Transit Design Manager (BRT)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Transit Design Manager (BRT)

Company: AECOM

Location: Chicago, IL; Columbus, OH

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Transportation Design

Date Posted: 2025-06-04

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: On-site

🎨 Design Role Summary

• Lead project management and design efforts for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) projects.
• Oversee multidisciplinary teams, including civil engineers, designers, and technicians.
• Prepare engineering calculations, develop drawings, and ensure quality control of design deliverables.
• Collaborate with design teams and support business development efforts.

🖼️ Primary Design Responsibilities

• Serve as a project lead, managing tasks and providing leadership and mentorship to entry-level engineers.
• Prepare engineering calculations and develop drawings for BRT infrastructure, including roadway design, multimodal street design, and construction cost estimates.
• Participate in interdisciplinary reviews of project deliverables and provide input to engineering budget and schedule development.
• Coordinate tasks and provide quality control review of design calculations or drawings.
• Work independently and with other team members to complete primary design elements for engineering works.

🎓 Design Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Civil Engineering or a related field.

Experience: 12+ years of relevant experience in transportation design, with a focus on BRT and/or Light Rail Transit design.

Required Design Skills:

• Proficient with AutoCAD/Civil 3D or Microstation/Power InRoads or Power GeoPak.
• Ability to prepare engineering design reports and construction drawings for highway, roadway, transit, and/or rail.
• Ability to collaborate and coordinate with multi-discipline design teams.
• Familiarity with local design standards and national BRT/LRT standards and best practices.
• Excellent communication and writing skills.

Preferred Design Skills:

• 5+ years in engineering project management roles.
• Roadway design experience.
• Good relationships with multiple transportation agency clients.
• Experience in leading business development efforts.

🎨 Portfolio & Creative Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a strong portfolio showcasing BRT and/or Light Rail Transit design projects.
• Include case studies that highlight your ability to manage multidisciplinary teams and coordinate project tasks.
• Showcase your proficiency in design software, such as AutoCAD/Civil 3D or Microstation/Power InRoads or Power GeoPak.
• Highlight your understanding of design standards and best practices in BRT/LRT design.

Design Process Documentation:

• Include examples of engineering calculations and drawings for BRT infrastructure.
• Showcase your ability to prepare technical specification sections and construction cost estimates.
• Demonstrate your understanding of quality control processes for design deliverables.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $180,000.00 - $240,000.00 per year (Chicago, IL. regionally)

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D, Disability Benefits
• Paid Time Off, Leaves of Absences, Voluntary Benefits, Perks
• Flexible Work Options, Well-Being Resources, Employee Assistance Program
• Business Travel Insurance, Service Recognition Awards, Retirement Savings Plan
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Working Hours: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week

🎯 Design Team & Company Context

🏢 Company & Design Culture

Industry: Civil Engineering

Company Size: 10,001+ employees

Founded: AECOM was founded in 1990 as a spin-off from RTKL Associates.

Design Team Structure:

• Large, multidisciplinary design teams consisting of civil engineers, designers, and technicians.
• Flat reporting structure with opportunities for growth and advancement.
• Cross-functional collaboration with other design teams and stakeholders.

Design Methodology:

• AECOM follows a structured design process that emphasizes quality, efficiency, and innovation.
• Design teams utilize industry-standard software and tools, such as AutoCAD/Civil 3D or Microstation/Power InRoads or Power GeoPak.
• AECOM encourages continuous learning and professional development.

Company Website: aecom.com

📈 Design Career & Growth Analysis

Design Career Level: Senior/Managerial level, with opportunities for further growth and advancement

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the US West Region Transit/Rail Engineering Group, with opportunities to lead and mentor junior team members

Design Impact: This role has a significant impact on the design and delivery of BRT projects, contributing to AECOM's global infrastructure portfolio

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to lead and manage larger, more complex projects as experience and skills develop.
• Opportunities to specialize in specific aspects of BRT design or related transportation infrastructure.
• Career progression paths include design management, project management, and technical specialization.

🌐 Design Work Environment

Studio Type: AECOM's design studios are modern, collaborative spaces with state-of-the-art technology and tools

Office Location(s): Chicago, IL; Columbus, OH; Minneapolis, MN; Indianapolis, IN

Design Workspace Context:

• Collaborative workspaces with opportunities for cross-functional team interaction and knowledge sharing.
• Access to industry-leading design software and tools, such as AutoCAD/Civil 3D or Microstation/Power InRoads or Power GeoPak.
• Flexible work arrangements, including hybrid and remote work options for eligible roles.

Work Schedule: Full-time, with opportunities for flexible scheduling and work-life balance

📄 Design Application & Portfolio Review Process

Design Interview Process:

• Initial phone or video screen with the hiring manager to discuss qualifications and fit for the role.
• On-site or virtual interview with the design team, focusing on technical skills, design process, and portfolio presentation.
• Final interview with the regional director or another senior leader to discuss career growth and company culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight your strongest BRT design projects and case studies.
• Demonstrate your understanding of design standards and best practices in BRT/LRT design.
• Showcase your ability to manage multidisciplinary teams and coordinate project tasks.
• Prepare a concise and well-organized portfolio that highlights your technical skills and design process.

Design Challenge Preparation:

• Review AECOM's design process and methodology to ensure alignment with your own approach.
• Prepare a design challenge that demonstrates your ability to apply your technical skills and design process to a hypothetical BRT project.
• Practice presenting your design challenge and portfolio to a panel of design professionals.

Design ATS Keywords:

• Design Skills: BRT Design, Light Rail Transit Design, Transportation Design, Civil Engineering, Project Management
• Tools: AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Microstation, Power InRoads, Power GeoPak
• Methodologies: Design Process, Quality Control, Project Management
• Soft Skills: Leadership, Teamwork, Communication, Collaboration
• Industry Terms: Bus Rapid Transit, Light Rail Transit, Transit Infrastructure, Civil Engineering

🛠 Design Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

• AutoCAD/Civil 3D: Used for 2D and 3D design, drafting, and modeling of BRT infrastructure.
• Microstation/Power InRoads: Used for 3D design, modeling, and visualization of BRT projects.
• Power GeoPak: Used for geospatial data management and analysis in BRT design.

Design Collaboration & Handoff:

• Microsoft Office Suite: Used for document creation, collaboration, and communication with design teams and stakeholders.
• Project Management Software: Used for task tracking, progress reporting, and project management.

Design Research & Testing:

• Geospatial Analysis Software: Used for site analysis, route optimization, and corridor management in BRT design.
• Simulation Software: Used for traffic flow analysis, capacity modeling, and operational assessment of BRT systems.

👥 Design Team Culture & Values

Design Values:

• Innovation: AECOM encourages creativity, continuous learning, and the pursuit of innovative design solutions.
• Collaboration: AECOM fosters a culture of teamwork, knowledge sharing, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Quality: AECOM is committed to delivering high-quality, reliable, and sustainable design solutions.
• Sustainability: AECOM prioritizes the environmental impact of its designs and strives to minimize its carbon footprint.

Design Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Teams: AECOM's design teams consist of professionals from various disciplines, fostering a collaborative and interdisciplinary approach to design.
• Design Critiques & Reviews: AECOM encourages regular design critiques and reviews to ensure high-quality design output and continuous learning.
• Knowledge Sharing: AECOM promotes a culture of knowledge sharing and mentorship, with opportunities for professional development and growth.

⚡ Design Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Design Challenges:

• Technical Complexity: BRT design projects can be technically complex, requiring a strong understanding of design standards, best practices, and innovative design solutions.
• Stakeholder Management: Design professionals must effectively communicate and collaborate with multiple stakeholders, including clients, contractors, and regulatory agencies.
• Project Management: Design managers must balance technical design responsibilities with project management tasks, requiring strong organizational skills and leadership.
• Design Standards & Compliance: Design professionals must stay up-to-date with design standards, regulations, and best practices to ensure compliance with project requirements.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Technical Training: AECOM offers technical training and professional development opportunities to help design professionals stay current with industry trends and best practices.
• Conferences & Workshops: AECOM encourages design professionals to attend industry conferences and workshops to expand their knowledge and networks.
• Mentorship & Leadership Development: AECOM provides mentorship and leadership development opportunities to support the growth and advancement of design professionals.

💡 Design Interview Preparation

Design Process Questions:

• Design Challenge: Describe a complex BRT design challenge you faced and how you overcame it. What was the outcome, and what did you learn?
• Design Collaboration: Describe a situation where you had to collaborate with a multidisciplinary design team to deliver a successful project. What was your role, and what was the outcome?
• Design Problem-Solving: Describe a design problem you faced and how you approached it. What tools and techniques did you use, and what was the outcome?

Company & Design Culture Questions:

• Design Culture: How do you approach design critiques and feedback, and how have you incorporated feedback into your design process in the past?
• Design Impact: How do you ensure that your design solutions meet the needs of users, stakeholders, and the broader community? Can you provide an example from a past project?
• Design Growth: How do you stay current with industry trends and best practices in BRT design? Can you describe a recent learning experience or conference you attended?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Case Study Structure: How do you structure your design case studies to effectively communicate your design process, solutions, and outcomes?
• Visual Presentation: How do you use visuals, such as diagrams, renderings, and animations, to enhance your portfolio and design presentations?
• Interactive Demonstration: How do you incorporate interactive elements, such as animations or simulations, into your design presentations to engage stakeholders and communicate your design intent?

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Transit Design Manager (BRT) position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight your relevant BRT design experience, technical skills, and design process documentation.
• Prepare a strong portfolio showcasing your BRT design projects, case studies, and design process documentation.
• Research AECOM's design culture, values, and design methodology to ensure a strong fit for the role and company.
• Prepare for design interview questions and challenges, focusing on your design process, technical skills, and cultural fit.