Software Engineer Co-Op

About the Role

The MBTA Reliability Engineering department ensures the safe and reliable service and performance of transport modes. This role supports the Reliability & Configuration Engineering team, focusing on asset data and lifecycle management, and providing technical guidance for Enterprise Asset Management (EAMS) systems. This co-op position is ideal for students in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Information Technology, or related fields.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with existing software development projects, including:
• Greenfield development of automated processes and web applications for desktop and mobile devices, primarily in Python and TypeScript (React).
• Development and implementation of automated reporting and analytical dashboards using Splunk and Tableau.
• Examination and implementation of automated solutions for reliability data gathering and organization against the Enterprise Asset Management system (EAMS).
• Investigation and documentation of application programming interface (API) behaviors following OpenAPI documentation standards.
• Configuration of unit-testing solutions and automated validations using Windows-based command-line tools, Python, and GitHub Actions workflows.
• Assist with project coordination, including organizing meetings and communicating project needs with consultants and other departments.
• Attend virtual and phone meetings and create reports, presentations, and other administrative projects.
• Engage with industry-standard agile software development practices, such as git workflows, code reviews, scrum, and retrospectives.
• Participate in team meetings, organizational events, fieldwork, project teams, or other assigned duties.
• Provide courteous and professional experiences to internal and external customers.
• Perform all other assigned duties and projects.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Python development skills
• Familiarity with Python ecosystem (e.g., Pytest, Pylint / Flake8 / Black, Pip / Pipenv / Virtual environments)
• Web application development skills, specifically React
• Experience developing web applications for desktop and mobile devices using Progressive Web App tooling
• Proficiency with XML/XSL, HTML5, CSS, JavaScript
• Proficiency in software development within a Windows environment
• Skills in various scripting tools and languages
• Experience with database design and tools
• Experience with written reports and time estimates for upper management and stakeholders (at least one year)
• Project management, analytical, organizational, time management, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to map business processes and implement them across departments
• Ability to work in an active railroad and maintenance environment and understand its physical constraints
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency with standard office software (e.g., Microsoft Office) or relevant technical tools
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both written and oral
• Highly organized, self-motivated, and detail-oriented
• Demonstrated interest in public transportation, urban planning, engineering, public policy, or public service
• Proven ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively in diverse, fast-paced environments
• Ability to commute independently to assigned work locations within the Greater Boston metro area
• Authorized to work in the United States (international students in CPT, STEM, or OPT programs are eligible)

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled and maintaining active status for the entire duration of employment in an accredited undergraduate / Bachelor’s degree program in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field.
• Average knowledge of industry-standard and cooperative software development practices such as Agile.
• Above average skills in Python development.
• Above average proficiency in web application development such as React.
• Average proficiency with XML/XSL, HTML5, CSS, JavaScript.
• Average proficiency in software development in a Windows environment.
• Above average skills in various scripting tools and languages, as well as database design and tools.
• At least one year of experience with written reports and time estimates for upper management, and stakeholders.
• Above average project management, analytical, organizational, time management, and interpersonal skills.
• Above average 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.
• Above average analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Above average proficiency with standard office software (e.g., Microsoft Office) or relevant technical tools.
• Above average ability to communicate effectively in English, both in written and oral forms.
• Highly organized, self-motivated, and detail oriented.
• Demonstrated interest in public transportation, urban planning, engineering, public policy, or public service.
• Proven ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively within diverse, fast-paced environments.
• Ability to commute independently to assigned work locations within the Greater Boston metro area, as required by the role.
• 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.
• Interns / co-ops must have valid work authorization and U.S. Social Security Number prior to starting pre-employment screenings / pre-boarding, working in their positions, and throughout the duration of their program.
• 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.
• Ability to commute to assigned work locations in the Boston, MA metro area.
• 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.
• 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.
• Have a satisfactory work record for the two (2) years immediately prior to the closing date of this posting (unless a current student or recent graduate).
• Ability to pass a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, comprehensive background screening, and / or medical clinic screening, potentially including physical examination and drug and alcohol screenings.
• Ability to work all shifts and / or locations assigned, directed, or necessary for this position.