[Hiring] Data Analyst Co-Op @Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority

Role Description

The Procurement & Logistics Data Analyst Co-Op is designed for undergraduate students seeking hands-on experience working with large, complex operational datasets in a mission-driven public-sector environment. Procurement & Logistics holds some of the MBTA’s most critical and information-rich data, spanning contracts, vendors, purchase orders, invoices, vouchers, and inventory that collectively support daily transit operations and long-term programs. As a result, there is a constant need for improved reporting, system validation, and process modernization to turn raw transactional data into meaningful insights.

Co-Ops work directly with staff and leadership within Procurement & Logistics to support data-driven decision-making and improve how essential goods and services are planned, tracked, and delivered. The role offers exposure to real enterprise systems, imperfect data, and evolving business processes, providing an authentic analytics experience beyond classroom exercises. Co-Ops are encouraged to think critically about how data can be structured, visualized, and automated to increase transparency, efficiency, and accountability across the organization.

This position requires the ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously, collaborate with stakeholders across the MBTA, and communicate analytical insights clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences. While gaining exposure to state and federal procurement regulations in a live operating environment, co-ops produce tangible analytical tools and improvements that are used by leadership and operational teams, directly contributing to stronger decision-making and better outcomes for the MBTA.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Support staff & leadership by conducting data analysis that informs strategic and operational decision-making.
• Build, maintain, and enhance dashboards, reports, and visualizations (primarily in Tableau).
• Collect, clean, validate, and reconcile procurement and logistics data across multiple systems to ensure accuracy and reliability.
• Assist in maintaining and improving data pipelines and analytical tools, including compiling historical and current data to identify changes, trends, or anomalies.
• Analyze data pertaining to contracts, purchase orders, vendors, and procurement processes.
• Perform invoice, voucher, and payment data pulls from enterprise systems when automated solutions are unavailable.
• Support system validation and data quality efforts by comparing data between enterprise systems and documenting findings and recommended updates.
• Assist with documentation, process mapping, and modernization initiatives within Procurement & Logistics.
• Collaborate with Sourcing, Non-Inventory, Inventory, and Compliance on projects.
• Participate in team / staff meetings, organization events, fieldwork, project teams, or other duties as needed.
• Provide internal and external customers with courteous and professional experience.
• Perform all other duties and projects that may be assigned.

Qualifications

• Enrolled, for the entire duration of employment, in the undergraduate / bachelor’s program of an accredited college or university; preferably in data analytics, information systems, business analytics, supply chain, or related field.
• Above average proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel for data analysis and reporting.
• Above average analytical and problem-solving skills, with an interest in data analysis, and project-based work.
• Above average proficiency in at least one programming language and work with tools such as Git, SQL/No-SQL, CLI/bash scripting, and R or Python/Pandas.
• Above average proficiency in business intelligence and data visualization tools, such as Tableau and/or Power BI, to develop insightful visualizations and perform in-depth data analysis.
• Above average ability to explain analytical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Above average ability to communicate effectively in English, both in written and oral forms.
• Highly organized, motivated, and have great attention-to-detail.
• Strong interest in public service, transit, or transportation and how it operates.
• Above average ability to work effectively in diverse, collaborative, fast-paced environments as well as independently.
• 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).

Requirements

• 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.
• 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.

Benefits

• Accrued paid sick leave.
• A monthly transportation pass, based on the city from which the intern/co-op commutes to work, at no cost.