Transit Design Manager (BRT)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Transit Design Manager (BRT)
Company: AECOM
Location: Chicago, Illinois, United States
Job Type: Full-time
Category: Transportation Operations & Design Management
Date Posted: August 5, 2025
Experience Level: 10+ years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) planning studies, preliminary design, and final design projects, acting as a key project leadership role within AECOM's Transit and Rail team.
• Oversee multidisciplinary engineering teams in the preparation of BRT infrastructure design calculations, multimodal street design, and technical specifications.
• Drive quality control reviews of design deliverables and provide input for engineering budget and schedule development, ensuring project success with minimal supervision.
• Mentor and guide entry-level engineers, fostering a collaborative and technically proficient team environment focused on delivering high-quality transit solutions.
• Support business development efforts by leveraging existing client relationships and demonstrating expertise in BRT and transit planning.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is clearly focused on the technical and project leadership aspects of BRT design within a large, established engineering consultancy. The emphasis on managing multidisciplinary teams, client interaction, and business development suggests a senior position with significant responsibility for project execution and client satisfaction in the transportation infrastructure sector.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Serve as AECOM's team lead, project manager, and/or discipline lead for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) projects, encompassing planning studies, preliminary design, and final design phases.
• Coordinate, cooperate, and collaborate effectively with internal team members and external stakeholders to ensure seamless project execution and client engagement.
• Oversee and guide multidisciplinary teams through the preparation of engineering calculations, development of BRT infrastructure drawings, and visual aids.
• Lead the preparation and/or review of multimodal street designs that integrate BRT systems with existing urban infrastructure, ensuring safety and efficiency.
• Participate actively in interdisciplinary review processes for all project deliverables, ensuring technical accuracy and compliance with project requirements.
• Develop accurate construction cost estimates and detailed estimates of technical efforts for transportation design projects.
• Utilize expertise to contribute significantly to all steps of completing the discipline component of Project, Systems, and Equipment (PS&E) packages.
• Prepare and review technical specification sections that clearly define project requirements for construction and materials.
• Perform rigorous quality control reviews of design calculations, drawings, and other technical documents to ensure adherence to standards and best practices.
• Provide critical input to the development of engineering budgets and schedules, ensuring alignment with project scope and client expectations.
• Mentor and provide leadership to entry-level engineers, fostering their technical development and guiding their contributions to project tasks.
• Independently manage and execute assigned tasks, demonstrating a high level of self-sufficiency and problem-solving capability to meet project objectives within budget and schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical design leadership, project management, team mentorship, and client-facing activities typical of a senior engineering role within infrastructure consulting. The focus on BRT specifically indicates a need for specialized knowledge in this transit mode.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Engineering, Urban Planning, or a closely related field from an accredited institution.

Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of progressive, related experience in transportation design, with a strong emphasis on transit infrastructure.
• Demonstrated experience of at least 2 years in a leadership or management capacity, overseeing teams and projects.
• Proven track record in engineering project management roles, ideally with 5+ years in such capacities.

Required Skills:

• Transit System Design: Expertise in the planning, preliminary design, and final design of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems, including station design, guideway alignment, and operational planning.
• Project Leadership & Management: Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary engineering teams, manage project scope, schedule, and budget, and ensure successful project delivery.
• Engineering Design Software Proficiency: Demonstrated proficiency with industry-standard design software such as AutoCAD/Civil 3D or Microstation/Power InRoads or Power GeoPak for preparing engineering calculations, drawings, and visual aids.
• Roadway & Multimodal Design: Strong understanding and experience in roadway design principles and the ability to prepare and review multimodal street designs that incorporate transit elements.
• Technical Specification Development: Skill in preparing and reviewing technical specifications for engineering projects, ensuring clarity and completeness.

Preferred Skills:

• Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) & Light Rail Transit (LRT) Design: Specific and extensive design experience with both BRT and LRT systems, including familiarity with national standards and best practices.
• Client Relationship Management: Established and positive relationships with multiple transportation agency clients, facilitating business development and project acquisition.
• Business Development Acumen: Experience in leading business development efforts, including proposal preparation, client presentations, and securing new projects.
• Communication & Writing: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, essential for technical reporting, client interaction, and team collaboration.
• Local Design Standards Familiarity: Knowledge of local design standards and regulations relevant to transportation projects in the Chicago area and potentially other regions.
• Quality Control & Assurance: Experience in performing quality control reviews of design calculations and drawings to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Mentorship & Team Development: Ability to mentor and develop junior engineers, fostering a positive and productive team environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a PE license is critical and suggests a need for licensed engineers who can stamp and seal design documents. The preference for specific software proficiency and agency client relationships indicates a focus on immediate project contribution and business growth.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Leadership Case Studies: Showcase examples of successfully managed transit design projects, particularly BRT, detailing your role, team size, project challenges, and successful outcomes.
• Design Deliverable Examples: Include samples of design calculations, preliminary and final design drawings (or excerpts), and technical specifications related to transit infrastructure or multimodal street design.
• Process Improvement Documentation: Present instances where you identified and implemented process improvements within design workflows, leading to increased efficiency, cost savings, or enhanced quality.
• Client Engagement & Business Development Contributions: Provide evidence of your involvement in client meetings, proposal development, or securing new projects, demonstrating your ability to manage client relationships and contribute to business growth.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate experience in designing and optimizing engineering workflows for transit projects, from conceptualization through final design, highlighting methodologies used for efficiency and quality assurance.
• System Implementation & Automation: Illustrate your understanding of implementing design systems and leveraging automation tools (like scripting in CAD software) to streamline design processes and reduce manual effort.
• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Show how you measure the performance of design processes and teams, including tracking key metrics related to schedule adherence, budget management, design quality, and team productivity.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio for this role should clearly articulate the candidate's ability to manage complex design projects, lead technical teams, and contribute to the business development pipeline. Demonstrating a structured approach to design processes and quality control will be crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The offered rate of compensation for this position in Chicago, Illinois, is estimated to be between $170,000.00 and $261,000.00 annually. This range is determined by individual education, qualifications, relevant experience, and specific work location.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans to support employee health and well-being.
• Life and Disability Protection: Life insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, and disability benefits to provide financial security.
• Time Off and Leave: Paid Time Off (PTO) and various leaves of absence options, including potential for flexible work arrangements.
• Voluntary Benefits and Perks: Access to a range of voluntary benefits and employee perks designed to enhance overall compensation and lifestyle.
• Well-being and Support: Resources such as well-being programs and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support employees' mental and physical health.
• Financial Security and Growth: Retirement Savings Plan and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) to support long-term financial goals.
• Additional Support: Business travel insurance and service recognition awards to acknowledge dedication and contributions.

Working Hours:

• The standard working hours for this full-time, on-site position are 40 hours per week, aligning with typical professional engineering roles. Flexibility may be available based on project demands and team coordination needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is competitive for a senior-level Transit Design Manager role in a major metropolitan area like Chicago, reflecting the significant expertise and leadership required. The extensive benefits package offered by AECOM is typical for a large, established global firm.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry:

• AECOM operates within the global infrastructure consulting sector, a dynamic and essential industry focused on planning, designing, building, and managing infrastructure projects worldwide. This includes transportation, water, environment, and buildings. The company's work directly impacts communities by improving commutes, ensuring access to resources, and shaping urban landscapes.

Company Size:

• AECOM is a Fortune 500 company with over 50,000 employees globally. This large scale offers employees the opportunity to work on diverse, high-impact projects and provides a robust platform for career development and access to a vast network of expertise.

Founded:

• AECOM's history traces back to the founding of its predecessor companies, with significant growth through strategic acquisitions. The company's long-standing presence in the industry signifies stability and a proven track record in delivering complex infrastructure solutions.

Team Structure:

• The Transit Design Manager will be part of the Transit and Rail team, reporting into the US West Region Transit/Rail Engineering Group. This structure suggests a geographically dispersed but functionally aligned team of transportation specialists.
• The role involves leading multidisciplinary teams, implying collaboration with various engineering disciplines (e.g., civil, structural, traffic, systems) and technical specialists.
• Cross-functional collaboration is expected with other AECOM groups, project managers, and external stakeholders, including transportation agencies and potentially community representatives.

Methodology:

• AECOM likely employs a data-driven approach to project planning and design, utilizing advanced modeling and simulation tools.
• Workflow planning and optimization are critical, especially in managing complex infrastructure projects with multiple stakeholders and deliverables.
• Automation and efficiency practices are increasingly important in the engineering sector to manage costs and timelines effectively, likely integrated into design processes.

Company Website:

• https://www.aecom.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's global presence and extensive project portfolio mean that operations professionals within this organization are often involved in large-scale, impactful projects that require rigorous process management and cross-functional collaboration. The emphasis on "delivering a better world" suggests a culture focused on tangible, positive societal impact.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

• This Transit Design Manager (BRT) position represents a senior-level role within AECOM's transportation engineering and design practice. It requires a substantial foundation of technical expertise, demonstrated project leadership, and a capacity for managing complex projects and teams. The role is critical for the successful delivery of BRT projects and contributes directly to the company's reputation and business objectives in the transit sector.

Reporting Structure:

• The role reports into the US West Region Transit/Rail Engineering Group. This suggests a hierarchical structure where the manager is accountable to a regional engineering director or a senior manager overseeing transit operations and design within that region. The manager will also lead and mentor junior engineers.

Operations Impact:

• The Transit Design Manager has a direct impact on the successful planning, design, and execution of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) projects. Effective management of these projects influences client satisfaction, project profitability, and AECOM's ability to secure future transit work. The role's success contributes to improving urban mobility, reducing congestion, and enhancing public transportation systems, aligning with AECOM's mission to "deliver a better world."

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization & Leadership: Opportunity to deepen expertise in BRT and transit system design, potentially leading to roles as a Principal Transit Designer or Technical Authority in BRT.
• Project Management Advancement: Progression into larger, more complex project management roles, managing significant infrastructure programs with greater budgetary and team oversight.
• Business Development & Client Relationship Growth: Development of skills leading to client account management, business development leadership, and potentially regional operational leadership roles within the Transit and Rail sector.
• Mentorship & Team Building: Opportunities to build and lead high-performing teams, shaping the next generation of transit engineers and designers within AECOM.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career advancement within a specialized engineering field, moving from technical design leadership to broader project and business management responsibilities. The global nature of AECOM provides opportunities for exposure to diverse project types and career paths.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

• This is an on-site position, indicating a traditional office environment where collaboration, in-person meetings, and direct team interaction are prioritized. AECOM offices are typically professional settings equipped with the necessary resources for engineering design and project management.

Office Location(s):

• The position is based in Chicago, Illinois. This location is a major hub for transportation infrastructure development, offering exposure to significant transit projects and a vibrant professional community.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed to foster collaboration among engineering disciplines, facilitating the exchange of ideas and problem-solving for complex transit design challenges.
• Access to state-of-the-art design software, modeling tools, and other technological resources is expected, supporting efficient and high-quality engineering work.
• Opportunities for interaction with other teams within AECOM (e.g., planning, environmental, structural) will be frequent, promoting a holistic approach to project development.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week, typical for a professional role. While the core hours are set, flexibility may be accommodated based on project deadlines and team needs, though the "on-site" nature implies a consistent presence at the office.

📝 Enhancement Note: An on-site role in a major city like Chicago means the candidate will be immersed in a professional engineering environment with ample opportunities for networking and professional development within the local transportation sector.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and qualifications by a recruiter to assess basic fit for the role, including required experience, education, and PE license.
• Technical Interview(s): Discussions with hiring managers and senior technical staff to evaluate your expertise in BRT design, project management, engineering principles, and software proficiency. Expect questions related to your past projects and technical challenges.
• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you will present selected projects from your portfolio, highlighting your leadership, design approach, problem-solving skills, and project outcomes. Be prepared to discuss your role, the team structure, and the impact of your contributions.
• Behavioral & Cultural Fit Interview: Assessment of your leadership style, collaboration abilities, communication skills, and alignment with AECOM's values and operational culture. This may involve situational questions.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a more senior leader within the Transit and Rail group to confirm fit and discuss career aspirations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Select Key BRT Projects: Prioritize projects that specifically showcase your experience in Bus Rapid Transit design, planning, and management.
• Quantify Achievements: For each project, clearly articulate your specific contributions and quantify the results achieved (e.g., project budget managed, team size led, schedule adherence, cost savings, design improvements).
• Showcase Leadership & Problem-Solving: Highlight instances where you effectively led a team, overcame design challenges, or implemented innovative solutions.
• Prepare for Technical Deep Dives: Be ready to discuss the technical details of your designs, the software and methodologies used, and your decision-making process.
• Structure Your Presentation: Organize your portfolio presentation logically, perhaps by project type or by key skill demonstrated. Use clear visuals (drawings, diagrams, charts) to support your narrative.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario Questions: Be prepared for hypothetical design problems or scenario-based questions related to BRT implementation, integration with existing infrastructure, or managing project constraints.
• Project Management Scenarios: Anticipate questions about managing project risks, resolving team conflicts, handling client feedback, or adjusting schedules and budgets.
• Technical Problem-Solving: Case studies might involve analyzing a specific design issue and proposing solutions, demonstrating your analytical and problem-solving capabilities in a transit design context.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio that demonstrates tangible project success, technical depth in BRT, and effective leadership will be critical for advancing through AECOM's interview process. Candidates should be ready to articulate the 'why' and 'how' behind their design decisions and project management strategies.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency in AutoCAD/Civil 3D is highly preferred for preparing engineering calculations, developing detailed drawings, and creating visual aids for BRT infrastructure. Alternatively, expertise in Microstation/Power InRoads or Power GeoPak is also valued for similar design tasks.
• Project Management Software: Experience with project management platforms (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Asana, Monday.com) for scheduling, resource allocation, and tracking project progress.
• BIM Software (Potentially): Familiarity with Building Information Modeling (BIM) tools like Autodesk Revit or Bentley Systems' iTwins, especially for integrated design and visualization of transit infrastructure, may be beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to utilize tools for analyzing project data, performance metrics, and cost estimates. This might include advanced Excel functions, SQL, or specialized analytics software.
• Reporting Tools: Proficiency in generating reports using standard office suites and potentially business intelligence tools for presenting project status, performance metrics, and financial data.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems (for Business Development): Familiarity with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems (e.g., Salesforce) for managing client interactions and tracking business development activities.
• Automation Tools: Understanding of how to leverage automation within design processes, such as scripting in CAD software or utilizing workflow automation tools to improve efficiency.
• Integration Tools: Awareness of how different software systems (e.g., CAD, project management, financial) integrate to streamline project delivery and data management.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong grasp of CAD software is fundamental for this role. Experience with project management tools is also critical for effective leadership. Familiarity with BIM and data analysis tools will further enhance a candidate's profile.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: A commitment to the highest standards of safety in all design and project management activities, ensuring the well-being of the public and project teams.
• Integrity and Ethics: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all business dealings, client interactions, and project execution, fostering trust and reliability.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Promoting a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and team members work together effectively to achieve common goals.
• Innovation and Excellence: Driving innovation in design and project delivery, striving for technical excellence and delivering high-quality, sustainable solutions that exceed client expectations.
• Client Focus: A dedication to understanding and meeting client needs, building strong relationships, and delivering exceptional service that contributes to client success.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: AECOM fosters a collaborative approach where different disciplines work in concert. The Transit Design Manager will need to effectively integrate BRT design with civil, structural, traffic, and environmental engineering aspects, as well as with planning and construction management teams.
• Stakeholder Engagement: A proactive and transparent communication style is essential for engaging with clients (transportation agencies), internal leadership, and other project stakeholders, ensuring alignment and managing expectations.
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement: The culture likely encourages sharing best practices, lessons learned, and technical knowledge across teams and projects to foster continuous improvement in design processes and project delivery methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's emphasis on a "better world" and its global reach suggest a culture that values impactful work, collaboration across diverse teams, and a commitment to ethical practices. A candidate should demonstrate an ability to work effectively within a large, matrixed organization.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Multidisciplinary Projects: Coordinating diverse engineering disciplines and ensuring seamless integration of their work on large-scale BRT projects can be challenging.
• Meeting Stringent Deadlines and Budgets: The nature of infrastructure projects often involves tight timelines and budget constraints, requiring efficient project management and proactive risk mitigation.
• Navigating Regulatory and Client Requirements: Adapting designs to meet the specific standards, policies, and evolving needs of various transportation agencies and regulatory bodies.
• Integrating BRT with Existing Urban Fabric: Designing BRT systems that effectively interface with existing street networks, urban environments, and other modes of transportation, often requiring innovative solutions.
• Fostering Team Cohesion and Performance: Leading and motivating a team of engineers, ensuring high performance, and developing talent within a large organization.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced BRT and Transit System Design: Opportunities to work on cutting-edge BRT projects and expand knowledge of emerging transit technologies and design best practices.
• Leadership and Project Management Training: Access to AECOM's internal training programs focused on enhancing leadership, project management, financial acumen, and client relationship skills.
• Industry Conferences and Professional Development: Support for attending industry conferences (e.g., APTA, TRB) and pursuing professional development opportunities to stay abreast of industry trends and expand professional networks.
• Mentorship Programs: Participation in formal or informal mentorship programs with senior leaders within AECOM to gain career guidance and strategic insights.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents significant opportunities for professional growth by tackling complex infrastructure challenges and advancing within a leading global engineering firm. Addressing the inherent challenges through strong leadership and technical acumen will be key to success.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Operations Strategy: "Describe your approach to leading the design of a complex BRT project, from initial planning through final design. What are the key phases and critical success factors you focus on?" (Prepare to discuss project lifecycle, stakeholder management, risk assessment, and quality assurance.)
• Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: "How have you successfully managed and collaborated with multidisciplinary engineering teams and external agency clients on transportation projects? Provide a specific example." (Prepare to discuss communication strategies, conflict resolution, and client expectation management.)
• Problem-Solving & Efficiency: "Describe a challenging technical or project management problem you encountered in a transit design project and how you resolved it. How did you ensure efficiency in your design processes?" (Prepare a STAR method answer focusing on a specific problem, your action, and the positive outcome related to efficiency or process improvement.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Company Operations Understanding: "Based on your research, what do you see as AECOM's strengths in the transit design sector, and how do you see this role contributing to those strengths?" (Research AECOM's recent projects, values, and market position.)
• Team Dynamics: "How would you approach building and mentoring a team of engineers for a BRT project? What is your philosophy on team collaboration?" (Prepare to discuss leadership style, feedback mechanisms, and fostering a positive work environment.)
• Impact Measurement: "How do you measure the success of your design projects and your contributions as a manager? What metrics do you find most important?" (Focus on project delivery metrics, client satisfaction, and team performance.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structured Project Narratives: For each portfolio piece, clearly define the project's scope, your specific role and responsibilities, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the quantifiable results achieved.
• Highlighting Design Process & Efficiency: Show examples of how you applied structured design processes, managed workflows, and potentially used automation or optimization techniques to improve project outcomes.
• Demonstrating Leadership: Use your project examples to illustrate your leadership capabilities, decision-making process, and ability to guide and motivate teams.
• Visual Aids: Utilize clear, concise visuals such as project plans, design drawings, flowcharts, or performance dashboards to support your presentations and make complex information easily understandable.
• Concise and Engaging Delivery: Practice your presentation to ensure it is clear, engaging, and within the allotted time, focusing on the most impactful aspects of your experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to discuss specific projects in detail, demonstrating not only technical competence but also strong project management skills, leadership qualities, and an understanding of AECOM's business objectives and values.

📌 Application Steps

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

• Submit your application through the provided link on the AECOM jobs portal.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight your most relevant experience in BRT design, project management, and leadership. Select 2-3 key projects that best showcase your capabilities in these areas, focusing on quantifiable achievements and demonstrating your process management approach.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 10+ years of experience, leadership roles, PE license, and proficiency in relevant design software (AutoCAD/Civil 3D, Microstation). Use keywords from the job description, such as "BRT," "Transit Design," "Project Management," and "Multimodal Street Design."
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method for behavioral questions. Prepare concise answers to potential technical and strategy questions, and rehearse your portfolio presentation to ensure clarity, impact, and adherence to time limits.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research AECOM's recent projects, company values, and market position within the transportation infrastructure sector. Understand their commitment to "delivering a better world" and how your role contributes to this mission.

⚠️ 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.