Software Engineer Intern

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, and culture. Each employee that works for the MBTA performs their roles based on our vision, mission, and values. This includes attendance, participation, and contribution in local safety committee meetings as needed.

Job Summary

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

• To achieve and then maintain a state of good repair for all infrastructure and vehicle assets.
• Model and predict asset performance and reliability.
• Introduce a continuous improvement ethos to improve quality of infrastructure and compliance.
• Develop technical documentation in repository, accessible to relevant stakeholders.

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

The Reliability & Configuration Engineering team is seeking two interns 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 intern will work directly with the Software Developer on the Reliability & Configuration Engineering team as well as report to the Director of Reliability Engineering under the Office of the Chief Engineer.

This position is only open to undergraduate students.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Assist with existing software development projects, including the following:
  • Greenfield development of automated processes, web applications for desktop and mobile devices in-the-field, primarily in Python and TypeScript (React)
  • Development and implementation of computerized software development reporting, analytics, and dashboards, in Splunk and Tableau
  • Examining and implementing automated solutions to reliability data gathering and organizing against the Enterprise Asset Management system (EAMS)
  • Investigating and documenting application programming interface (API) behaviors, following OpenAPI documentation standards
  • Architecting a cross-browser extension for streamlining and simplifying end-user processes
  • Configuring and building 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.
• Create reports and presentations.
• Engage with industry-standard agile software development practices, such as git workflows, code reviews, scrum, and retrospectives.
• Participate in team / staff meetings, organization events, fieldwork, project teams, or other duties as needed.

• Perform all other duties and projects that may be 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.

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications

• Enrolled, for entire duration of employment, in the Bachelor’s degree program of an accredited college / university in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field.
  • This position is only open to undergraduate students.

• Ability to work in-person three (3) days per week at 10 Park Plaza and one (1) day per week at 21 Arlington Ave (MBTA Engineering & Maintenance Charleston Office)
  • Ability to work in-person for the full work week is preferred, as this is likely to result in better experience given the nature of the work and the largely in-person work environment
• Ability to work and thrive in dynamic work environments
• Familiarity with industry-standard and cooperative software development practices such as Agile
• Above average proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
• Knowledge of Windows Server 2019
• Familiarity with various scripting tools and languages as well as database design and tools
• Familiarity with software development in Windows environments
• Python development skills and familiarity with Python ecosystem such as Pytest, Pylint / Flake8 / Black, and Pip / Pipenv / Virtual environments
• Above average project management, analytical, organizational, time management, and interpersonal skills
• Experience with Web application development, such as React, developing desktops and mobile devices using Progressive Web App tooling.
• Proficiency with XML/XSL, HTML5, CSS, and JavaScript.
• Experience with written reports and time estimates for upper management and stakeholders
• 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
• Ability to effectively work with employees at all levels within the Authority, vendors, and individuals outside the agency
• Experience or interest in transit or transportation
• Above average analytical and problem-solving skills
• Above average attention to detail
• Excellent communication, analytical, and presentation skills
• Ability to independently commute to assigned work locations in the Boston, MA 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 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.

Substitutions Include

• No substitutions.

Job Conditions:

• Ability to effectively read, comprehend, communicate, and respond to instructions, orders, signs, notices, inquiries, etc. in English.
• Be at least eighteen (18) years of age, except if participating in an approved high school internship / co-op program.
• Ability to commute to assigned work locations in the Boston, MA metro area, as required by the role.
• Ability to provide internal and external customers with courteous and professional experiences.
• Ability to work effectively, independently, and as part of a diverse  workforce team (or supervise, if required).
• Ability to uphold the rights and interests of the MBTA while building and maintaining effective relationships with employees and co-workers.
• Ability to adhere to rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable), and policies of the MBTA, including the EEO, anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and anti-retaliation policies.
• Have a satisfactory work record for the two (2) years immediately prior to the closing date of this posting (unless if current student or recent graduate), including overall employment, job performance, discipline, and safety records (infractions and/or offenses occurring after the closing of the posting and before the filling of a vacancy may preclude a candidate from consideration for selection).
• Ability to pass a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, comprehensive background screening, and / or medical Clinic screening, potentially including a physical examination and drug and alcohol screenings.
• Ability to work all shifts and / or locations assigned, directed, or necessary for this position, including (for some transit / operations roles) up to twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week as necessary to accommodate severe weather conditions, emergencies, or any other circumstances that may potentially impact service or the safety of service.
• Intern / co-op staff must be enrolled full or part-time in an accredited educational program and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 for the entire duration of the internship / co-op. Additionally, interns / co-ops must have valid work authorization and U.S. Social Security Number prior to starting their positions and throughout the duration of their program.

Disclaimers and Definitions:

1. General Disclaimer: The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe a summary, general nature, and complexity of typical job functions and do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities required of staff assigned to this position.
2. Application Completion: It is each applicant’s responsibility to ensure application details are entered completely and correctly, including updated work and education histories (past and current). Incomplete applications may not be considered. Attachments do not substitute for application fields. Recruitment team does not have access to existing employee data / history.
3. Application Deadlines: Applicants should apply as soon as possible, as the MBTA may stop considering applicants after a sufficiently large applicant pool is established.
4. Work Environment: 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. See job description for role-specific requirements.
5. Work Eligibility: Although the MBTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, all employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer and on an unrestricted basis (the MBTA does not sponsor non-US citizens). However, if you have an unrestricted work authorization, or sponsored by a separate entity, you are welcome to apply for open positions. International students taking part in CPT / STEM / OPT programs through a university are eligible for internships and co-ops with the MBTA, but a valid work authorization and U.S. Social Security Number are required prior to starting work. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to complete a Form I-9 to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the U.S.
6. Interviews: Candidates should ensure they arrive on time, are prepared, can remain for the duration, and if remote, are in a quiet place without distraction, for the interview. Candidates who do not attend their interview without advance authorization, including an email confirmation of a rescheduled time/date from Human Resources, will be considered a no-show and disqualified from consideration for the position. Related to rescheduling, on a one-time basis, and due to something emergent, you may be allowed to reschedule the interview. In addition, Human Resources may require documentation supporting the request. However, should you need to reschedule, you will need to contact your Recruiter directly by email.
7. Safety Sensitive Positions: Employees working in this classification will be subject to periodic physical examinations plus random drug and alcohol testing.
8. On-call or 24/7 Positions: Employees working in this classification must be available to respond to page / text / call and report to work as determined by assigned department or the Authority.
9. Essential / Emergency Staff: During declared "states of emergency," employees working in this classification are required to report to work for their assigned work hours or as directed by management.
10. ADA Accommodations: The MBTA makes reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation during this process, please contact the MBTA's ADA Unit at 617-222-5751 or hradaaa@mbta.com.
11. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The MBTA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. For terms, descriptions, and definitions related to diversity, equity, inclusion, veteran status, and immediate family members that you may find on the application form, please visit mbta.com/careers-app-definitions.
12. Intern / Co-Op / Fellow Benefits: Employees taking part in an internship, co-op, or fellowship at the MBTA are eligible to receive accrued paid sick leave as well as a monthly transportation pass, based on city from which the employee commutes to work, at no cost. However, no additional benefits are currently offered for interns, co-ops, or fellows.