Department Marketing Statement:
Data Lab, the data science unit at WMATA, is looking to incorporate a Data Science Engineering Manager who will help us shape our analytical infrastructure and lead the development of internal data tools. Data Lab is a new initiative at WMATA that advances and supports research on a wide variety of topics of interest to the Authority. Examples of our recent work include modeling the impact of different fare policies on ridership, using computer vision to detect hazardous situations on train platforms, and processing customer feedback using large language models. We conduct research using both internal resources and through collaboration with academic partners and contractors.
In this role, you will collaborate closely with researchers and business analysts to understand their needs and translate them into a flexible, scalable, secure, and efficient infrastructure suitable for both small and large-scale data analysis. You will also build and manage a team that will oversee the development of tools and data pipelines that translate our internal and academic research into useful products for stakeholders across WMATA.
We are looking for a mission-driven, hands-on leader with experience in both on-premise and cloud environments, ideally working in a research context. Your experience collaborating with IT teams will be invaluable to us help coordinate work with other technical units. The team is very invested in a Python and R stack, and we prefer open-source technologies for data engineering, data analysis and machine learning.
If you are passionate about leveraging cutting-edge technology to drive innovation and thrive in a fast-paced environment, we want to hear from you!
General Hybrid Work Statement:
This opportunity is a hybrid opportunity allowing for flexibility between virtual and in-person work subject to the Authority’s telework policy.
- Bachelor’s degree in Civil/Transportation Engineering, Systems Analysis Engineering, Data Science, Software Engineering, Operations Research, Computer Science, or a related field
- Eight (8) years of relevant data management/analysis experience that includes at least four (4) years of experience using programming languages or enterprise database systems to develop data flows, data models, data warehouses and/or datamarts.
- Master’s degree in Civil/Transportation Engineering, Systems Analysis Engineering, Data Science, Software Engineering, Operations Research, Computer Science, or a related field
- Advanced experience using R, Python, SQL or similar tools to extract, manipulate, and clean data; Advanced experience in Oracle relational database management and/or application development
Medical Group
Satisfactorily complete the medical examination for this position, if required. The incumbent must be able to perform the essential functions of this position either with or without reasonable accommodations.
Mission Essential Designation
In accordance with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) this job has been identified as critical to mission essential functions. Incumbents in this role may be required to report to or continue to work in the event of authorized office closings or service suspensions due to severe weather, natural disaster, fire, operational emergencies or related events.
The Manager Data Science/Engineering manages and oversees quantitative research, data science, and data engineering activities of the Data Lab within the Department of Performance, Data and Research. The incumbent oversees and leads internal task teams, consultants, subordinate staff, and academic research partners in the execution of a work program for quantitative analysis and research, and development and maintenance of data infrastructure and data models. Primarily, the Manager Data Science/Engineering oversees project teams, cultivates internal and third-party data sources, develops relationships with internal business office leaders and data owners, and supports agency-wide data strategy and data governance initiatives. The incumbent manages teams that implement other aspects of the Data Lab work program, including development of data documentation, data pipelines, and data models, and the identification, integration, and analysis of large and complex third-party and in-house datasets. The Manager Data Science/Engineering supports peer offices and other teams developing data- informed, action-oriented, and equity-focused recommendations and insights for executive leaders and managers.
- Manages and oversees the development, maintenance, and documentation of internal “data hub” that integrates and centralizes actionable data from across the Authority
- Empowers analysts and other data users to confidently and consistently develop actionable intelligence for specific business uses
- Manages and oversees the development and implementation of data pipelines, including the capture, transformation, aggregation, and publication of new and existing raw data sets to provide analyst teams and other internal customers with advanced tools to support business needs
- Manages and oversees the design and development of advanced data models using a variety of statistical and data science methodologies to provide near-term to long-range predictive analytics for a variety of real-time, performance, maintenance, and planning applications
- Manages and oversees creation and maintenance of architecture diagrams, system documentation, data models, mapping documents, business rules, data flow diagrams and other design related artifacts in a manner consistent with team standards, to ensure understanding of teammates and, as needed, other audiences, both technical and non- technical
- Manages and oversees development and deployment of tools and datasets for partner teams within Planning and Performance and others to support advanced analytics and data-informed decision making throughout the agency
- Oversees development of automated test scripts, conducts root cause analyses in response to data issues, and implements cost effective resolutions for data anomalies to monitor and report on data quality, validity, accuracy and usability; identify opportunities for corrections; and implement fixes that ensure internal customers have the highest quality data for decision making
- Manages and oversees the procurement, management, integration, and maintenance of third-party datasets, data transformation services, and data software platforms to ensure agency analysts have the best data and tools to support data-informed decision making
- Manages and oversees project teams of data scientists, data engineers, consultants, and academic research partners collaboratively executing a portfolio of quantitative research and development initiatives to support critical business functions including planning, performance, scheduling, operations, budgeting, maintenance, and safety, and enable data-informed decision-making throughout the authority
- Uses technical knowledge and business acumen to manage and oversee the identification of new data sources and new uses for existing data, including interviews with data owners, documentation of data flows, and development of requirements for data transformation tasks to serve unmet and evolving analytical solutions to pressing business needs
- Supervises subordinate staff to include interviewing, hiring, training, and coaching employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; establishing work plans and programs; leveraging team and individual strengths; managing performance; rewarding and disciplining employees. Other supervisorial duties as needed to build talented teams and provide supportive work environment for subordinate employees
- Cultivates and maintains supportive relationships with team leaders that produce data, provide data infrastructure, and use data and analytics tools to collaboratively develop, maintain, and implement an authority-wide shared vision of a data-informed, values-driven future for WMATA
- Leads identification, development, and implementation of industry best-practice data governance, data management, and data strategy initiatives to increase efficiency and reduce barriers to implementation of a data-informed future
- Leads collaboration with business offices and analyst teams including interviews with business process owners and development of requirements for datasets, models, and toolsets to identify strategic policy, planning, and operational decisions that would benefit from new quantitative analysis and tools
- strategic policy, planning, and operational decisions that would benefit from new quantitative analysis and tools
The functions listed are not intended to limit specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Nor is it intended to limit in any way the right of managers and supervisors to assign, direct and control the work of employees under their supervision.
Evaluation Criteria
Consideration will be given to applicants whose resumes demonstrate the required education and experience. Applicants should include all relevant education and work experience.
Evaluation criteria may include one or more of the following:
- Skills and/or behavioral assessment
- Personal interview
- Verification of education and experience (including certifications and licenses)
- Criminal Background Check (a criminal conviction is not an automatic bar to employment)
- Medical examination including a drug and alcohol screening (for safety sensitive positions)
- Review of a current motor vehicle report
Closing
WMATA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by applicable federal law.
This posting is an announcement of a vacant position under recruitment. It is not intended to replace the official job description. Job descriptions are available upon confirmation of an interview.