Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: Sound Transit

Location: Seattle, Washington, USA

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Design Management / Transit Infrastructure Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-02

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (Minimum 3 days in office)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage the comprehensive design delivery of State of Good Repair (SOGR) projects and Sounder commuter rail track, signal, and passenger facilities within the Capital Delivery Department.

• Oversee and direct design consultant teams, ensuring the delivery of high-value, quality designs that align with Sound Transit's mission and operational needs.

• Foster a collaborative environment by closely coordinating with internal stakeholders across Operations, Engineering, Architecture, Urban Design, Planning, Safety, Quality, and external third parties.

• Manage all phases of the design process, from initial planning and scope development through construction support, focusing on technical resolution, budget adherence, and risk mitigation.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for maintaining and improving the operational integrity and passenger experience of Sound Transit's infrastructure. The focus on SOGR and Sounder rail projects indicates a need for deep understanding of transit systems maintenance, renewal, and passenger facility enhancements, requiring a blend of engineering acumen and project leadership.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead technical teams of subject matter experts to creatively solve complex design challenges related to electrical, traction power, signaling, communication, civil/structural, track, mechanical, plumbing, and fire life safety systems.

• Supervise, coach, train, and motivate assigned staff and design consultants, contributing to workforce planning efforts for critical transit projects.

• Administer and manage design consultant contracts, including developing scopes of work, managing schedules and budgets, conducting peer and design reviews, and performing risk assessments.

• Ensure technical resolution of milestone design submissions by fostering collaboration between design teams and project stakeholders.

• Support the development and negotiation of agreements and permits with third parties, including state and local agencies, utilities, and private property owners.

• Provide robust design support during construction, managing design contracts, recommending resolutions for errors and omissions, addressing non-conformance issues, and managing design-related changes.

• Collaborate cross-departmentally with Operations, Passenger Experience, the Project Management Office, and IT to ensure design requirements are met and integrated.

• Prepare and present staff reports and correspondence to Sound Transit leadership, including the Board and Executive leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: The breadth of technical disciplines managed (electrical, TPSS, OCS, communications, VT, civil/structures, track/signals, M/E/P/F) indicates a need for a manager with a broad understanding of transit infrastructure systems or the ability to effectively manage diverse specialized teams. The emphasis on contract administration and third-party negotiations highlights the project finance and stakeholder management aspects of this role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Architecture, or a closely related field.

Experience: A minimum of five years of experience in civil/structural engineering or architectural design and construction. Three years of leadership, budgetary, planning, and workforce management experience, preferably within a rail or transit environment.

Required Skills:

• Advanced understanding of principles and practices for managing professional design services and project design development.

• Strong knowledge of Federal, State, and local policies, laws, and regulations applicable to transit infrastructure projects.

• Advanced knowledge of project management principles and methodologies.

• Expertise in obtaining design consulting services and various contracting methods, including developing scopes of work, reports, studies, cost estimates, plans, and specifications.

• Proficient in contract and procurement strategies, including alternative contract forms such as GCCM and design-build.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills for conveying technical information to diverse audiences.

• Strong public speaking skills for representing the agency at public meetings and executive-level discussions.

• Proven supervisory and team leadership capabilities.

• Experience in performing negotiations and partnering with local jurisdictions, agencies, utilities, contractors, and community groups.

• Ability to prepare, review, interpret, analyze, and modify complex engineering plans, drawings, specifications, and contract documents.

• Proficiency in applying advanced project management and contract management techniques.

• Skill in utilizing personal computer software for data analysis, spreadsheets, and report generation.

• Excellent collaboration and interpersonal skills to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

• Ability to interpret and administer policies and procedures effectively.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage time effectively, prioritizing and delegating workloads.

• Capacity to work effectively under pressure, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with State of Good Repair (SOGR) project delivery.

• Familiarity with electrical, traction power substation (TPSS), overhead catenary system (OCS), and communication systems design.

• Knowledge of vertical transportation (VT), mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire life safety systems in transit environments.

• Experience with Sounder commuter rail platforms, canopies, pedestrian bridges, and passenger amenities design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a Washington State Professional Civil Engineer or Professional Architect license is a key differentiator. Candidates should highlight experience with specific transit infrastructure components like TPSS and OCS if they possess it, as this aligns with the primary project types mentioned.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of two detailed case studies demonstrating successful management of complex transit infrastructure design projects, highlighting your leadership role and problem-solving approach.

• Include examples of contract administration for design consultants, illustrating your ability to manage scopes of work, budgets, schedules, and deliverables.

• Provide evidence of successful cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management, illustrating how you integrated input from Operations, Engineering, and other departments.

• Demonstrate your ability to oversee the technical resolution of design issues, including review comments, errors, omissions, and change management processes. Process Documentation:

• Present documented processes for managing design consultant contracts, from procurement to close-out, emphasizing efficiency and compliance.

• Detail your approach to risk assessment and mitigation within the design phase of capital projects.

• Illustrate your methodology for ensuring design quality and compliance with engineering standards, codes, and regulations.

• Provide examples of how you have developed and implemented design support processes during construction.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, a portfolio should emphasize end-to-end design management, from initial planning and consultant selection through construction support. Focus on quantifiable achievements related to budget control, schedule adherence, and technical problem resolution.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $107,000 - $213,000 annually. The midpoint is $160,000. New hires typically receive between the minimum and midpoint, with potential for higher compensation based on experience, internal equity, and market conditions.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision plans are provided at no cost for employee coverage, with options for comprehensive benefits for employees and eligible dependents, including spouses or domestic partners.

• Income Protection: Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance are provided.

• Employee Support: Access to an Employee Assistance Program.

• Retirement Planning:

  • 401a: Sound Transit contributes 12% with a 10% employee contribution.
  • 457b: Employee contributions up to the IRS maximum.

• Generous Paid Time Off:

  • Accrue 25 days annually, increasing at 4, 8, and 12 years of service.
  • Director-level employees and above accrue additional days.
  • 12 paid holidays.
  • Up to 2 paid floating holidays per year.
  • Up to 2 paid volunteer days per year.

• Family Support: 12 weeks of paid parental leave for new parents.

• Additional Perks: Pet insurance, a no-cost ORCA card for all full-time employees.

• Professional Development: Up to $5,000 annually for approved tuition reimbursement.

• Health Services: Inclusive reproductive health support services.

• Work-Life Balance: Emphasis on competitive salaries, work-life balance, professional development, and recognition.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a Design Manager role in a major metropolitan area like Seattle, especially within the public sector/transit industry. The extensive benefits package, particularly the 12% match on the 401a plan, generous PTO, and comprehensive health coverage, represents significant value for employees.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Public Transportation / Transit Infrastructure Development and Operations. Sound Transit is a major public agency responsible for developing and operating regional transit systems in the Puget Sound area.

Company Size: Large (likely several thousand employees based on typical transit agency structures). This size offers stability and opportunities for diverse project involvement.

Founded: Sound Transit was established in 1993. This history suggests a mature organization with established processes and a long-term vision for regional transit development.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager reports to a Project or Design Director within the Capital Delivery Department.

• This role involves leading a technical team comprising subject matter experts and managing external design consultants.

• Close coordination is expected with multiple internal departments, including Operations, Engineering, Architecture, Urban Design, Planning, Safety, and the Project Management Office. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on interpreting and analyzing complex engineering plans, reports, and data to ensure design quality and compliance.

• Process Optimization: Focus on efficient management of design consultant contracts, workflow planning, and continuous improvement in design delivery processes.

• Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement: Strong emphasis on partnering with internal teams, external agencies, utilities, and community groups to achieve project goals.

• Compliance & Standards: Adherence to all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and agency policies is paramount.

Company Website: https://www.soundtransit.org/

📝 Enhancement Note: As a public agency, Sound Transit's culture likely emphasizes public service, safety, equity, and fiscal responsibility. The "Capital Delivery Department" suggests a focus on executing large-scale infrastructure projects, requiring robust project management and engineering expertise.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level management position, responsible for leading significant design initiatives and managing substantial budgets and teams. It sits within the technical and project delivery arm of the transit agency, focusing on the infrastructure that enables operations.

Reporting Structure: Reports to a Project or Design Director, indicating a direct line of responsibility for specific project portfolios within the Capital Delivery Department.

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's work directly impacts the safety, reliability, efficiency, and passenger experience of Sound Transit's rail systems. Successful design delivery is foundational to the agency's mission of providing accessible and effective public transportation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to advance to Design Director, Project Director, or other senior leadership roles within Capital Delivery or other departments.

• Specialization & Expertise: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific transit infrastructure systems (e.g., traction power, signaling) or project delivery methods (e.g., design-build).

• Mentorship & Training: Develop leadership and team management skills through supervising staff and consultants, with opportunities for formal training and professional development, including tuition reimbursement.

• Strategic Involvement: Contribute to the strategic planning and long-term vision of Sound Transit's capital programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a stable career path within a critical public service sector. Growth potential is tied to demonstrated leadership, successful project delivery, and the ability to manage complex, multi-disciplinary engineering and design challenges within a large organizational structure.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment, requiring a minimum of 3 days per week in the office. This blend supports focused individual work and collaborative team interaction.

Office Location(s): Seattle, Washington, with a postal code of 98104. This location is central and accessible within the Puget Sound region.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The hybrid model suggests access to office spaces designed for team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and cross-functional collaboration.

• Tools and Technology: Employees will have access to necessary computer software, including tools for project management, design review, data analysis, spreadsheets, and report generation.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities to engage with a diverse team of engineers, designers, project managers, and operations personnel, fostering knowledge sharing and professional networking.

Work Schedule: Standard 40-hour work week, with the expectation of flexibility to meet project deadlines and address urgent issues, common in capital project environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is designed to balance the benefits of remote work with the necessity of in-person collaboration for complex design and project management tasks. Employees are expected to be present in the office for critical team interactions and strategic discussions.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of application materials, focusing on education, experience, and required licenses.

• Technical Interview: Assessment of engineering/design knowledge, project management skills, and experience with transit infrastructure projects. Expect questions related to contract management, design oversight, and technical problem-solving.

• Behavioral Interview: Evaluation of leadership style, team management capabilities, communication skills, and cultural fit with Sound Transit's values (e.g., equity, sustainability, collaboration).

• Presentation/Case Study: Candidates may be asked to present a portfolio case study demonstrating their experience managing a complex design project, highlighting challenges, solutions, and outcomes.

• Final Interview: Discussions with senior leadership (e.g., Director level) to finalize selection.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Leadership: Clearly articulate your role and impact in managing design teams and consultant contracts. Use "I" statements for your direct contributions and "We" for team achievements.

• Quantify Achievements: Wherever possible, include metrics such as budget managed, schedule adherence, cost savings achieved, or improvements in design quality.

• Showcase Technical Breadth: Include examples that demonstrate your understanding of various engineering and architectural disciplines relevant to transit infrastructure.

• Demonstrate Problem-Solving: Present specific challenges faced on projects and detail your systematic approach to resolving them, including collaboration and technical expertise.

• Focus on Transit Relevance: Prioritize projects and responsibilities that directly relate to public transit, rail, or large-scale infrastructure development.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Management Scenario: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical design challenge, such as managing a scope change, resolving a conflict between design disciplines, or accelerating a project schedule.

• Stakeholder Management: Prepare examples of how you have successfully managed relationships with diverse stakeholders, including public agencies, community groups, and internal departments.

• Contract Negotiation: Be ready to discuss your experience with different contract types (e.g., GCCM, design-build) and your approach to negotiating favorable terms and managing consultant performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a Professional Engineer or Architect license suggests that technical depth will be rigorously assessed. Applicants should be prepared to discuss specific design challenges and solutions in detail, demonstrating their ability to apply engineering principles in a practical, project-driven environment.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency in systems for managing project schedules, budgets, resources, and task assignments (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar).

• Document Management Systems: Experience with platforms for storing, organizing, and retrieving project documentation, including plans, specifications, and reports.

• Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, or similar for team communication, file sharing, and collaborative work.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets for data analysis, financial tracking, and reporting.

• Business Intelligence/Reporting Tools: Familiarity with tools that can generate reports and dashboards for project performance, budget status, and schedule updates (e.g., Tableau, Power BI - though specific tools may vary).

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not a direct sales role, experience with CRM concepts for managing stakeholder relationships and tracking interactions may be beneficial.

• Contract Management Software: Potential use of specialized software for managing design consultant contracts, procurement, and compliance.

• CAD/BIM Software Familiarity: While not expected to be a user, a general understanding of how CAD (e.g., AutoCAD) and BIM (e.g., Revit) software are used in design development is advantageous for effective oversight.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core need is for strong project and contract management capabilities, supported by standard office productivity and collaboration tools. Specific transit design software knowledge is less critical than the ability to manage the processes and teams that utilize them.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Public Service & Mission Alignment: A strong commitment to Sound Transit's mission of providing effective and accessible public transportation for the Puget Sound region.

• Safety & Reliability: Prioritizing the safety of passengers and employees, and ensuring the reliability of transit infrastructure through robust design and maintenance practices.

• Equity & Inclusion: Championing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of work, aligning with Sound Transit's Equity & Inclusion Policy.

• Efficiency & Fiscal Responsibility: Managing resources effectively, delivering projects within budget, and ensuring the responsible use of public funds.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a cooperative environment where diverse teams work together to achieve common goals.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expectation of seamless collaboration with various internal departments (Operations, Engineering, Planning, etc.) to ensure designs meet operational needs and strategic objectives.

• Consultant Partnership: Maintaining professional and productive relationships with design consultants to ensure high-quality deliverables and adherence to contract terms.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Proactive communication and engagement with third parties, including government agencies, utilities, and community groups, to facilitate project progress and address concerns.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging an environment where best practices are shared, and lessons learned are applied to improve future projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Sound Transit's public sector nature means that values like public trust, accountability, and community benefit are likely deeply ingrained. Candidates should demonstrate an understanding of these principles and how they translate into daily work practices for a Design Manager.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Interdependencies: Coordinating numerous design disciplines (civil, structural, electrical, mechanical, track, etc.) and their interdependencies on large-scale transit projects.

• Balancing Competing Priorities: Juggling multiple projects simultaneously, each with unique schedules, budgets, and stakeholder requirements, while ensuring quality and compliance.

• Navigating Regulatory Environments: Adhering to a complex web of federal, state, and local regulations, permits, and environmental requirements.

• Consultant Performance Management: Ensuring design consultants deliver high-quality work on time and within budget, and effectively managing any performance issues.

• Integrating New Technologies: Keeping abreast of and integrating new design technologies, materials, and construction methods into projects to enhance efficiency and sustainability.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Management: Opportunities to gain certifications or advanced training in project management methodologies relevant to large infrastructure projects.

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of transit engineering or design through specialized training, workshops, or on-the-job learning.

• Leadership Development: Access to leadership training programs, mentorship opportunities, and exposure to senior management within Sound Transit.

• Industry Engagement: Participation in industry conferences, professional associations, and workshops to stay current with transit design trends and best practices.

• Tuition Reimbursement: Financial support for pursuing further education relevant to the role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges in this role are typical of large capital infrastructure projects, emphasizing the need for strong problem-solving skills, resilience, and a proactive approach to risk management. The growth opportunities are substantial for individuals seeking to advance their careers in transit infrastructure management.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to managing the design phase of a major transit infrastructure project from conception to construction readiness." (Focus on process, stakeholder management, risk mitigation, and team leadership.)

• "How do you ensure that designs meet the operational needs of an agency like Sound Transit, especially concerning safety, reliability, and passenger experience?" (Highlight collaboration with Operations and understanding of transit system requirements.)

• "Walk us through a situation where you had to resolve a significant technical disagreement between different design disciplines or between a consultant and internal stakeholders. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Demonstrate problem-solving, negotiation, and technical acumen.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for Sound Transit, and how do your values align with our mission and our commitment to equity and inclusion?" (Research Sound Transit's mission, recent projects, and DEI initiatives.)

• "How do you foster a collaborative environment among your team, consultants, and other departments, particularly in a hybrid work setting?" (Provide specific examples of communication and team-building strategies.)

• "How do you measure success in a design management role, beyond on-time and on-budget delivery?" (Discuss quality, stakeholder satisfaction, innovation, and team development.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each case study, clearly define the project scope, your role, key challenges, the solutions implemented (with emphasis on your decision-making), and the quantifiable results.

• Highlight Technical & Managerial Skills: Ensure your presentation showcases both your technical understanding of transit infrastructure and your ability to lead teams, manage contracts, and navigate complex project environments.

• Emphasize Collaboration: Show how you successfully worked with various internal and external stakeholders, demonstrating your ability to build consensus and drive projects forward.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific technical aspects of your projects, contract negotiations, or dispute resolution. Be ready to elaborate on details.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a candidate who can demonstrate a blend of strong technical engineering/architectural understanding, robust project and contract management skills, and effective leadership. The ability to articulate complex processes and solutions clearly is crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Sound Transit recruiting portal.

• Tailor your resume: Emphasize your experience in civil/structural engineering or architectural design, project management, contract administration, and leadership within the transit or heavy civil construction sectors. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare your portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects that best showcase your experience managing complex design delivery, contract oversight, and cross-functional collaboration. Be ready to present these in detail during interviews.

• Research Sound Transit: Understand their current projects, strategic goals, and commitment to public service, equity, and sustainability. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

• Practice your interview responses: Prepare for technical, behavioral, and situational questions, focusing on demonstrating your leadership capabilities, problem-solving skills, and understanding of transit infrastructure design.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.