Join to apply for the Data Engineering Co-Op (Undergraduate Students) role at MBTA

Overview 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 safety, service, equity, sustainability, and culture. This includes attendance, participation, and contribution in local safety committee meetings as needed.

The Office of Performance Management and Innovation (OPMI) develops and tracks performance metrics for MassDOT and the MBTA and implements strategic initiatives with a focus on data analysis to improve rider experience. OPMI’s work is showcased on the MBTA Performance Dashboards, the Data Blog, and the MBTA Open Data Portal. Co-ops participate in training, fieldwork, tours, conferences, and other learning opportunities, gaining experience managing multiple projects, collaborating with multiple departments, and working with datasets to answer real-world questions.

OPMI operates in a hybrid model with remote and in-office work. The office is hotel-style with no assigned desks; staff reserve space when visiting. Expect to come in 2–3 days per week, with Tuesday and Thursday as all-staff in-office days.

Responsibilities

Gain familiarity with OPMI’s data infrastructure and workflows, including data collection, transformation, and reporting processes at different development stages.

Develop and maintain automated data pipelines for ingesting, transforming, and publishing transit-related data using GitHub Actions, Docker, and other CI/CD tools.

Improve data quality control by implementing automated validation, anomaly detection, and monitoring systems.

Monitor and troubleshoot data pipelines, proactively identifying and resolving failures, bottlenecks, or inconsistencies.

Analyze and optimize data storage and processing workflows, recommending improvements for efficiency and scalability.

Support version control best practices for data pipelines and scripts using GitHub and GitHub Actions.

Perform ad hoc data cleaning, transformation, and integration using SQL, R, or Python, with optional analysis and visualization as needed.

Assist in documentation and reporting, contributing to dashboards, reports, presentations, and technical protocols for internal and external stakeholders.

Collaborate with the data team to present findings and support data-driven decision-making across MBTA and MassDOT.

Engage in team meetings, knowledge-sharing sessions, and organizational events to support collaboration and workflow improvements.

Participate in fieldwork efforts as needed, assisting in real-world data collection and integration into automated pipelines.

Perform other duties and projects as assigned.

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications

Enrolled, for the entire duration of employment, in an accredited college/university in computer science, data analytics, math, physics, engineering, public policy, urban planning, government, or a related field (must have proof of enrollment).

Problem-oriented thinking and comfort with ambiguity.

Ability to break down broad problems into answerable questions and identify appropriate tools for addressing each step.

Above-average skills in at least one programming language (such as R or Python) and willingness to learn new languages.

At least one year of experience with DevOps technologies (e.g., Docker, GitHub Actions, Terraform).

At least one year of experience with basic relational database operations and SQL querying.

Quantitative/analytical mindset and attention to detail.

Ability to communicate technical knowledge to a non-technical audience.

Ability to independently commute to assigned work locations in the Boston, MA metro area, as required.

Authorized to work in the United States (international students in CPT, STEM, or OPT programs through a university are eligible to apply).

Preferred Experience and Skills

Interest in public transit, transportation, public policy, urban theory, and/or government.

Strong interest or experience with data governance and familiarity with open data platforms.

Substitutions Include

No substitutions.

Job Conditions

Ability to read, comprehend, and respond to instructions in English.

Must be at least 18 years old (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.

Ability to work effectively, independently, and as part of a diverse team.

Adherence to MBTA policies, including EEO and anti-discrimination policies.

Intern/co-op staff must be enrolled full or part-time in an accredited program and maintain a minimum GPA; valid work authorization and U.S. Social Security Number required prior to starting.

Disclaimers and Definitions

General disclaimer: summary of typical job functions; not an exhaustive list.

Application completion: ensure all details are entered correctly; attachments do not substitute for application fields.

Work eligibility: MBTA is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer; applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.; international students may apply with appropriate work authorization.

ADA accommodations: MBTA provides reasonable accommodations; contact the ADA Unit if needed.

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