SENIOR DESIGN-BUILD DESIGN MANAGER RAIL & TRANSIT

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design-Build Design Manager Rail & Transit

Company: Parsons Corporation

Location: New York, NY, United States (with options in Boston, MA; Troy, MI; Akron, OH; Orlando, FL; Washington, DC; Charlotte, NC; Indianapolis, IN; Chantilly, VA)

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Infrastructure Project Management & Design

Date Posted: 2026-09-01

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: Remote OK (with travel to job sites required)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the design and execution of large-scale, complex rail and transit infrastructure projects with a total installed cost exceeding $1 billion.

• Drive the marketing, pursuit, and scope development strategies for high-profile design-build opportunities within the rail and transit sector.

• Manage the commercial performance and scope management of significant infrastructure projects, ensuring profitability and adherence to client requirements.

• Foster and maintain strong collaborative relationships across diverse stakeholders, including clients, internal teams, and external partners, to ensure successful project delivery.

• Provide expert direction and management for major rail and transit design-build projects, contributing to critical transportation improvements and community enhancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is highly specialized within the infrastructure and heavy civil engineering sector, specifically focusing on the design-build delivery model for rail and transit systems. The emphasis on projects exceeding $1 billion and the requirement for a registered Professional Engineer (PE) indicate a senior leadership position requiring deep technical expertise and significant project management experience. The "Remote OK" status with travel requirements suggests a hybrid approach, allowing for flexibility while ensuring on-site presence is maintained for critical project phases.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee the complete design lifecycle of rail and transit projects, ensuring technical excellence, constructability, and compliance with all relevant codes and standards.

• Develop and implement winning strategies for project proposals, leveraging market intelligence and understanding client needs to secure new design-build contracts.

• Manage project scope meticulously, defining deliverables, controlling changes, and mitigating risks to ensure projects remain within agreed-upon parameters and budgets.

• Direct and mentor multidisciplinary engineering and technical teams, fostering a collaborative environment that drives innovation and high-quality project outcomes.

• Monitor and manage the commercial aspects of projects, including contract administration, financial performance, risk assessment, and profitability, to ensure successful business outcomes.

• Drive the integration of sustainability and resiliency principles into project designs, aligning with Parsons' commitment to enhancing communities and improving quality of life.

• Collaborate closely with procurement, construction, and operations teams to ensure seamless integration from design through to project handover and operational readiness.

• Prepare and present project progress reports, technical reviews, and strategic proposals to senior management and key stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities highlight a blend of technical leadership, strategic business development, and robust project management within the design-build framework. The emphasis on "winning strategies" for proposals and "commercial performance" indicates a significant business development and financial oversight component, beyond typical design management. The scale of projects ($1B+) necessitates a strong understanding of complex contract structures and risk management.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

• Minimum of 20+ years of progressive experience in related engineering and project management roles, with a substantial focus on the rail and transit sector.

• Extensive experience specifically in the Design-Build project delivery method, serving as the Design Manager or in a comparable leadership capacity. Required Skills:

• Registered Professional Engineer (PE): Mandatory licensure in at least one state, with the ability to obtain licensure in others as required.

• Design-Build Management: Demonstrated expertise in managing all facets of the design component within Design-Build projects, from pursuit to completion.

• Rail & Transit Design Expertise: In-depth knowledge of rail and transit systems design, including trackwork, systems, structures, and associated infrastructure.

• Multidisciplinary Team Leadership: Proven track record of leading and motivating diverse teams of engineers, architects, and technical specialists.

• Project Proposal Development: Strong ability to contribute to and lead the development of compelling project proposals, identifying winning strategies and value propositions.

• Commercial Acumen: Solid understanding of project finance, contract negotiation, risk management, and commercial performance optimization.

• Stakeholder Management: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for effective collaboration with clients, regulatory bodies, and internal teams.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience managing projects with a Total Installed Cost (TIC) exceeding $1 billion.

• Proven ability to work on and win complex, high-profile infrastructure project proposals.

• Demonstrated leadership presence and professionalism, embodying a "roll-up your sleeves" approach.

• Experience with sustainability and resiliency considerations in infrastructure design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a PE license and 20+ years of experience, coupled with specific Design-Build and Rail/Transit expertise, positions this as a principal-level technical leadership role. The emphasis on "winning strategies" for proposals and "commercial acumen" suggests that candidates with a strong business development aptitude and financial management skills will be highly regarded.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design-Build Project Case Studies: Detailed examples showcasing your leadership in Design-Build projects, highlighting your specific role, challenges, and successful outcomes in managing the design phase.

• Project Scope Management Documentation: Evidence of your ability to define, control, and manage project scopes effectively, including sample scope statements, change order logs, or risk mitigation plans.

• Technical Leadership Examples: Demonstrations of how you have led multidisciplinary teams to overcome complex design challenges, potentially including design review summaries or problem-solving case studies.

• Commercial Performance Metrics: Portfolio pieces that illustrate your contribution to the commercial success of projects, such as contract management summaries, risk registers, or profitability analyses (anonymized as necessary).

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Showcase your experience in designing and optimizing workflows for design teams, particularly within the fast-paced Design-Build environment, emphasizing efficiency and integration.

• System Implementation & Collaboration: Provide examples of how you have implemented or managed design systems and collaboration platforms to enhance team communication and project delivery.

• Performance Measurement & Analysis: Demonstrate your ability to establish key performance indicators (KPIs) for design teams and analyze project performance data to drive continuous improvement and inform strategic decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Design-Build Design Manager role, the portfolio should strongly emphasize project delivery success within the Design-Build model. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their processes for scope definition, risk management, stakeholder engagement, and team leadership, backed by concrete examples from past projects. The focus is on demonstrating a proven ability to manage the complexities and pace of Design-Build projects from a design leadership perspective.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $176,900.00 - $332,400.00 USD per year

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans to support employee and family wellbeing.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous paid time off for vacation, personal days, and holidays, allowing for work-life balance.

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP): Opportunity to own a part of the company, aligning employee success with organizational growth.

• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan to help employees save for their future.

• Life Insurance: Provided life insurance coverage for added financial security.

• Flexible Work Schedules: Options for flexible work arrangements to accommodate personal needs and enhance productivity.

• Holidays: Paid holidays recognized throughout the year.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time workweek, typically 40 hours, with potential for extended hours based on project demands and deadlines. Flexible scheduling options may be available.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is substantial, reflecting the senior-level, specialized nature of this role within the infrastructure sector. The extensive list of benefits, particularly the ESOP and flexible work schedules, indicates a company culture that values employee long-term commitment and work-life integration. The salary range is benchmarked against senior engineering and project management roles in major metropolitan areas like New York City, considering the high cost of living and demand for specialized skills in infrastructure.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering, Construction, and Infrastructure Development, with a strong focus on critical infrastructure projects like transportation, rail, and transit systems. Parsons is a global leader in providing technology-based solutions for the defense, intelligence, security, and infrastructure markets.

Company Size: Parsons is a large, publicly traded company with a significant global presence, indicating a structured environment with established processes and ample resources. This size offers stability and opportunities for career advancement.

Founded: Parsons was founded in 1944, bringing over 80 years of experience and a deep legacy in designing and delivering complex infrastructure solutions worldwide. This longevity suggests a stable company with a proven track record and deep industry expertise.

Team Structure:

• Critical Infrastructure Team: This role is part of the Critical Infrastructure team, which focuses on projects that are essential for community functioning and economic growth, such as transportation networks.

• Reporting Structure: While not explicitly detailed, senior roles typically report to Directors or Vice Presidents of specific business units or project portfolios. The Design Manager will likely lead a dedicated project design team and collaborate closely with project directors and construction managers.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Expect extensive collaboration with project management, construction, procurement, environmental, safety, and client representatives. The role demands strong coordination across all project disciplines.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Project Delivery: Parsons emphasizes leveraging data and technology for informed decision-making throughout the project lifecycle.

• Integrated Project Planning: The company promotes collaborative planning processes to ensure all project phases are aligned and optimized.

• Innovation and Technology Adoption: Parsons actively seeks and implements innovative solutions and technologies to enhance project efficiency, safety, and sustainability.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Parsons' established history and focus on critical infrastructure suggest a company that values technical excellence, long-term project success, and community impact. The "Critical Infrastructure" team implies a mission-driven environment focused on essential public services. The scale of the company means robust internal systems and processes, but also a need for individuals who can navigate larger organizational structures.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Managerial/Leadership role within the Design-Build project delivery framework. It signifies a high level of responsibility, requiring extensive experience, technical depth, and proven leadership capabilities. The role is accountable for significant project outcomes and contributes directly to the company's strategic business development in the rail and transit sector.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Design-Build Design Manager will likely report to a senior executive within the Critical Infrastructure business unit, such as a Vice President of Design or a Program Director. They will, in turn, lead and manage teams of design engineers and technical specialists assigned to specific projects.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and substantial impact on the company's revenue and profitability through successful project acquisition (pursuit strategies) and execution (commercial performance). Furthermore, it influences the company's reputation and market position by contributing to the successful delivery of landmark rail and transit projects that improve mobility, sustainability, and quality of life for communities.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to advance into executive roles such as Director of Design, VP of Engineering, or Program Director for larger, multi-project portfolios.

• Specialization Development: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific rail and transit technologies, advanced project delivery methods, or international project management.

• Mentorship and Training: Engage in mentoring junior engineers and managers, and benefit from Parsons' extensive internal training programs for leadership and technical development.

• Strategic Business Development: Contribute to shaping the company's strategy for winning major infrastructure projects, potentially moving into roles with a stronger business development focus.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a critical leadership position with clear pathways for career advancement within Parsons. The emphasis on both technical oversight and business development means that individuals who excel in both areas will find significant growth opportunities. The company's global reach and focus on critical infrastructure provide a stable and impactful career trajectory.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role offers "Remote OK" status, suggesting a hybrid work environment where employees can work from home for a significant portion of their time. However, it also explicitly states that "Travel to job sites will be required," indicating that on-site presence is necessary for key project milestones, client meetings, and site inspections. This hybrid model is common for senior roles managing geographically dispersed projects.

Office Location(s): While the primary listing is New York, NY, Parsons also has offices in Boston, MA; Troy, MI; Akron, OH; Orlando, FL; Washington, DC; Charlotte, NC; Indianapolis, IN; and Chantilly, VA. This suggests potential flexibility in home base location within the US, provided proximity to major transit hubs or project sites is feasible and travel commitments can be met.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: While remote, expect frequent virtual collaboration through video conferencing, project management platforms, and shared document repositories. When on-site, the environment will be dynamic, involving project offices and active construction sites.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to Parsons' suite of advanced engineering design software, project management tools, BIM platforms, and communication systems will be provided to facilitate remote and on-site work.

• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with project teams, senior management, and clients, both virtually and in person. The role requires strong communication and relationship-building skills to bridge geographical distances and ensure cohesive project efforts.

Work Schedule:

• A standard 40-hour work week is expected, but given the senior nature of the role and the demands of large-scale infrastructure projects, flexibility and willingness to work beyond standard hours, including evenings and weekends when necessary, will be required. This is typical for project management roles in this sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Remote OK" designation for a Senior Design-Build Design Manager role in infrastructure is a significant benefit, offering flexibility. However, it's crucial for candidates to understand the necessity of travel to project sites and potentially client offices. This implies a need for strong self-management, discipline, and effective communication skills to maintain high performance regardless of location.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess alignment with the core requirements, focusing on years of experience, PE license, and Design-Build/Rail & Transit expertise.

• Technical Interview(s): In-depth discussions with senior engineering leaders and hiring managers to evaluate your technical knowledge, project management methodologies, and understanding of Design-Build principles in rail and transit. Expect scenario-based questions related to managing complex design challenges.

• Portfolio Presentation: A key stage where you will be asked to present specific case studies from your portfolio. This will focus on your leadership in Design-Build projects, how you managed scope, commercial aspects, and multidisciplinary teams, and how you contributed to winning proposals.

• Behavioral & Cultural Fit Interview: Assessment of your leadership style, collaboration approach, problem-solving skills, and alignment with Parsons' values and culture. This may involve interviews with potential team members and stakeholders.

• Final Interview: A discussion with executive leadership to finalize the decision, focusing on strategic vision, business development capabilities, and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each Design-Build project, clearly outline the project's scope, your specific role and responsibilities, key challenges faced (technical, commercial, or stakeholder-related), your strategic approach to overcoming them, the solutions implemented, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, client satisfaction, technical innovation).

• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate your impact. For example, "Managed a design team of 50+ engineers, delivering the project 2 months ahead of schedule and 5% under budget," or "Developed winning proposal strategies that secured $X million in new Design-Build contracts."

• Highlight Design-Build Expertise: Explicitly detail your experience with the unique aspects of Design-Build, such as early contractor involvement, constructability reviews during design, integrated project teams, and managing the interface between design and construction.

• Demonstrate Commercial Acumen: Include examples of how you managed project budgets, controlled scope creep, negotiated with stakeholders, and contributed to the overall commercial success and profitability of the project.

• Visual Aids: Use clear, concise slides or documents. Consider including anonymized examples of key deliverables like scope summaries, risk matrices, or project plans to illustrate your process.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design-Build Scenarios: Be prepared for hypothetical scenarios asking how you would approach a specific design challenge on a rail project, manage scope changes, resolve interdisciplinary conflicts, or develop a winning proposal strategy.

• Leadership & Collaboration: Practice articulating your leadership philosophy, how you motivate teams, and how you foster collaboration, especially in a remote/hybrid or multi-stakeholder environment.

• Parsons' Projects: Research Parsons' recent rail and transit Design-Build projects (e.g., NJ-EWR Airport Automated People Mover, CA-Metro Gold Line) to understand their scale, complexity, and potential challenges. Frame your experience in a way that aligns with their demonstrated capabilities and future aspirations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes a strong blend of technical expertise, strategic business development (especially proposal win strategies), and proven leadership in the Design-Build arena. The portfolio review is critical and should be meticulously prepared to showcase quantifiable achievements and a deep understanding of the Design-Build lifecycle within rail and transit.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with industry-standard project management platforms such as Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, or similar for scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking on large infrastructure projects.

• CAD & BIM Software: Familiarity with CAD platforms (e.g., AutoCAD Civil 3D) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) software (e.g., Autodesk Revit, Bentley Systems products) for design visualization, coordination, and clash detection.

• Collaboration Platforms: Experience using tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom, and cloud-based document management systems (e.g., SharePoint, Procore) for effective remote and on-site team communication and document sharing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to utilize data analysis tools (e.g., Microsoft Excel with advanced functions, potentially BI tools like Tableau or Power BI) to interpret project performance data, identify trends, and generate insights for decision-making.

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience in creating and interpreting project dashboards that track key performance indicators (KPIs) related to design progress, budget adherence, and risk management.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: Familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) for tracking business development activities, client interactions, and proposal pursuits, particularly in managing client relationships and identifying new opportunities.

• Document Management Systems: Expertise in using robust document control and management systems (e.g., Procore, Aconex) essential for handling the extensive documentation involved in large infrastructure projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job description doesn't explicitly list specific software, a Senior Design-Build Design Manager in this sector would be expected to be highly proficient with advanced CAD/BIM tools, sophisticated project scheduling and management software, and comprehensive collaboration and document control platforms. Familiarity with business development tools like CRMs is also advantageous given the role's emphasis on proposal strategy.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity and Ethics: Upholding the highest standards of honesty and ethical conduct in all business dealings and project execution, crucial for public infrastructure projects.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Fostering a cooperative environment where diverse teams work together seamlessly to achieve common project goals, essential for complex Design-Build projects.

• Innovation and Excellence: Driving continuous improvement through innovative solutions and a commitment to delivering high-quality, technically superior engineering and design services.

• Safety and Sustainability: Prioritizing the safety of employees and the public, and incorporating sustainable practices into project designs to benefit communities and the environment.

• Client Focus: Dedication to understanding and meeting client needs, ensuring client satisfaction and building long-term partnerships.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Encouraging and facilitating seamless integration between design, construction, procurement, and project management teams, breaking down traditional silos.

• Proactive Communication: Emphasizing open, transparent, and frequent communication across all levels and disciplines to ensure alignment and rapid issue resolution.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting a culture where lessons learned are captured, shared, and applied to future projects, driving continuous improvement in processes and outcomes.

• Results-Oriented: A focus on achieving project milestones, meeting commercial objectives, and delivering tangible value to clients and stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: Parsons' emphasis on integrity, innovation, and client focus aligns with the expectations for a senior leadership role in the infrastructure sector. The collaborative style required for Design-Build projects is paramount, necessitating strong interpersonal skills and a proactive approach to teamwork and communication.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Large-Scale Complexity: Overseeing design for projects exceeding $1 billion presents significant technical, logistical, and contractual challenges that require meticulous planning and execution.

• Balancing Design & Commercial Goals: Effectively integrating the design process with aggressive commercial targets and tight schedules inherent in Design-Build projects requires strong strategic thinking and negotiation skills.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Navigating the diverse interests and requirements of multiple stakeholders (clients, regulatory bodies, community groups, internal departments) on major public infrastructure projects can be demanding.

• Remote Team Leadership: Effectively leading and motivating multidisciplinary teams that may be geographically dispersed or working in a hybrid model requires advanced communication and management techniques.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Management Certifications: Opportunities to pursue or enhance certifications like PMP, DBIA (Design-Build Institute of America) certifications, or other specialized project delivery credentials.

• Leadership Development Programs: Access to Parsons' internal leadership training and development programs designed to hone strategic thinking, executive presence, and advanced management skills.

• Industry Conferences & Seminars: Participation in leading rail, transit, and Design-Build industry events to stay abreast of emerging trends, technologies, and best practices.

• Mentorship from Senior Leaders: Opportunities to learn from and be mentored by seasoned executives within Parsons, gaining insights into strategic decision-making and long-term career growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges inherent in this role are significant and directly relate to the scale and complexity of modern infrastructure projects. Success will depend on a candidate's ability to manage ambiguity, drive collaboration, and maintain focus on both technical excellence and business objectives. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering pathways to executive leadership and deep specialization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design-Build Strategy: "Describe your approach to developing a winning proposal strategy for a major Design-Build rail project. What key elements would you focus on to differentiate Parsons from competitors?" (Prepare to discuss market analysis, client engagement, risk assessment, and value proposition development).

• Scope & Commercial Management: "How do you ensure effective scope management and commercial performance on a $1B+ Design-Build project, particularly when facing design changes or unforeseen site conditions?" (Focus on your processes for scope definition, change control, risk mitigation, and financial oversight).

• Team Leadership & Collaboration: "Imagine you're leading a design team for a complex transit project with engineers based in different offices. How would you foster collaboration, ensure clear communication, and maintain team morale?" (Prepare to discuss virtual collaboration tools, communication strategies, and conflict resolution).

Company & Culture Questions:

• Parsons' Values: "How do you see your leadership style aligning with Parsons' values of integrity, collaboration, and innovation? Provide specific examples." (Research Parsons' values and prepare to connect your experiences to them).

• Critical Infrastructure Impact: "What motivates you about working on critical infrastructure projects like rail and transit? How do you see your role contributing to community development and sustainability?" (Showcase your understanding of the broader impact of this work).

• Business Development Acumen: "Beyond technical leadership, how do you contribute to the business development efforts of a firm like Parsons? Discuss your experience in client relationship management and identifying new opportunities." (Be ready to articulate your role in securing new business).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• The STAR Method: Structure your case study presentations using the Situation, Task, Action, Result (STAR) method to provide clear, concise, and impactful narratives.

• Focus on Design-Build Nuances: Emphasize how your experience specifically addresses the unique challenges and opportunities of the Design-Build model, rather than just general project management.

• Quantify Your Impact: Ensure all your presented results are backed by data and metrics. This is crucial for demonstrating tangible value and commercial success.

• Strategic Vision: Be prepared to discuss not only past successes but also your strategic vision for future projects and how you would contribute to Parsons' continued success in the rail and transit sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of Design-Build project delivery, strong commercial acumen, and proven leadership capabilities. Candidates should be ready to articulate their strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and ability to manage large, complex projects and diverse teams. The portfolio presentation is a critical component to showcase practical experience and quantifiable achievements.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Design-Build Design Manager position:

• Submit Your Application: Complete and submit your application through the provided Workday portal link.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your extensive experience (20+ years), specifically emphasizing your roles in Design-Build projects, rail and transit design, and multidisciplinary team leadership. Ensure your Professional Engineer (PE) status is clearly stated.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of 2-3 key Design-Build project case studies that best demonstrate your leadership, technical expertise, commercial management skills, and ability to win proposals. Quantify your achievements with data and metrics.

• Research Parsons: Familiarize yourself with Parsons' recent rail and transit projects, company values, and their strategic focus on critical infrastructure. Understand their approach to Design-Build delivery.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio case studies using the STAR method, focusing on clarity, conciseness, and highlighting your specific contributions and the project's outcomes. Be prepared to answer strategic and behavioral questions.

⚠️ 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.