Software Engineer Co-Op

MBTA; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 28,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

MBTA is seeking a co-op/intern in Reliability Engineering to work with the EAMS Developer on Python and TypeScript projects and analytics tooling. You will participate in greenfield development, automated reporting, and data organization within the Enterprise Asset Management system.

The program runs January through June, with 2–3 on-site days per week and 40 hours weekly. Collaboration with staff and consultants, plus adherence to Agile practices, is essential for success.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an accredited undergraduate degree program in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Information Technology, or related field.
• Strong knowledge of Python development and Python ecosystem tooling.
• Experience with web applications using React; familiarity with Progressive Web Apps.

Responsibilities

• Assist with greenfield development of automated processes and web applications for desktop and mobile devices.
• Develop and implement automated reporting and analytical dashboards via Splunk and Tableau.
• Help organize reliability data gathering and API behaviors documentation (OpenAPI).
• Configure unit-testing solutions and automated validations using Windows CLI, Python, and GitHub Actions.
• Support project coordination, meetings, and reporting for stakeholders.

Skills

Python

TypeScript

React

GitHub Actions

OpenAPI

Unit testing

Windows CLI

SQL/Databases

Agile practices

Documentation

Education

Undergraduate student

Tools

Splunk

Tableau

Pytest

Pylint/Flake8/Black

Pip/virtualenv

XML/XSL

HTML/CSS/JS

Job description

The MBTA Reliability Engineering department facilitates and assures safe and reliable service and performance of each transport mode. The objectives of Reliability Engineering are:

1. To achieve and then maintain a State of Good Repair for all infrastructure and vehicle assets.


2. Model and predict asset performance and reliability.


3. Introduce a continuous improvement ethos to improve quality of infrastructure and compliance.


4. Develop technical documentation in repository accessible to relevant stakeholders.

The Reliability & Configuration Engineering team is responsible for documenting processes and procedures for asset data and lifecycle management as well as providing technical guidance in supporting the MBTA’s Enterprise Asset Management (EAMS) systems.

The Reliability & Configuration Engineering team seeks the assistance of a co-op / intern whose studies focus on Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field to work on various projects with existing staff and its consultants. The co-op / intern will work directly with the EAMS Developer on the Reliability & Configuration Engineering team.

We are looking to hire 2 co-ops, who will work at least 2 – 3 days onsite (40 hours per week) for at least six months (January – June).

• Assist with existing software development projects, including:

1. Greenfield development of automated processes, web applications for desktop and mobile devices in-the-field, primarily in Python and TypeScript (React).


2. Development and implementation of programmatically automated reporting and analytical dashboards via Splunk and Tableau.


3. Examination and implementation of automated solutions to reliability data gathering and organizing against the Enterprise Asset Management system (EAMS).


4. Investigation and documentation of application programming interface (API) behaviors, following OpenAPI documentation standards.


5. Configuration of unit-testing solutions and automated validations, in a mix of Windows-based command-line tools, Python, and GitHub Actions workflows.

• Assist with project coordination, including organizing meetings and communicating with consultants and other departments on project needs and deliverables.


• Attend virtual and phone meetings and create reports, presentations, and other administrative projects.


• Ability to work in-person at least two days per week at 10 Park Plaza and one day per week at 21 Arlington Ave (MBTA Engineering & Maintenance Charlestown Office), but preference for more days onsite as the co-op is likely to result in better experience given the nature of the work and the largely in-person work environment.


• Engage with industry-standard agile software development practices, such as git workflows, code reviews, scrum, and retrospectives.


• Participate in team / staff meetings, organizational events, fieldwork, project teams, or other duties as assigned.


• Provide internal and external customers with courteous and professional experience.


• Additional responsibilities may focus on one or more specific departments or locations (refer to department-specific addendums or hiring manager guidance).


• Perform all other duties and projects assigned.

* The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and complexity of the work being performed by staff assigned to this job and do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities required of staff assigned to this position. The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here-in are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Currently enrolled and maintaining active status for the entire duration of employment in an accredited undergraduate / Bachelor’s degree program in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field.


• Average knowledge of industry-standard and cooperative software development practices such as Agile.


• Above average skills in Python development and familiarity with Python ecosystem such as Pytest, Pylint / Flake8 / Black, and Pip / Pipenv / Virtual environments.


• Above average proficiency in web application development such as React; developing web applications for desktop and mobile devices using Progressive Web App tooling.


• Average proficiency with XML/XSL, HTML5, CSS, JavaScript.


• Average proficiency in software development in a Windows environment.


• Above average skills in various scripting tools and languages, as well as database design and tools.


• At least one year of experience with written reports and time estimates for upper management, and stakeholders.


• Above average project management, analytical, organizational, time management, and interpersonal skills.


• Above average ability to map business processes and implement them across departments.


• Ability to work in an active railroad and maintenance environment and the physical constraints associated with the working environments.


• Above average analytical and problem-solving skills.


• Above average proficiency with standard office software (e.g. Microsoft office) or relevant technical tools.


• Above average ability to communicate effectively in English, both in written and oral forms.


• Highly organized, self-motivated, and detail oriented.


• Demonstrated interest in public transportation, urban planning, engineering, public policy, or public service.


• Proven ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively within diverse, fast-paced environments.


• Ability to commute independently to assigned work locations within the Greater Boston metro area, as required by the role.


• Authorized to work in the United States (international students in CPT, STEM, or OPT programs through a university are eligible to apply). The MBTA does not provide visa sponsorship, such as H1-B status.

* The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and complexity of the work being performed by staff assigned to this job and do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities required.