Senior Director of Power Systems Maintenance (PSM)

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 performs their roles based on our vision, mission, and values. This includes attendance, participation, and contribution in local safety committee meetings as needed.

About the Role

This position provides oversight to 200+ employees, consultants, and contractors responsible for the inspection, maintenance, repair, modification, design, installation, and all other activities associated with the Authority’s power systems. These power systems generate and provide electricity to the right-of-way for its third rail and catenary systems responsible for the propulsion of rail and bus vehicles, as well as provide electricity to various Authority facilities for lighting, security systems, escalators, and other systems used in the day-to-day functioning of stations and other locations.

Responsibilities

• Provide ongoing enhancement of the customer experience through oversight and direction of all activities associated with the repair, maintenance, and modification of all power infrastructure.
• Provide leadership, direction, and information to the Chief of E&M Infrastructure regarding the current state of Power Systems Maintenance (PSM) and capital improvement projects.
• Support the three other functional areas of Engineering & Maintenance (E&M): Signals & Communications Maintenance (SCM), Maintenance of Way (MOW), and Stations, Facilities, and Structures (SFS).
• Lead E&M in the absence of E&M department leadership.
• Supervise a heavily unionized workforce, including Directors, Deputy Directors, Superintendents, Supervisors, Forepersons, and other maintenance, engineering, and administrative staff responsible for power systems activities.
• Oversee high and low voltage power systems, power generation systems, AC/DC transmission and distribution systems, traction substations, unit substations, and a 115kV yard.
• Lead and monitor resource allocation, including operation and capital budget requests, alignment with strategic goals, and establishment of key performance indicators (KPIs) for the department.
• Drive the shift from reactive-based maintenance to preventative and predictive maintenance through process development, data analytics, and strategic planning.
• Establish and monitor preventative maintenance schedules for field staff.
• Develop and maintain procedures, manuals, and specifications for testing, preventative maintenance, inspections, and repairs of power infrastructure.
• Develop and implement production schedules for renewal, replacement, upgrades, and programmatic maintenance of power assets.
• Review specifications and RFPs for consultants and vendors related to power systems maintenance, repairs, and modifications; participate in the selection process.
• Ensure all inventory, equipment, facilities, and materials are protected, maintained, and stored in a safe operating condition.
• Participate in the development and management of the department's annual operating and capital budgets.
• Work with the Office of Administration to review and assess current and future staffing needs; participate in employee recruitment and selection.
• Ensure all crews receive proper training to perform maintenance tasks, operate equipment, and comply with authority policies.
• Monitor and oversee investigations into system failures and implementation of corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with Authority policies, safety standards, discipline processes, and mandated trainings.
• Establish and maintain sound union/management relations while upholding management rights and collective bargaining agreements.
• Respond to inquiries from customers, vendors, or coworkers in a courteous and professional manner.
• Respond to emergencies, extreme weather, or abnormal conditions impairing service or safety, 24/7 as needed.
• Drive a company or personal vehicle to visit work sites and assist during emergencies or service disruptions.
• Uphold the rights and interests of the Authority while building effective relationships with employees.
• Ensure fair and consistent application of rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements, and Authority policies.
• Perform related duties and projects as assigned.

Supervision

Team of 200+ power systems maintenance staff, including Directors, Deputy Directors, Managers, Supervisors, Superintendents, Engineers, Forepersons, Line workers, Electricians, and Power equipment technicians.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Twelve (12) years of experience in a transit or industrial setting managing, reviewing, designing, and implementing contract & procurement, engineering, and/or maintenance processes.
• Seven (7) years of experience in people management and/or enterprise-wide project leadership in a transit and/or industrial environment.
• Experience developing and monitoring operating and capital budgets.
• Experience developing and articulating capital investment programs.
• Experience making presentations to executive management, staff, and regulatory agencies.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately.
• Excellent customer service and conflict resolution skills.
• Valid driver’s license without infractions in accordance with MBTA policy.
• Ability to supervise and work effectively with a diverse workforce.

Qualifications

Substitutions:

• A High School Diploma or GED with an additional seven (7) years of directly related experience substitutes for the bachelor’s degree requirement.
• An associate degree from an accredited institution with an additional three (3) years of directly related experience substitutes for the bachelor’s degree requirement.
• A master’s degree in a related subject substitutes for two (2) years of general experience.
• A nationally recognized certification or statewide/professional certification in a related field substitutes for one year of experience.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with inspection, maintenance, repair, and installation of power generation, transmission, and distribution systems for a public transit provider or large industrial organization.
• Experience supervising and managing personnel in a unionized environment responsible for power systems activities.
• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in electrical engineering from an accredited institution.
• Professional Engineering (PE) certification.
• Valid Massachusetts Electrical license.

Job Conditions

• Ability to read, comprehend, communicate, and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, and inquiries in English.
• At least eighteen (18) years of age (except for approved high school internship/co-op programs).
• Ability to commute to assigned work locations in the Boston, MA metro area.
• Ability to provide courteous and professional experiences to internal and external customers.
• Ability to work effectively, independently, and as part of a diverse workforce.
• Ability to uphold the rights and interests of the MBTA while building effective relationships with employees.
• Adherence to MBTA rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements, and policies, including EEO, anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and anti-retaliation policies.
• Satisfactory work record for the two (2) years prior to the closing date of this posting.
• Ability to pass a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, background screening, and/or medical clinic screening, including physical examination and drug/alcohol screenings.
• Ability to work all shifts/locations as assigned, including 24/7 during emergencies, severe weather, or service disruptions.

Intern/co-op staff must be enrolled full or part-time in an accredited educational program with a minimum 2.5 GPA and have valid work authorization and a U.S. Social Security Number.