommendations, and strategic priorities.
• Identify opportunities to improve organizational effectiveness, business processes, and cross-functional coordination across the Rolling Stock Program.

Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Excellent quantitative, analytical, and problem-solving skills, including proficiency in financial analysis and business case development.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into clear, concise presentations and executive communications.
• Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated success building relationships and collaborating across teams without direct reporting authority.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously while maintaining exceptional attention to detail and delivering high-quality work under tight deadlines.
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to structure ambiguous problems, develop workplans, coordinate stakeholders, and drive initiatives to completion.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to absorb large amounts of information, identify key insights, connect disparate issues, and develop practical recommendations.
• Comfortable operating in ambiguous environments with a proactive, ownership-oriented mindset and the ability to independently identify opportunities, solve problems, and drive results.
• Highly organized, self-directed, and comfortable working in fast-paced, complex environments with evolving priorities.
• Passion for public transportation, infrastructure, manufacturing, or other mission-driven industries.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Arts/Sciences (BA/BS) in business, finance, economics, engineering, public policy, mathematics, statistics, or a related analytical field.
• Minimum 4 years of progressively responsible experience in an analytical, strategy-oriented role, ideally within management consulting, finance, engineering, corporate strategy, or public sector strategy.

The Following is/are preferred

• Master’s degree in Arts/Sciences (MA/MS) in business, finance, economics, engineering, public policy, mathematics, statistics, or a related analytical field.
• Exposure to complex commercial negotiations.
• Rail, transportation, or manufacturing industry experience.

Other Information

May need to work outside of normal work hours (i.e., evenings and weekends).

Travel may be required to other MTA locations or other external sites.

According to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics, all employees who hold a policymaking position must file an Annual Statement of Financial Disclosure (FDS) with the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (the "Commission").

Equal Employment Opportunity

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including those concerning veteran status and individuals with disabilities.

The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.