Technical Project Manager at Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority – Boston, Massachusetts

The Technical Project Manager will have the primary responsibility for managing, performing, and/or reviewing technical work related to the support and administration of databases, programs, and other technology solutions used and administered by the Operations Analytics team. The Operations Analytics team was established in 2023. This team is responsible for designing, building, and maintaining data and analytics tools that enable departments within the Operations division to deliver safer, more efficient, and more reliable services. The MBTA collects vast amounts of data daily from its operational systems, including bus service data, rail service data, staffing data, and maintenance information. The Operations Analytics team works closely with Operations leadership to identify the necessary data for critical decision making and convert this information into valuable tools for Operations. In addition to data analytics, the team also supports information technology projects critical to business processes. These projects include, but are not limited to, databases, programs, and technologies related to operational performance, transit scheduling, ridership counting, timekeeping, substitution lists, rules compliance, and other related areas.

• Support Technology Solutions
  • Identity, propose, lead, and support technical initiatives to improve the team’s data, analytical, and information technology resources and practices, including but not limited to automation, consolidation, standardization, resiliency planning, and communication with stakeholders.
  • Define user requirements for system modification, enhancements, and integration.
  • Develop or work from detailed system and program specifications.
  • Develop computer programs and custom reports for Operations.
  • Develop technical specifications, contract documents, schedules, and budgets.
  • Prepare user documentation and train users on application systems.
  • Prepare and maintain program documentation, including data flow diagrams and program turnover documentation.
  • Make recommendations for and implement system enhancements.
  • Work with central IT staff to manage server upgrade and migration projects.
  • With assistance from central IT staff, function as a local database administrator to maintain and monitor MS SQL Server databases, manage user roles and permissions, and improve database performance.
• Project Management
  • Develop and manage comprehensive project plans—including scope, goals, budget, timeline, and deliverables—while prioritizing critical path tasks and resource allocation.
  • Communicate effectively through written and verbal channels, lead productive meetings, and deliver presentations with confidence and minimal oversight.
  • Provide regular updates on project status, timelines, and key metrics; document process milestones and lead retrospective evaluations to drive continuous improvement. Identify and mitigate risks and blockers throughout all project phases, escalating issues as needed to maintain momentum.
  • Guide cross-functional teams to act with urgency and stay aligned with timelines, roadmaps, and deliverables.
  • Critically review project documentation to ensure feasibility, mitigate risk, and optimize planning.
  • Assist with the planning and coordination of the Operations Analytics team’s overall project management and workload.
• General
  • Be a committed, vocal, collaborative member of Operations Analytics and push for Operations Analytics to do better in any/all dimensions of its work.
  • Participate in team meetings, staff meetings, organization events, and other duties as necessary.
  • Organize and prioritize workload, be proactive in identifying project needs/requirements.
  • Prepare project-related correspondence, reports, charts, and presentations utilizing Microsoft Word, Excel, Database, and PowerPoint.
  • Work independently in addressing complex tasks in a time-sensitive environment.
  • Provide rapid-response data analytics and information technology support during emergencies.
  • Respond to each inquiry, whether from a customer, vendor, or co-worker, in a courteous and professional manner consistent with the Authority's Customer Service quality standard.
  • Uphold the rights and interests of the Authority while building and maintaining an effective relationship with employees.
  • Visit work sites and/or attend off-site meetings throughout the MBTA service area.
  • Ensure compliance with MBTA policies while fostering a positive and inclusive work environment
  • Perform all other duties and projects that may be assigned

Supervision

• May manage the contributions of others on specific projects as assigned, but will not have any direct reports.

• A Bachelor’s degree or higher in computer science, information science, project management, software engineering, civil engineering, planning, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Five (5) or more years of experience in project management, product management, engineering, technology, transportation operations, scheduling/planning, or a related industry.
• One (1) year supervisory and/or lead experience.
• Working knowledge of databases, database administration, and scripting
• Working knowledge of Windows system administration
• Understanding of software development lifecycle
• Effective organizational, analytical, multi-tasking, time management, and documentation skills.
• Excellent customer service, conflict resolution, and presentation skills.
• Experience using online collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Asana, etc.)
• Four years of related experience in programming, application support/development, project management, service planning, or transit scheduling.
• Effective organizational and analytical skills.
• The ability to use Word, Excel, and database applications.
• The ability to handle sensitive and confidential information in an appropriate manner.
• Excellent customer service and conflict resolution skills.
• Effective interpersonal, organizational, analytical, oral, and written communication skills.
• The ability to work effectively with a diverse workforce.
• Successful applicants must have English language skills required for the effective performance of the position.

• 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, and an additional three (3) years of directly related experience, substitutes for the bachelor's degree requirement.
• A master's degree in a related subject may substitute 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 and Skills

• Experience working for a public agency.
• Experience in transit or transportation.
• Operational experience with Lean Six Sigma and DMAIC problem-solving methods, or similar frameworks.
• Experience with statistical modeling or data science.
• Experience with data processing and visualization tools such as Python, R, SPSS, Tableau, PowerBI, or similar tools.
• Experience with support for or integration between transportation data, scheduling, dispatch, or timekeeping systems such as TransitMaster, HASTUS, TimeClock Plus, Automated Passenger Counters, or similar.