Rail Design Manager

Mott MacDonald
Full-time$162k-199k/year (USD)Seattle, United States

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Rail Design Manager

Company: Mott MacDonald

Location: Seattle, Washington, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering / Transportation / Management & Leadership / Consulting / Construction

Date Posted: July 31, 2026

Experience Level: 15+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (Minimum 3 days/week in office)

🚀 Role Summary

  • Lead the technical and strategic direction for complex, large-scale transit and rail infrastructure programs, encompassing preliminary engineering through construction delivery.

  • Serve as a senior technical authority, providing expert guidance on rail systems integration, multidisciplinary design, and critical technical interfaces across major infrastructure projects.

  • Drive successful project outcomes by overseeing design development, ensuring alignment with client requirements, stakeholder expectations, and program objectives within a public sector environment.

  • Foster client relationships and support business development through strategic engagement, proposal contributions, and demonstrating technical leadership.

  • Mentor and develop engineering and design management staff, cultivating high-performing technical teams and promoting innovation and best practices in rail and transportation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Rail Design Manager" title, coupled with responsibilities focused on "complex, large-scale transit infrastructure projects" and "rail systems integration," strongly suggests a role within the Transportation or Infrastructure Engineering domain. The emphasis on "technical and strategic leadership," "multidisciplinary design delivery," and "client relationships" points to a senior-level position requiring robust project management and engineering oversight. The mention of "public sector environment" and specific delivery methods like "Design-Bid-Build" and "Progressive Design-Build" further refines the operational context. The provided salary range and hybrid work arrangement are also key indicators for candidate expectations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

  • Provide comprehensive technical and strategic leadership for the execution of major transit and rail infrastructure programs, from initial planning and design through to implementation and construction phases.

  • Act as a senior technical authority and subject matter expert (SME) for rail and transit projects, offering critical advice to project teams, clients, and senior leadership.

  • Lead and manage the multidisciplinary design delivery process, ensuring successful integration of all project elements including guideways, stations, structures, utilities, track, traction power, signaling, communications, and overarching systems integration.

  • Direct and coordinate complex design integration activities across various engineering disciplines to guarantee consistency, uphold quality standards, and ensure alignment with overarching program objectives.

  • Provide executive-level oversight for intricate technical interfaces and program risks, with a particular focus on the intersection of rail systems and civil infrastructure.

  • Establish clear technical direction and robust engineering standards to facilitate successful project execution and compliance with client and industry specifications.

  • Lead critical engagements with transit agencies, public sector clients, regulatory authorities, and other key stakeholders on significant technical matters.

  • Guide and manage design reviews, implement rigorous quality assurance processes, and oversee technical governance activities to ensure adherence to client and industry standards.

  • Mentor, develop, and provide technical leadership to a diverse range of engineering and design management staff across project teams.

  • Actively support business development efforts, including proposal preparation, client engagement, strategic project positioning, and contributing to the growth of Mott MacDonald's rail and transportation practice.

  • Collaborate closely with project directors and program managers to ensure technical delivery aligns seamlessly with commercial goals, schedule constraints, and budget objectives.

  • Contribute to the development of procurement and delivery strategies, encompassing various alternative delivery methods such as Design-Bid-Build, Progressive Design-Build, and Construction Manager/General Contractor (CM/GC).

  • Champion innovation, promote the adoption of best practices, and drive continuous improvement initiatives across all rail and transportation projects.

  • Build and nurture long-term, trust-based client relationships through the provision of expert advisory services and consistent delivery of high-quality technical solutions.

  • Foster effective collaboration within multidisciplinary consultant teams, subconsultants, and joint venture partnerships to achieve comprehensive program-wide objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed are typical for a senior engineering management role in large-scale infrastructure projects. The emphasis on "multidisciplinary design delivery," "systems integration," and "technical interfaces" indicates a need for a candidate with broad engineering knowledge and strong coordination skills. The inclusion of "business development," "client engagement," and "strategic growth initiatives" highlights the commercial aspects of the role, common for principal-level positions in consulting firms. The specific mention of "Design-Bid-Build, Progressive Design-Build, CM/GC" suggests a need for familiarity with various project delivery models.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Transportation Engineering, or a closely related discipline is required.

  • A Master's degree in a relevant engineering field is strongly preferred. Experience:

  • A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in delivering major transportation, transit, rail, or large-scale infrastructure projects.

  • Proven track record of success in senior technical leadership roles such as Design Manager, Engineering Manager, Principal Engineer, or equivalent positions on complex infrastructure programs.

  • Extensive experience managing and overseeing multidisciplinary engineering teams and spearheading design integration activities for large-scale programs.

  • Significant hands-on experience with core rail systems, including but not limited to track, traction power, signaling, communications, and overall systems integration within a transit context.

  • Direct experience with Light Rail Transit (LRT), commuter rail, passenger rail, or major transportation program delivery is highly preferred.

  • Demonstrated ability to lead and conduct complex technical discussions with executive stakeholders, transit agencies, public-sector clients, and regulatory authorities.

  • A strong understanding of systems integration principles, technical governance frameworks, risk management strategies, and various program delivery methodologies.

  • Proven experience in mentoring junior engineers and actively contributing to the development of high-performing technical teams.

  • Experience supporting business development functions, client relationship management, and strategic growth initiatives within the engineering consulting sector. Required Skills:

  • Professional Engineer (PE) license in the state of Washington (or ability to obtain within a reasonable timeframe) is mandatory.

  • Expertise in rail systems engineering, including track, traction power, signaling, and communications.

  • Advanced knowledge of multidisciplinary design coordination and integration for large infrastructure projects.

  • Strong technical leadership and decision-making capabilities.

  • Proven ability to manage complex technical interfaces and program risks.

  • Expertise in public sector project delivery and client management.

  • Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.

  • Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop engineering staff.

  • Proficiency in understanding and applying engineering standards and quality assurance processes. Preferred Skills:

  • Master's degree in Civil, Structural, or Transportation Engineering.

  • Experience with alternative project delivery methods (e.g., Progressive Design-Build, CM/GC).

  • Familiarity with project management software and tools relevant to large infrastructure projects.

  • Experience in business development and proposal management within the transportation sector.

  • Knowledge of sustainability principles and their application in rail design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a PE license in Washington State is a critical qualification for this role, especially given the focus on local projects. The minimum of 15 years of experience, coupled with the preference for a Master's degree and specific rail systems expertise, positions this as a senior-level Principal Engineer or Manager role. The "preferred skills" indicate areas where candidates can further differentiate themselves, particularly in alternative delivery methods and business development.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Showcase detailed case studies of complex rail or transit infrastructure projects led from a technical or design management perspective, highlighting your role in overcoming significant engineering challenges.

  • Present examples of successful multidisciplinary design coordination, demonstrating how you integrated diverse engineering disciplines (e.g., civil, structural, systems, electrical) to achieve project goals.

  • Include documentation or descriptions of technical governance frameworks, quality assurance processes, or risk management strategies you have implemented on past projects.

  • Provide evidence of your experience in managing technical interfaces, particularly where rail systems interact with other infrastructure components, and how you ensured seamless integration.

  • Demonstrate your ability to establish and enforce engineering standards and technical direction for large-scale programs. Process Documentation:

  • Illustrate your experience in developing and implementing robust design processes for transit and rail projects, from conceptualization through to final design and construction support.

  • Detail your approach to managing design reviews, including peer reviews, client reviews, and constructability reviews, and how you incorporated feedback for continuous improvement.

  • Provide examples of your workflow for managing technical queries, change orders, and design clarifications during the project lifecycle, emphasizing efficiency and accuracy.

  • Showcase your methodology for ensuring compliance with client specifications, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices throughout the design process.

  • Describe your experience in using project management and design coordination tools to document and track design progress, issues, and resolutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior engineering management role like this, a portfolio is crucial. It should not just list projects but demonstrate the candidate's strategic thinking, leadership in process implementation, and ability to manage complex technical challenges and multidisciplinary teams. The focus should be on quantifiable achievements and demonstrated impact on project delivery, particularly in the context of rail and transit infrastructure.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $162,000 - $199,000 per year This salary range is based on the provided information and reflects the senior level of the position, the required experience, and the Seattle, WA location. Seattle is a high cost-of-living area with a strong demand for experienced engineering professionals, particularly in specialized fields like rail infrastructure.

Benefits:

  • Retirement Savings: 401k plan with company contributions.

  • Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.

  • Income Protection: Short-term and long-term disability insurance.

  • Time Off: Generous paid holidays and paid time off (PTO).

  • Family Support: Parental leave benefits.

  • Life Insurance: Company-paid life insurance policy.

  • Performance Incentives: Eligibility for personal and group performance bonuses, reflecting the employee-owned nature of the company and direct connection to business success.

Working Hours:

  • Standard full-time hours, typically around 40 hours per week.

  • Hybrid work arrangement requiring a minimum of three days per week in the Seattle office, balancing in-office collaboration with flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific and aligns with a Principal Engineer or Manager role in a major metropolitan area like Seattle. The benefits package is comprehensive, typical for large engineering consulting firms, with the unique inclusion of performance bonuses and employee ownership, which are significant selling points. The hybrid work requirement with a minimum office presence is also clearly stated.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering, Management, and Development Services (specifically within Transportation and Infrastructure sectors).

Company Size: Mott MacDonald is one of the largest employee-owned companies globally, with over 20,000 employees. This scale suggests a robust organizational structure with diverse opportunities and resources, while the employee ownership model fosters a culture of shared responsibility and commitment.

Founded: While the founding date isn't explicitly provided, Mott MacDonald has a long-standing history in global engineering, indicating a stable and experienced organization.

Team Structure:

  • The role likely operates within Mott MacDonald's North American rail and transportation practice.

  • The team structure will involve close collaboration with Project Directors, Program Managers, and other senior engineering leads.

  • Cross-functional collaboration is essential, involving engineers from various disciplines (civil, structural, electrical, systems), design teams, project controls, and potentially business development and client relationship managers.

  • Reporting will likely be to a senior executive within the transportation sector or a designated Director overseeing regional operations. Methodology:

  • Data Analysis & Insights: Mott MacDonald emphasizes data-driven decision-making, likely utilizing project performance data, risk assessments, and technical evaluations to inform strategy and execution.

  • Workflow Planning & Optimization: The company focuses on efficient project delivery, implying structured approaches to design, review, and construction support, with an emphasis on optimizing workflows for complex infrastructure projects.

  • Automation & Efficiency: While not explicitly detailed, a forward-thinking engineering firm like Mott MacDonald would likely leverage technology and automation to enhance design processes, collaboration, and project management.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company description highlights Mott MacDonald as a large, employee-owned firm with a global presence and a focus on sustainability and innovation. This suggests a culture that values expertise, collaboration, and long-term growth. The "brilliant people to do brilliant things" slogan implies a high-performance environment that empowers employees. The mention of supporting "multisector project work" indicates a broad range of expertise.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a Principal Engineer or Senior Manager level within the engineering and design management hierarchy. It requires significant technical expertise, extensive project delivery experience, and demonstrated leadership capabilities, typically associated with individuals who have progressed through senior engineering roles. The scope involves leading major programs, acting as a key technical advisor, and influencing strategic decisions.

Reporting Structure:

  • The Rail Design Manager will likely report to a senior leader within Mott MacDonald's North American Transportation or Infrastructure division, such as a Sector Director, Vice President, or a Program Director for major initiatives.

  • They will be responsible for leading and mentoring teams of engineers and design managers, who will, in turn, report to them on specific project workstreams. Operations Impact:

  • The role's direct impact is on the successful technical delivery of multi-billion-dollar light rail expansion programs. This includes ensuring the technical integrity, quality, safety, and timely completion of complex rail systems and associated infrastructure.

  • By providing expert technical leadership and strategic oversight, the Rail Design Manager directly influences project profitability, client satisfaction, and the overall reputation of Mott MacDonald in the transportation sector.

  • Their contributions to business development and client relationship management are crucial for securing future projects and driving revenue growth for the firm. Growth Opportunities:

  • Leadership Advancement: Potential to advance into executive leadership roles, such as Director of Transportation, Vice President of Engineering, or Program Director for even larger, more complex programs.

  • Specialization & Expertise: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific rail systems or advanced infrastructure technologies, becoming a recognized industry thought leader.

  • Business Development & Client Management: Develop strong client relationships and gain experience in strategic planning, market positioning, and winning new business.

  • Mentorship & Team Building: Continued opportunity to mentor and develop future engineering leaders, contributing to the firm's talent pipeline.

  • Global Mobility: Given Mott MacDonald's global footprint, there may be opportunities to engage with or lead projects in international contexts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Principal Engineer" designation and the scope of responsibilities clearly indicate a senior leadership role. The emphasis on supporting a "multi-billion-dollar light rail expansion programme" underscores the significant impact this role has on major infrastructure development and the company's strategic goals within the transportation sector. Growth opportunities are naturally tied to expanding leadership responsibilities and contributing to the firm's business strategy.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Mott MacDonald operates with a "hybrid approach centered on an in-office culture," requiring a minimum of three days per week in the office. This suggests a collaborative workspace designed to facilitate face-to-face interaction, team meetings, and project discussions.

Office Location(s): The primary office location for this role is Seattle, Washington. This likely means access to a dedicated Mott MacDonald office space in or around the Seattle metropolitan area, which would be equipped to support engineering operations.

Workspace Context:

  • Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model with a minimum of three office days per week is designed to foster collaboration, team synergy, and spontaneous idea exchange, which is crucial for complex engineering problem-solving.

  • Operations Tools & Technology: Employees will have access to the necessary office infrastructure, IT support, and potentially specialized engineering software and collaboration platforms utilized by Mott MacDonald for design, project management, and communication.

  • Team Interaction: The office environment provides opportunities for direct interaction with colleagues, including other senior engineers, project managers, and support staff, facilitating knowledge sharing and mentorship.

Work Schedule:

  • A standard full-time work schedule, typically around 40 hours per week.

  • The hybrid arrangement offers a degree of flexibility in balancing office presence with remote work, allowing for focused individual work while prioritizing in-person collaboration for key team activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of a hybrid work arrangement with a minimum of three office days per week is key. This indicates that while remote work is partially accommodated, the company culture prioritizes in-person collaboration, which is common for senior technical leadership roles where team coordination and client interaction are paramount.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: Likely a review of your resume and application by a recruiter or HR to assess basic qualifications and experience.

  • Hiring Manager Interview: A detailed discussion with the hiring manager (likely a senior leader in the transportation sector) to delve into your technical experience, leadership style, and understanding of rail infrastructure projects.

  • Technical Panel Interview: An interview with a panel of senior engineers and subject matter experts to assess your technical depth, problem-solving skills, and ability to handle complex engineering challenges. This may include scenario-based questions or a review of your portfolio.

  • Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where you will present key projects from your portfolio, detailing your role, technical contributions, leadership approach, and project outcomes.

  • Stakeholder/Client Interaction Simulation: Potentially a scenario-based interview or discussion to assess your ability to engage with clients, transit agencies, and public sector stakeholders on critical technical matters.

  • Final Interview: A concluding interview, possibly with a senior executive, to discuss cultural fit, long-term career aspirations, and final alignment with the role and company vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your most impactful projects that best showcase your experience in rail design, multidisciplinary integration, and technical leadership on large-scale infrastructure.

  • Focus on Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific responsibilities, technical decisions, and leadership contributions. Quantify achievements whenever possible (e.g., cost savings, schedule improvements, risk mitigation).

  • Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, follow a clear narrative: challenge, your approach/solution, technical details, key collaborations, and outcomes/results. Use diagrams, schematics, or relevant visuals where appropriate.

  • Demonstrate Process Mastery: Highlight how you managed design processes, quality assurance, technical interfaces, and risk. Show your understanding of project delivery methodologies.

  • Tailor to Mott MacDonald: Research Mott MacDonald's current projects and values. Frame your experience in a way that aligns with their focus on innovation, sustainability, and client partnerships.

  • Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about technical challenges, team management, client relations, and your approach to problem-solving in complex environments.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Technical Scenarios: Be prepared for questions that present hypothetical engineering or project management challenges common in rail design (e.g., managing conflicting design requirements, resolving complex technical interfaces, addressing constructability issues).

  • Leadership & Strategy: Expect questions about your leadership philosophy, how you motivate teams, manage conflict, and contribute to strategic planning and business development.

  • Systems Integration: Prepare to discuss your approach to ensuring seamless integration of various rail systems and infrastructure components.

  • Client & Stakeholder Management: Think about how you would handle difficult client conversations, stakeholder negotiations, or regulatory reviews.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a senior role like this will be rigorous, involving multiple stages and assessments. The portfolio presentation is a critical component, requiring candidates to not only showcase past work but also to articulate their strategic thinking and leadership capabilities. Preparation should focus on demonstrating a deep understanding of rail engineering, project management, and stakeholder engagement within the public sector.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • CAD/BIM Software: Proficiency with industry-standard Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) software such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Revit, or Bentley's MicroStation and OpenRail suite will be essential for design review and understanding design deliverables.

  • Project Management Software: Experience with platforms like Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, or similar tools for scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking on large infrastructure programs.

  • Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, or similar for team communication, document sharing, and project collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

  • Data Analysis Tools: While not explicitly mentioned, an understanding of how to interpret project performance data, risk registers, and technical reports is crucial. Familiarity with Excel for data manipulation and reporting is a given.

  • Reporting Tools: Ability to review and contribute to technical reports, progress reports, and client presentations.

CRM & Automation:

  • CRM Systems: Experience working with client relationship management systems (though this role is more technical leadership, understanding client management is key).

  • Automation Tools: Awareness of how automation can be applied in design processes, project management, or data analysis within the engineering context.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job description doesn't list specific software, it's standard for a Rail Design Manager to be proficient with advanced CAD/BIM software relevant to civil and infrastructure design, along with robust project management and scheduling tools. The ability to interpret data and contribute to reporting is also a key expectation.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Brilliant People Doing Brilliant Things: Mott MacDonald fosters an environment that values expertise, innovation, and high-quality execution, expecting employees to contribute their best work.

  • Employee Ownership: This model cultivates a culture of shared responsibility, accountability, and commitment to the company's long-term success and profitability.

  • Sustainability & Innovation: The company prioritizes sustainable development and innovative solutions, encouraging employees to think creatively and find environmentally conscious approaches to engineering challenges.

  • Collaboration & Inclusion: Mott MacDonald emphasizes teamwork and diversity, aiming to create an inclusive environment where all employees feel valued and have opportunities to contribute.

  • Client Focus: A strong emphasis on building lasting client relationships through trusted advisory services and consistently delivering exceptional outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

  • Hybrid & In-Office Centric: The culture promotes regular in-person collaboration, valuing face-to-face interactions for problem-solving, brainstorming, and relationship building, complemented by hybrid flexibility.

  • Cross-Functional Integration: Expect a high degree of collaboration across diverse engineering disciplines, project management, and business development functions to achieve integrated project delivery.

  • Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: An environment where senior staff are expected to mentor junior colleagues and share expertise, fostering continuous learning and professional development.

  • Feedback & Improvement: A culture that likely encourages constructive feedback and continuous improvement of processes and project outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is strongly influenced by its employee-owned status and its global reach. Expect a professional, collaborative, and technically focused environment where innovation and client satisfaction are paramount. The emphasis on "brilliant people" suggests a high-performance expectation.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Managing Large-Scale Program Complexity: Overseeing the technical delivery of multi-billion-dollar projects with numerous interdependencies and stakeholders presents significant management and coordination challenges.

  • Navigating Public Sector Dynamics: Working within highly regulated public sector environments requires strong understanding of procurement processes, stakeholder management, and political considerations.

  • Technical Integration of Diverse Systems: Ensuring seamless integration of various rail systems (track, power, signaling, communications) with civil infrastructure demands meticulous attention to detail and robust technical oversight.

  • Balancing Technical Excellence with Commercial Objectives: Aligning ambitious technical goals with project schedules and budgets requires strong project controls and strategic decision-making.

  • Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Staying abreast of new technologies and methodologies in rail engineering and project delivery to maintain a competitive edge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Advanced Project Leadership: Gaining experience leading some of the largest and most complex rail projects in North America.

  • Industry Recognition: Opportunities to become a recognized expert and thought leader in the rail and transit sector through high-profile project involvement and potential industry engagement.

  • Professional Development: Access to training, workshops, and potential support for continued professional development and certifications relevant to engineering management and transportation infrastructure.

  • Mentorship Programs: Benefit from or participate in formal mentorship programs, both as a mentee and a mentor, fostering career growth.

  • Exposure to Diverse Delivery Models: Deepen expertise in various project delivery methods, enhancing versatility and marketability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to the scale and complexity of the projects. The growth opportunities are substantial, tied to the firm's growth and the candidate's ability to lead major initiatives and contribute strategically.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe a time you led the technical delivery of a complex, multidisciplinary infrastructure project. What were the key challenges, your approach, and the outcome?" (Focus on demonstrating leadership, problem-solving, and process management.)

  • "How do you ensure effective systems integration for large-scale rail projects, particularly concerning technical interfaces between different systems and civil infrastructure?" (Highlight your understanding of technical governance, coordination, and risk mitigation.)

  • "Imagine a scenario where a critical design element for the rail system conflicts with a long-standing client requirement. How would you approach resolving this conflict while managing stakeholder expectations?" (Assess your communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What interests you about Mott MacDonald, and how do your values align with our employee-owned culture and commitment to innovation?" (Research Mott MacDonald's mission, values, and recent projects.)

  • "How do you foster collaboration and build high-performing technical teams, especially within a hybrid work environment?" (Discuss your leadership style, mentorship approach, and strategies for team cohesion.)

  • "How do you measure the success of your technical leadership and its impact on project delivery, client satisfaction, and business objectives?" (Prepare to discuss KPIs, metrics, and your approach to demonstrating value.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly outline the challenge, your strategic approach, technical solutions, key collaborations, and quantifiable results.

  • Visual Aids: Use concise slides with high-level diagrams, timelines, and key metrics. Avoid overwhelming detail.

  • Focus on Leadership & Impact: Emphasize your role in decision-making, team direction, and driving outcomes.

  • Technical Depth with Clarity: Be prepared to dive into technical specifics if asked, but start with a strategic overview.

  • Engage Your Audience: Make it a conversation, not a lecture. Be ready to answer questions thoughtfully and demonstrate your passion for rail engineering.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating not only technical acumen but also strong leadership, strategic thinking, and client-facing skills. Understanding Mott MacDonald's business and culture will be key to tailoring responses.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Rail Design Manager position:

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

  • Portfolio Customization: Prepare a concise portfolio (digital or presentation format) that highlights 3-5 key rail/transit infrastructure projects. Focus on showcasing your technical leadership, multidisciplinary design management, and successful project outcomes.

  • Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize your 15+ years of experience in major transportation/rail projects, your PE license, your expertise in rail systems integration, and any experience with alternative project delivery methods. Use keywords from the job description.

  • Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions. Prepare specific examples for technical challenges, leadership scenarios, and client management. Rehearse your portfolio presentation.

  • Company Research: Thoroughly research Mott MacDonald's recent projects, particularly in the transportation sector, their company values, and their approach to sustainability and innovation. Understand their presence and ongoing work in the Seattle region.

⚠️ 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.

Application Requirements

Requires a Bachelor's degree in Engineering and a Professional Engineer (PE) license, with at least 15 years of experience in major transportation or transit projects. Candidates must demonstrate expertise in rail systems integration, multidisciplinary team leadership, and experience within public sector environments.