Senior Director of Signals & Communications Maintenance (SCM)

About the Role

This position oversees 200+ employees, consultants, and contractors responsible for the inspection, maintenance, repair, upgrade, design, construction, and all other activities associated with the Authority's safety-critical signal and communications infrastructure. This includes operation and maintenance of the signaling systems controlling train movement on the Red, Orange, Blue, and Green lines, software used by the Operations Control Center (OCC), and maintenance of hardware supporting telecommunications, radio, and fiber optic cable networks.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and direct all activities related to repairs, maintenance, and modification of signal and communications infrastructure to enhance the customer experience.
• Provide leadership, direction, and information to the Chief of E&M Infrastructure regarding the current state of signal and communication maintenance and capital improvement projects.
• Support the three other functional areas of Engineering & Maintenance (E&M): Power Systems Maintenance (PSM), Maintenance of Way (MOW), and Stations, Facilities, and Structures (SFS).
• Lead E&M in the absence of department leadership in a heavily unionized environment, supervising Directors, Deputy Directors, Supervisors, Forepersons, and other staff.
• Lead and monitor resource allocation, including operation and capital budget requests, alignment with strategic goals, and establishment of key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Drive the shift from reactive 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.
• Develop and implement production schedules for renewal, replacement, upgrades, and programmatic maintenance of signal and communication assets.
• Review specifications and RFPs for consultants and vendors, participate in the selection process, and review contractor submittals.
• Ensure all inventory, equipment, facilities, and materials are protected, maintained, and stored safely.
• Participate in the development and management of the department's annual operating and capital budgets.
• Review and assess current and future staffing needs with the Office of Administration and participate in employee recruitment and selection.
• Ensure all crews receive proper training to perform tasks, operate equipment, and comply with authority policies.
• Monitor and oversee investigations into system failures and implementation of corrective actions.
• Ensure departmental 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 courteously and professionally.
• Respond to emergencies, extreme weather, or abnormal conditions 24/7 to ensure service safety and continuity.
• 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 fostering effective employee relationships.
• Ensure fair and consistent application of rules, regulations, and policies, including EEO and anti-discrimination policies.
• Perform related duties and projects as assigned.

Supervision

Lead a team of 200+ signals and communications staff, including Directors, Deputy Directors, Managers, Supervisors, Forepersons, Inspectors, Engineers, and Wirepersons.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Signal, Electrical, or Electronic 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 and 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 per 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 Experience & Skills

• Experience with inspection, maintenance, repair, upgrade, design, and/or installation of signals and communications systems for a public transit provider or transportation industry.
• Supervisory and management experience in a unionized environment for signals and communications systems.
• Bachelor's degree in Signal, Electrical, or Electronic Engineering from an accredited institution.
• Master's degree in Engineering or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Professional Engineering (PE) Certification.

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 participants.
• 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 team.
• Ability to uphold the rights and interests of the MBTA while maintaining 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 and locations as assigned, including 24/7 availability for emergencies, severe weather, or service disruptions.
• Interns/co-ops must be enrolled full or part-time in an accredited program with a minimum 2.5 GPA and valid work authorization.