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.

The OCS Linux Perl Administrator is responsible for the office software of the MBTA Operations Control System (OCS), a vital technological infrastructure that underpins the functionality of OCC's Train Control System. The Operations Control Center (OCC) is MBTA's nerve center, where teams of dispatchers, supervisors, and vehicle operators work together to provide efficient, safe, and reliable public transit via the Heavy-Rail (Red, Orange, Blue lines) and Light-Rail (Green line) train systems.

While this role will primarily focus on the software, scripts, and automation of the OCS, it is essential that the candidate has experience and understanding of Linux systems, networking, and using the command line. This role blends the typical duties of a software developer with general Linux administration and requires a creative problem-solver who thrives on variety while understanding the high stakes of real-time system operations. The OCS Linux Perl Administrator will also support the maintenance and enhancement of real-time data processing, field assets, and communication systems that empower the OCC to effectively oversee, control, and respond to the dynamic needs of the MBTA's transit network. The OCS Linux Perl Administrator will report directly to the Deputy Director of Operations Control System (OCS). 

• Responsible for supporting, maintaining, and enhancing the real-time distributed system used to manage the MBTA's Operations Control Center Train Control System.
• Respond to system emergencies (automated and end user identified) twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week.
• Monitor the software systems to detect hazards and the need for adjustments, corrections, and improvements.
• Work closely with the OCS team and stakeholders to improve the automated system monitoring and problem auto-resolution systems.
• Troubleshoot and document resolutions of failures with the control system.
• Design/implement/integrate new software systems and technologies into the Operations Control Center.
• Read, update, and create detailed documentation such as software design, implementation, testing, cutover, and maintenance documents.
• Create, review, and execute system test procedures.

• Create, execute, and analyze database reports and ad-hoc queries.
• MySQL database setup, configuration, and maintenance monitoring.
• Utilize change control and version management procedures.
• Maintain system backups.
• Perform all other duties and projects that may be assigned.

Supervision

• None

• A Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• Three (3) years of software engineering experience within Perl script programming and Linux/Unix operating systems. Working knowledge of: 
• Web application development (PHP/JavaScript/HTML)
• C/C++ programming
• sh/bash/csh scripting
• SQL query
• Real-time systems programming
• Redundant systems programming
• Have excellent analytical, problem-solving, organizational, planning, multi-tasking, time management, documentation, and interpersonal skills. 
• Have the ability to work any and all shifts and/or locations as assigned or directed; be available to work twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week.
• Ability to provide internal and external customers with a courteous and professional experience.
• Possess a valid driver's license.
• Candidates will be asked to demonstrate their Perl and Linux command-line abilities by completing a Perl script programming assessment utilizing the Linux command line and a text editor.

• 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 and Skills 

• Familiarity with: CentOS Linux, and/or Rocky10 Linux

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 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 pre-employment screenings / pre-boarding, working in 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. The 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: All employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States and on an unrestricted basis. The MBTA does not have an employer work sponsorship program. However, if you have unrestricted work authorization, or are sponsored by a separate entity, you are welcome to apply. Further, all persons hired will require a U.S. Social Security Number prior to starting the position and employees 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 [email protected].
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 Benefits: Employees taking part in an internship or co-op at the MBTA are eligible to receive accrued paid sick leave as well as a monthly transportation pass, based on the city from which the intern / co-op commutes to work, at no cost. However, no additional benefits are currently offered for interns or co-ops.