Head of Infrastructure

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.

About the Role

The Head of Infrastructure Management leads the safe, reliable, and efficient management of infrastructure assets, inventory, and warranty management supporting a complex commuter rail system in the Greater Boston region. This executive role is responsible for infrastructure maintenance, engineering oversight, asset reliability, regulatory compliance, and coordination of capital and maintenance activities across track, signals, communications, structures, rights-of-way, facilities including stations, car parks, train maintenance and train crew depots, layovers, and support property.

Responsibilities

• Direct all infrastructure management services including inspection, maintenance, repair, renewal, and emergency response for track, signals, communications, structures, grade crossings, and support assets.
• Ensure compliance with FRA regulations, the Infrastructure Governance Framework, Management Services on assets and associated support property, and applicable American Public Transportation Association standards and recommended practices.
• Lead infrastructure safety and security for employees and riders, inspections, risk mitigation efforts, and corrective action programs.
• Direct daily coordination with partner railroads, positive train control systems operators, contractors, consultants, and third-party stakeholders.
• Support shared corridor coordination, outage planning, and infrastructure access management.
• Lead infrastructure engineering and maintenance teams in a unionized environment, driving accountability, productivity, and continuous improvement.
• Liaise with other modes of transportation within the Massachusetts Bay Area and with Transdev and Transport UK senior leaders on best practice sharing, lessons learned and proactive knowledge transfer.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of professional railroad engineering experience, with emphasis in railroad engineering operations and infrastructure management.
• Demonstrated direct responsibility for infrastructure management services and associated rail assets.
• Experience managing infrastructure in compliance with governance frameworks and railroad operating requirements.
• Direct experience working in a unionized labor environment.
• Strong knowledge of:
  • Railroad infrastructure, maintenance, and engineering
  • Signals and communications systems
  • Asset reliability and performance management
  • FRA regulatory requirements
  • PTC coordination and railroad safety programs
  • Facilities management
• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Railroad Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field required; advanced degree preferred.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred.
• Experience in commuter rail or passenger rail systems of similar size and complexity preferred.

Skills

• Deep knowledge of railroad mechanical systems, rolling stock maintenance practices, FRA regulatory requirements, and commuter rail operations.
• Strong understanding of railroad safety principles, asset management, maintenance planning, and reliability engineering.
• Demonstrated executive leadership and strategic management experience in a 24/7 safety-critical rail environment.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with experience coordinating across railroad operations, labor organizations, and external partners.
• Excellent communication, decision-making, problem-solving, and organizational leadership skills.

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.

Pay

Competitive compensation package of minimum $200,000 – maximum $280,000. In addition to base salary, this role is eligible for an annual Short-Term Incentive (STI) opportunity.