Transit Design Manager (BRT) at AECOM

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Transit Design Manager (BRT)

Company: AECOM

Location: Chicago, IL

Job Type: On-site

Category: Transportation Design

Date Posted: 2025-06-05

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: On-site

🎨 Role Summary

Lead project management and engineering design for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) projects
Oversee multidisciplinary teams to ensure project deliverables meet quality and budget requirements
Collaborate with design teams consisting of multi-discipline design engineers and technicians
Prepare engineering design reports and construction drawings for highway, roadway, transit, and/or rail

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a high level of experience and leadership, with a focus on managing teams and delivering complex transit projects.

🖼️ Primary Responsibilities

Serve as an AECOM team lead, project manager, and/or discipline lead on planning studies, preliminary design studies, and final design of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) projects
Coordinate, cooperate, and work collaboratively with other team members and support business development
Prepare engineering-related calculations and develop drawings and visual aids for BRT infrastructure
Prepare and/or review multimodal street design
Participate in interdisciplinary review of project deliverables
Develop construction cost estimates and estimates of technical efforts for projects
Use expertise in all steps of completing discipline component of PS&E package
Prepare technical specification sections
Perform quality control review of design calculations or drawings
Provide input to the development of engineering budget and schedule to meet requirements
Coordinate tasks and provide leadership and mentorship to entry-level engineers
Perform work in accordance with the agreed-upon budget and schedule with little supervision
Work independently and with other team members to complete all the tasks necessary to complete primary design elements for engineering works

📝 Enhancement Note: This role involves a wide range of responsibilities, requiring strong project management, technical design, and leadership skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: BA/BS in Civil Engineering or related field

Experience: 12+ years of relevant experience in transportation design

Required Skills:

Professional Engineering license
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 design teams consisting of multi-discipline design engineers and technicians
Roadway design experience
Bus Rapid Transit and/or Light Rail Transit design experience
Familiarity with local design standards as well as national BRT/LRT standards and best practices
Ability to interpret and utilize appropriate design standards
Good relationships with multiple transportation agency clients
Excellent communication and writing skills

Preferred Skills:

5+ years in engineering project management roles
Experience in leading business development efforts

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a high level of experience and expertise in transportation design, with a focus on Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) projects.

🎨 Portfolio & Creative Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Demonstrate a strong portfolio showcasing your experience in transportation design, with a focus on BRT and/or LRT projects
Include case studies that highlight your ability to lead projects, manage teams, and deliver high-quality design solutions
Showcase your proficiency in design software, such as AutoCAD/Civil 3D or Microstation/Power InRoads or Power GeoPak
Demonstrate your understanding of design standards and best practices in your portfolio

Process Documentation:

Include documentation of your design process, from initial research and discovery to final design and delivery
Showcase your ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders throughout the design process
Demonstrate your understanding of project management principles and how you apply them to transportation design projects

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong portfolio that showcases your experience in transportation design, with a focus on BRT and/or LRT projects, and your ability to lead projects and manage teams.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $180,000 - $240,000 per year

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range for this role is based on the provided information and regional market standards for transportation design managers with 10+ years of experience.

🎯Team & Company Context

🏢 Company & Design Culture

Industry: Civil Engineering

Company Size: 10,001+ employees

Founded: Not specified

Team Structure:

Large, multidisciplinary design teams consisting of engineers, technicians, and other design professionals
Flat organizational structure with opportunities for career growth and leadership development
Collaborative work environment with a focus on knowledge sharing and continuous learning

Methodology:

Project management methodologies, such as PMP or PRINCE2, are utilized to ensure project delivery and quality
Design thinking and user-centered design approaches are employed to create innovative and sustainable solutions
BIM and digital twins are used to enhance design collaboration, visualization, and data-driven decision-making

Company Website: aecom.com

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM is a global infrastructure leader with a strong focus on delivering innovative and sustainable solutions through a collaborative and multidisciplinary approach.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Design Career Level: Senior/Management

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the US West Region Transit/Rail Engineering Group

Design Impact: This role has a significant impact on the design and delivery of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) projects, contributing to AECOM's overall transit and rail engineering capabilities

Growth Opportunities:

Potential to lead larger and more complex transportation design projects
Opportunities to expand your expertise in other areas of transportation design, such as rail, transit, or highway design
Career progression into senior leadership roles within AECOM's transit and rail engineering group

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant growth opportunities for experienced transportation design professionals looking to advance their careers in a large, global organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Studio Type: Large, multidisciplinary design studios with state-of-the-art technology and collaboration tools

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

Design Workspace Context:

Collaborative workspaces with opportunities for team interaction and knowledge sharing
Access to cutting-edge design software, tools, and technology
Flexible work arrangements, including remote work options for some roles

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

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM offers a dynamic and collaborative work environment with opportunities for growth, learning, and career advancement.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Design Interview Process:

Initial phone or video screen to assess communication skills and cultural fit
On-site or virtual interview with the hiring manager and other team members to discuss technical skills and project management experience
Final interview with senior leadership to assess leadership potential and strategic thinking

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight your experience in transportation design, with a focus on BRT and/or LRT projects
Include case studies that demonstrate your ability to lead projects, manage teams, and deliver high-quality design solutions
Showcase your proficiency in design software, such as AutoCAD/Civil 3D or Microstation/Power InRoads or Power GeoPak
Demonstrate your understanding of design standards and best practices in your portfolio

Challenge Preparation:

Prepare for technical design challenges that assess your ability to apply design principles and standards to real-world transportation design problems
Brush up on your knowledge of local design standards and best practices for BRT and/or LRT projects
Practice presenting your design solutions and explaining your design rationale

ATS Keywords: Transportation Design, BRT, LRT, Project Management, Engineering Design, Civil Engineering, Design Software, Collaboration, Teamwork, Leadership, Design Standards, Design Thinking, User-Centered Design, AEC, Infrastructure

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's application and interview process is designed to assess your technical skills, leadership potential, and cultural fit for the organization.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

AutoCAD/Civil 3D or Microstation/Power InRoads or Power GeoPak
BIM software, such as Autodesk Revit or Bentley AECOsim Building Designer
3D modeling software, such as SketchUp or 3ds Max
Project management software, such as Microsoft Project or Asana

Collaboration & Handoff:

Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Google Workspace, including Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides
Design collaboration platforms, such as BIM 360 or Bluebeam

Research & Testing:

Transportation planning and analysis software, such as TransCAD or Synchro
Traffic simulation software, such as VISSIM or AIMSUN
Geographic Information System (GIS) software, such as ArcGIS or QGIS

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM utilizes a wide range of design tools, software, and technology to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions for its clients.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Design Values:

Innovation: Encouraging creativity, experimentation, and continuous learning
Collaboration: Fostering a culture of teamwork, knowledge sharing, and mutual support
Sustainability: Committing to sustainable and responsible design practices
Quality: Striving for excellence in all aspects of design and delivery
Integrity: Upholding ethical standards and acting with honesty and transparency

Collaboration Style:

Cross-functional teams working together to deliver integrated and holistic solutions
Design critique and feedback processes to enhance design quality and creativity
Knowledge sharing and mentoring programs to support career growth and development

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's design culture is characterized by innovation, collaboration, sustainability, quality, and integrity, with a strong emphasis on teamwork and knowledge sharing.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Design Challenges:

Managing complex transportation design projects with tight deadlines and budgets
Navigating regulatory requirements and stakeholder expectations
Adapting to changes in design standards, technologies, and best practices
Balancing technical design requirements with aesthetic and functional considerations

Learning & Development Opportunities:

AECOM University: Online learning platform offering courses and webinars on design, technology, and leadership topics
Industry conferences and events, such as the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) or the Transportation Research Board (TRB)
Mentorship and coaching programs to support career growth and development

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM offers numerous learning and development opportunities to support the growth and advancement of its design professionals.

💡 Interview Preparation

Design Process Questions:

Describe your experience leading transportation design projects, including your approach to project management, team collaboration, and stakeholder communication
How do you ensure that your design solutions meet quality and budget requirements while balancing technical, aesthetic, and functional considerations?
Can you provide an example of a complex transportation design challenge you faced and how you overcame it?

Company Culture Questions:

How do you approach collaboration and knowledge sharing in a multidisciplinary design team?
Can you describe a time when you had to adapt to a significant change in design standards, technologies, or best practices, and how you handled it?
How do you ensure that your design solutions are sustainable and responsible, both environmentally and socially?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Highlight your experience in transportation design, with a focus on BRT and/or LRT projects
Include case studies that demonstrate your ability to lead projects, manage teams, and deliver high-quality design solutions
Showcase your proficiency in design software, such as AutoCAD/Civil 3D or Microstation/Power InRoads or Power GeoPak
Demonstrate your understanding of design standards and best practices in your portfolio

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's interview process is designed to assess your technical skills, leadership potential, and cultural fit for the organization, with a strong focus on your experience in transportation design and your ability to collaborate and adapt in a dynamic and multidisciplinary environment.

📌 Application Steps

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

Submit your application through the AECOM careers page
Customize your resume and portfolio to highlight your experience in transportation design, with a focus on BRT and/or LRT projects
Prepare for design challenges and interview questions by reviewing the information provided in this enhanced job description
Research AECOM's design culture, values, and methodologies to ensure a strong cultural fit and alignment with your personal goals and career aspirations

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

Transit Design Manager (BRT)