Federal Regulatory Specialist

Position Contingency Notice:
This position is associated with Bay State Rail’s proposal to operate the MBTA Commuter Rail network. Employment opportunities for this role are contingent upon Bay State Rail being awarded the contract and successful contract mobilization.

Bay State Rail is a joint venture between Transdev North America and Transport UK and is one of three teams pursuing the opportunity to operate the MBTA Regional Rail network. Our team brings the expertise and vision needed to transform Boston regional rail into a service built for the common good. We are committed to delivering a modern, dependable rail system that strengthens communities, eases congestion, and drives a more sustainable future.

• Competitive compensation package of minimum $80,000 – maximum $120,000

If required, Transdev will appoint a highly experienced Federal Regulatory Specialist to support the General Manager and executive leadership team in ensuring compliance with Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) requirements, federal transit regulations, and public funding obligations during service commencement and transition operations.

This senior advisory role provides regulatory, operational, and financial compliance support, helping ensure the commuter rail system operates in accordance with federal requirements, funding conditions, and industry best practices. The Federal Regulatory Specialist will support the General Manager for up to two years from the Service Commencement Date, or as otherwise determined.

• Advise and support executive leadership on compliance with FRA, Federal Transit Administration (FTA), and other applicable federal regulatory requirements.
• Support development, implementation, and oversight of compliance programs, audits, reporting, and regulatory readiness initiatives.
• Assist in interpreting and implementing railroad safety regulations, operating requirements, and compliance obligations.
• Support internal reviews, corrective action planning, and coordination with oversight agencies.

• Provide subject matter support regarding FTA and other public funding regulations, grant compliance requirements, and associated reporting obligations.
• Support compliance related to public funding use, allowable costs, documentation standards, and financial controls.
• Advise leadership on regulatory implications related to business planning, operating budgets, and production planning.
• Support financial information collection, reporting practices, and compliance monitoring consistent with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.

• Serve as a resource to executive leadership on rail industry regulatory practices, risk management, and governance requirements.
• Support integration of compliance considerations into operations, planning, and organizational decision-making.
• Provide guidance on human resource management considerations related to regulatory compliance and labor-sensitive operating environments.
• Support coordination with regulatory agencies, auditors, funding partners, and key stakeholders.

• Demonstrated experience in compliance with FRA regulations, federal oversight requirements, and passenger rail regulatory programs.
• Strong working knowledge of the rail and mass transit industry, including regulatory and operating environments.
• Thorough knowledge of FTA and other public funding regulations and requirements.
• Knowledge and practical experience with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
• Experience in:
• Business and financial planning
• Budget and production plan development and implementation
• Financial information collection and reporting
• Human resource management in regulated environments
• Experience supporting compliance programs, audits, and regulatory reporting in passenger transportation operations.

• Experience supporting commuter rail or public transit operators subject to federal oversight preferred.
• Experience with public agency contracting and grant-funded operations is strongly preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in…