Data Science, Emerging Talent Intern (Summer)
Description
Department: MTAHQ - Strategic Initiatives
Location: 2 Broadway, New York, NY 10004
Position Title: Data Science, Emerging Talent Intern
Hourly Rate: $19.00 (Undergraduate), $21.00 (Graduate)
All internship positions are onsite and require regular, in-person attendance at the designated work location.
OVERVIEW OF DEPARTMENT:
The MTA Data & Analytics team builds and operates the MTA's core data infrastructure, develops internal and public-facing data products, and supports executive decision-making on the MTA’s highest-impact initiatives. The team owns core data pipelines, the MTA Open Data Program, and advanced analyses spanning ridership, operations, revenue, and policy evaluation.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Writing and maintaining code to clean, combine, and transform large operational datasets.
- Conducting exploratory and structured analyses to answer questions from MTA leadership
- Working with SQL, Spark, Python, and other analytical tools as project needs dictate.
- Monitoring, validating, and improving production data pipelines for accuracy, reliability, and maintainability using Apache Airflow.
- Translating exploratory analyses into durable, well-documented datasets.
- Authoring presentations and written documentation that clearly communicate findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Build dashboards using tools like Power BI and Mode Analytics to visualize data for stakeholders.
- Collaborating thoughtfully, kindly, and enthusiastically with analysts, planners, engineers, executives, and operations staff across the MTA.
PROJECTS:
The specific projects the intern will work on are to be determined, based on the needs of the Data & Analytics team and the skills and interests of the hired intern. Some example projects include:
- Bus Speed & Customer Experience Analysis. Analyze bus speeds, reliability, and variability across New York City to identify bottlenecks, service gaps, and opportunities to improve customer experience.
- In-Field Hardware & Sensor Performance. Analyze telemetry and event data from fare payment validators, buses, and subway infrastructure to assess hardware reliability, detect failures, and surface operational risk.
- Congestion Pricing Impact Analysis. Measure the ongoing effects of congestion pricing on travel behavior, traffic conditions, transit ridership, and revenue.
- Staff Scheduling & Optimization. Analyze workforce schedules, service plans, and operational constraints to deliver better service quality for customers.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite is a must.
- The candidate should possess organizational, analytical and communication skills.
- The candidate should be able to work well under pressure and prioritize tasks effectively.
- The candidate should have a keen eye for detail and be able to work independently while being an active team player.
- Strong data analytic skills, understanding of analytical methods (e.g., probability and statistics, algorithm design).
- Strong experience in Python or SQL coding.
- Experience in analytic tooling such as Excel, Power BI, Tableau, or Mode Analytics.
- Experience coding, documenting processes, and performing data quality checks.
- Knowledge of and preferably some experience in data engineering. Experience with Apache Airflow especially valuable.
REQUIRED EDUCATION:
- Matriculated in an undergraduate program in good standing with at least 2.5 GPA AND/OR matriculated in a graduate program in good standing with at least 2.8 GPA
- Major(s) Preferred: Computer Science, Data Science, Transportation, Urban Science and Informatics, Economics, Statistics, or related field.
All applicants must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of application. Students’ transcript must be submitted.
Equal Employment Opportunity
MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including with respect to veteran status and individuals with disabilities. The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.