Design Manager - Rail and Transit

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager - Rail and Transit

Company: Parsons Corporation

Location: New York, NY / Newark, NJ, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Engineering / Transportation Operations

Date Posted: May 15, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage multidisciplinary design teams for large-scale Rail and Transit Design-Build and Alternative Delivery projects.

• Oversee project planning, execution, budget, and schedule management to ensure contractual obligations and client objectives are met.

• Drive technical and commercial excellence by implementing robust Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) processes.

• Serve as the primary company representative, fostering strong relationships with clients, subcontractors, and stakeholders throughout project lifecycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Design Manager," the responsibilities clearly indicate a senior project management or program management role within the operations of design and engineering delivery for major infrastructure projects. The emphasis on "Design Build and Alternative Delivery Projects" and managing "engineering tasks necessary to accomplish the work" positions this as a critical operational leadership role focused on the successful delivery of complex transit infrastructure.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Strategic Pursuit & Teaming: Formulate marketing and pursuit strategies, defining teaming partner roles and responsibilities for large Design-Build (DB) and Alternative Project Delivery (ADP) opportunities.

• Client & Contract Management: Develop in-depth knowledge of client objectives, contract terms, and corporate policies, ensuring seamless integration of engineering/technical aspects with procurement and construction activities.

• Proposal & Negotiation Support: Provide comprehensive support for proposal development, including accurate costing and scheduling, and participate in price negotiations with subcontractors and contractors.

• Project Lifecycle Leadership: Lead projects from initial concept/definition through preliminary engineering to final design and construction, ensuring accurate costing and scheduling at each phase.

• Stakeholder & Third-Party Coordination: Coordinate effectively with transit agencies, municipalities, third parties, utilities, regulatory bodies, and adjacent businesses to address requirements, agreements, codes, and community impact.

• Financial & Schedule Oversight: Manage project budgets and schedules to meet financial goals, ensuring on-schedule completion within or below budget in accordance with contractual obligations.

• Technical & Operational Execution: Direct and supervise all business, technical, fiscal, and administrative functions of the assigned project, ensuring the project meets or exceeds established goals.

• Risk Management & Quality Assurance: Oversee the establishment and implementation of Project Execution Plans, Health and Safety Plans, and Quality Assurance/Quality Control Plans, promoting technical and commercial excellence.

• Resource Mobilization: Mobilize company resources, liaising with support departments, other offices, or subsidiaries to assemble effective project teams capable of delivering high-quality work.

• Scope Management & Business Development: Negotiate changes to the scope of work with clients and key subcontractors, and actively market and secure additional work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities section highlights a blend of strategic business development (marketing, negotiation) and operational project execution (planning, budgeting, team leadership, stakeholder management). This suggests the role requires not only technical design oversight but also strong commercial acumen and client relationship management skills, typical of senior project managers in capital infrastructure delivery.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a related engineering discipline.

Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in related engineering and project management roles within the rail and transit sector.

• Demonstrated experience as a Design Manager specifically on Design-Build and/or other Alternative Project Delivery (ADP) projects.

Required Skills:

• Design Management: Expertise in leading and overseeing the design process for large-scale infrastructure projects.

• Rail Transit Systems: Deep understanding of rail and transit system design principles, integration, and operational considerations.

• Design-Build & ADP: Extensive experience with Design-Build and Alternative Project Delivery methodologies, including their unique planning, execution, and contractual frameworks.

• Project Planning & Execution: Proficiency in defining project goals, devising execution strategies, and managing day-to-day operational tasks.

• Budget & Schedule Management: Strong capabilities in developing, monitoring, and controlling project budgets and schedules to ensure financial and timeline objectives are met.

• Team Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and manage diverse, multidisciplinary design and engineering teams, fostering a collaborative and responsive environment.

• Contractual Acumen: Thorough understanding of contract terms, corporate policies, and negotiation strategies.

• Stakeholder Coordination: Skill in managing relationships and coordinating requirements with clients, regulatory agencies, third parties, and community stakeholders.

• Civil Engineering Principles: Solid foundation in civil engineering practices relevant to transit infrastructure.

Preferred Skills:

• MTA NY Experience: Direct experience working with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) in New York is highly preferred, indicating familiarity with their specific standards, processes, and project environments.

• Communication: Excellent written and oral communication skills for effective stakeholder engagement and reporting.

• Technology Utilization: Knowledge of current technologies and their application to enhance project delivery, efficiency, and outcomes.

• Urban Design & Master Planning: Familiarity with integrating transit projects with urban design, master planning, and real estate development concepts.

• Sustainability Practices: Understanding of environmental protection, sustainability strategies, and LEED metrics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a PE license in NY, CT, or NJ strongly suggests the operational scope of this role is heavily focused on the Northeast US corridor, particularly New York and its surrounding areas. The preference for MTA NY experience further solidifies this regional focus and highlights a critical operational requirement for candidates to understand the specific client context.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Delivery Case Studies: Showcase examples of successfully managed Design-Build or Alternative Project Delivery projects within the rail and transit sector, detailing your role and contributions.

• Design Team Leadership Examples: Provide evidence of leading multidisciplinary teams, illustrating your approach to team organization, task delegation, and performance management.

• Budget & Schedule Management Artifacts: Include anonymized examples or descriptions of project plans, budget tracking tools, or schedule management reports that demonstrate your proficiency.

• Stakeholder Management Documentation: Present case studies or methodologies for coordinating with diverse stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, utility companies, and community groups.

• Process Improvement Initiatives: Highlight instances where you identified and implemented process improvements to enhance design quality, efficiency, or cost-effectiveness.

Process Documentation:

• Project Execution Plan (PEP) Framework: Demonstrate understanding of how to develop and implement a comprehensive PEP, including sections on scope, schedule, budget, risk, quality, safety, and stakeholder engagement.

• Design Phase Workflow Documentation: Illustrate your approach to managing the design lifecycle, from concept and preliminary engineering through to final design, including coordination with construction phases.

• Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) Procedures: Outline your methods for establishing and maintaining QA/QC processes to ensure design compliance with standards, codes, and client requirements.

• Change Management Protocols: Detail your process for managing scope changes, including documentation, client negotiation, and impact assessment on budget and schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role managing design delivery on large infrastructure projects, a portfolio should emphasize tangible outcomes and process management. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their methodologies for project planning, risk mitigation, quality assurance, and stakeholder engagement, supported by specific examples from past projects. Demonstrating experience with Design-Build and ADP is paramount, as these delivery models have distinct process requirements compared to traditional design-bid-build.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $148,300.00 - $266,900.00 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans.

• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with company matching and an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).

• Work-Life Balance: Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and company-observed Holidays.

• Financial Security: Life Insurance coverage.

• Flexibility: Flexible Work Schedules to accommodate personal and professional needs.

Working Hours:

• The standard role is 40 hours per week, typical for a full-time position. Given the project management nature, flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines and client needs, potentially involving extended hours or weekend work during critical phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is substantial and reflects the senior level of this Design Manager role, requiring significant experience, technical expertise, and leadership capabilities. The benefits package is comprehensive, with the inclusion of an ESOP being a notable perk that aligns with employee ownership and long-term company commitment, often valued in large engineering and construction firms. The stated 40-hour work week is standard, but operational realities in large infrastructure projects often necessitate flexibility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering, Construction, and Consulting, with a strong focus on Critical Infrastructure and Transportation (Rail & Transit).

Company Size: Parsons Corporation is a large, established global company. This indicates a structured environment with established processes, potentially a wide range of resources, and opportunities for cross-functional collaboration across various departments and geographies.

Founded: Founded over 80 years ago, Parsons has a long-standing reputation and deep expertise in designing and delivering critical infrastructure worldwide. This history suggests stability, a commitment to long-term projects, and a culture that values experience and proven methodologies.

Team Structure:

• Operations Focus: The role is part of the Critical Infrastructure team, specifically within Rail Transit, suggesting a specialized unit focused on major transportation projects.

• Reporting: As a Design Manager, this role likely reports to a senior Director or Vice President of Engineering/Project Management within the Rail Transit division. The team structure will involve managing a diverse group of engineers, designers, and technical specialists.

• Collaboration: Expect extensive cross-functional collaboration with Business Development, Procurement, Construction, Legal, and other engineering disciplines to ensure integrated project delivery.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Parsons emphasizes using data analysis to inform project planning, risk assessment, and performance monitoring.

• Integrated Project Delivery: The company promotes collaborative approaches, working closely with clients, contractors, and partners to achieve project goals, particularly evident in their focus on Design-Build and ADP.

• Innovation and Technology: A culture of fostering innovation and leveraging current technology to enhance project outcomes, sustainability, and efficiency is highlighted.

Company Website: https://www.parsons.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Given Parsons' long history and global presence, this role operates within a well-established corporate framework. The emphasis on "Critical Infrastructure" and "Rail Transit" signifies a focus on large, complex, and impactful projects that require robust operational management and technical expertise. The culture likely values experience, collaboration, and a commitment to delivering high-quality, sustainable solutions.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level management position, likely considered a Principal or Senior Manager within the operations hierarchy. It demands significant technical leadership, project management expertise, and the ability to manage large, complex projects and teams.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will report to a higher-level executive (e.g., Director of Engineering, VP of Project Management) within the Rail Transit division. They will, in turn, manage and direct a team of engineers, designers, and potentially project coordinators.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct and substantial impact on the company's revenue and strategic objectives. Successfully managing large Design-Build projects not only generates significant revenue but also enhances Parsons' reputation and capabilities in the competitive rail and transit market. Effective design management directly influences project profitability, client satisfaction, and the successful delivery of critical infrastructure that benefits communities.

Growth Opportunities:

• Program Management: Progression to Program Manager or Director of Project Management roles, overseeing multiple large-scale projects or an entire program portfolio within the Rail Transit sector.

• Business Unit Leadership: Advancement into executive leadership positions, potentially leading entire business units or divisions focused on transportation infrastructure.

• Specialization & Expertise: Deepening expertise in specific areas like sustainable transit design, advanced signaling systems, or complex tunnel engineering, becoming a recognized subject matter expert.

• Strategic Development: Contributing to the company's strategic planning, business development, and the evolution of its project delivery methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a critical stepping stone for operations professionals aiming for senior leadership in the infrastructure sector. The growth trajectory emphasizes increasing responsibility for larger project portfolios, strategic business input, and ultimately, executive-level influence within a major engineering firm.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, requiring the candidate to work from Parsons' offices in New York, NY, or Newark, NJ. The nature of the work implies a professional office setting conducive to design review, team meetings, and client interactions.

Office Location(s):

• New York, NY: Located at 100 Broadway, 18th and 20th Floor, a central business district location likely offering excellent access to public transportation and amenities.

• Newark, NJ: Also a primary location, offering a similar professional environment, potentially with strong connectivity to major transit hubs in the region.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office environment will facilitate collaboration with design teams, project managers, and other internal departments. Expect dedicated meeting rooms and potentially open-plan areas designed for team interaction.

• Technology Enabled: Access to Parsons' standard suite of engineering design software, project management tools, and communication platforms will be provided.

• Client Interaction: The office will serve as a base for client meetings, presentations, and project reviews, requiring a professional and presentable workspace.

Work Schedule: The standard working hours are 40 hours per week. However, project demands in the rail and transit sector, particularly during critical design or construction phases, may necessitate flexibility, including potential overtime or weekend work to meet project milestones and client expectations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in major metropolitan hubs like NYC and Newark suggests a dynamic work environment where face-to-face collaboration is valued, especially for complex design coordination and client engagement. Candidates should be prepared for a professional office setting that supports the rigorous demands of large-scale infrastructure project management.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR and/or a hiring manager will review applications and resumes, focusing on the required qualifications (PE license, 10+ years experience, DB/ADP background).

• Technical Interview(s): Expect in-depth discussions with senior engineers and project leaders from the Rail Transit team. These interviews will assess your technical knowledge, design management philosophy, and experience with rail systems.

• Project Management Assessment: Focus on your ability to manage budgets, schedules, risks, and multidisciplinary teams. Case studies or scenario-based questions related to managing complex infrastructure projects will likely be used.

• Client & Stakeholder Management Focus: Interviews will probe your experience in client relations, contract negotiation, and coordinating with diverse stakeholders (regulatory, community, third-party).

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session or integrated discussion where you present key projects from your portfolio, highlighting your role, challenges, solutions, and outcomes.

• Cultural Fit & Leadership Assessment: Interviews with potential peers and senior leadership to gauge your leadership style, collaboration approach, and alignment with Parsons' culture and values.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior executive for final approval.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: Select 3-4 projects that best showcase your leadership in Design-Build or Alternative Delivery for rail transit. Quantify achievements whenever possible (e.g., budget savings, schedule acceleration, reduction in design errors).

• Structure Your Narratives: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your specific role and responsibilities, the methodologies/processes you employed, the challenges encountered, your solutions, and the ultimate outcomes and lessons learned.

• Highlight Design Management: Emphasize your strategic approach to leading design teams, coordinating disciplines, and ensuring design quality and constructability.

• Demonstrate Process Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss your experience with Project Execution Plans, QA/QC, risk management, and stakeholder engagement processes.

• Tailor to Parsons: Research Parsons' current projects and values to tailor your presentation and highlight how your experience aligns with their strategic goals and operational needs.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Prepare for hypothetical scenarios related to managing project risks, resolving design conflicts, handling client disputes, or adapting to scope changes on large infrastructure projects.

• Technical Deep Dive: Refresh your knowledge on rail transit systems, civil engineering principles, and relevant codes and standards.

• Leadership & Team Management: Be ready to discuss your leadership philosophy, conflict resolution strategies within teams, and how you foster collaboration and accountability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a role like this is rigorous and multi-faceted. Candidates must be prepared to demonstrate not only technical competence but also strong project management skills, leadership qualities, and a proven ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments. A well-curated portfolio that specifically highlights Design-Build/ADP experience and leadership in rail transit is crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD & Design Software: Proficiency with industry-standard CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, MicroStation) and BIM (Building Information Modeling) platforms (e.g., Revit, Navisworks) is essential for design review and coordination.

• Project Management Software: Experience with platforms like Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, or similar for robust project scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking.

• Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, or other enterprise collaboration tools for communication, document sharing, and team coordination.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Cost Management Software: Tools for budget tracking, cost forecasting, and financial reporting (e.g., SAP, Oracle Financials, or specialized construction cost management systems).

• Reporting Dashboards: Ability to utilize or contribute to data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) for presenting project performance metrics to stakeholders.

• Document Control Systems: Experience with systems for managing project documentation, drawings, and transmittals (e.g., Aconex, Procore, Bentley ProjectWise).

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Software (for Business Development aspects): While not a primary sales role, understanding how CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) are used to track client relationships and pursuit activities is beneficial.

• ERP Systems: Exposure to enterprise resource planning systems for integrated management of financial, procurement, and project data.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Manager in this context, proficiency extends beyond just design software. A strong command of project management and scheduling tools is critical for operational oversight. Familiarity with document control systems and financial reporting tools is also paramount for managing large, complex projects effectively.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Ethics: A strong commitment to ethical conduct, transparency, and upholding the highest professional standards in all project dealings.

• Safety First: An unwavering dedication to the health and safety of employees, stakeholders, and the public, integrated into all operational processes.

• Excellence & Quality: A drive for technical excellence and delivering high-quality, reliable infrastructure solutions that meet or exceed client expectations.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A belief in the power of working together across disciplines and with external partners to achieve shared goals and overcome challenges.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: An openness to new ideas, technologies, and methodologies to enhance project delivery, efficiency, and sustainability.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Parsons emphasizes integrating design, engineering, procurement, and construction functions to ensure seamless project flow and minimize interfaces.

• Proactive Communication: A culture that encourages open, honest, and timely communication with all project stakeholders, including clients, internal teams, and subcontractors.

• Problem-Solving Orientation: A collective approach to identifying and resolving issues collaboratively, leveraging the diverse expertise within project teams.

• Client-Centric Approach: A focus on understanding and meeting client needs, building strong, long-term relationships based on trust and performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: Parsons' stated values and collaboration style reflect a mature, large-scale engineering organization. For operations professionals, this means an environment that values structured processes, strong teamwork, and a commitment to delivering complex projects safely and efficiently, with a clear focus on client satisfaction and continuous improvement.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Stakeholder Environments: Navigating the diverse interests and demands of clients, regulatory bodies, community groups, and multiple contractors on large infrastructure projects.

• Balancing Technical Excellence with Commercial Constraints: Ensuring high-quality design while adhering to stringent budgets and aggressive schedules inherent in Design-Build projects.

• Integrating Diverse Disciplines: Effectively coordinating and integrating the work of numerous engineering disciplines (civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, systems) and construction teams.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies & Regulations: Staying abreast of new design technologies, construction methods, and changing regulatory requirements in the rail and transit sector.

• Mitigating Project Risks: Proactively identifying, assessing, and mitigating technical, financial, environmental, and schedule risks throughout the project lifecycle.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Management Training: Access to internal and external training programs to enhance skills in areas like contract management, risk analysis, and leadership.

• Industry Conferences & Seminars: Opportunities to attend leading rail transit and infrastructure conferences to gain insights into best practices, new technologies, and industry trends.

• Mentorship Programs: Participation in mentorship initiatives, either as a mentee to gain guidance from senior leaders or as a mentor to develop leadership and coaching skills.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Opportunities to work on a variety of project types and gain exposure to different engineering disciplines and project delivery models.

• Leadership Development Programs: Structured programs designed to cultivate leadership competencies for senior management and executive roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant operational challenges inherent in large-scale infrastructure projects. Candidates must be adept at problem-solving, risk management, and stakeholder diplomacy. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering a clear path for career advancement into senior leadership roles within the infrastructure sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to leading a multidisciplinary design team on a large Design-Build rail transit project from concept to 30% design completion, including cost and schedule considerations." (Focus on process, team structure, risk mitigation, and stakeholder integration.)

• "How do you ensure technical and commercial excellence on complex infrastructure projects, particularly when working with contracting partners?" (Emphasize QA/QC, contract management, negotiation strategies, and performance metrics.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you most about Parsons Corporation and our work in the Critical Infrastructure and Rail Transit sectors?" (Research Parsons' recent projects, company values, and strategic initiatives.)

• "How do you foster a collaborative and safety-conscious culture within your project teams, especially when working with external partners?" (Discuss your leadership style, communication methods, and commitment to safety protocols.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Begin with a brief overview of your experience, then dive into 2-3 key projects. For each project, clearly state the project's scope, your role, the delivery method (DB/ADP), key challenges, your strategic approach, and measurable outcomes.

• Quantify Achievements: Use numbers and data to illustrate your impact – e.g., "Managed a design budget of $X million," "Accelerated design completion by Y weeks," "Reduced design revisions by Z%."

• Highlight Leadership: Explicitly describe how you led and motivated teams, managed conflicts, and fostered collaboration.

• Demonstrate Process Knowledge: Be ready to explain your practical application of project management processes, QA/QC, risk management, and stakeholder engagement.

• Engage the Audience: Make it a conversation. Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your projects and approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a holistic understanding of project delivery – from strategic planning and business development support to meticulous operational execution and stakeholder management. Candidates must be ready to articulate their methodologies with specific examples, showcasing their leadership capabilities and their ability to navigate the complexities of large-scale infrastructure projects.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Parsons careers portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight experience directly relevant to Design Management, Rail Transit, Design-Build, Alternative Project Delivery, and P.E. licensure. Quantify achievements and use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of your most impactful projects, focusing on those that exemplify your leadership in rail transit design management and alternative project delivery methods. Be ready to present case studies demonstrating your strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and project execution success.

• Research Parsons: Thoroughly understand Parsons' mission, values, recent projects (especially in rail and transit), and their approach to critical infrastructure. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

• Practice Your Narrative: Rehearse your responses to common interview questions, particularly those focused on leadership, project management, stakeholder engagement, and your experience with Design-Build/ADP projects. Be ready to walk through your portfolio with confidence.

⚠️ 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.