Senior Design Manager (Term-Limited)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Manager (Term-Limited)

Company: Sound Transit

Location: Seattle, Washington, USA

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Civil Engineering Operations / Project Management

Date Posted: 2026-08-03

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

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

🚀 Role Summary

• This Senior Design Manager role focuses on leading and overseeing the civil engineering design aspects of major light rail, heavy passenger rail, and bus projects within Sound Transit's Capital Delivery Department.

• Key responsibilities include managing large design consultant teams, ensuring the delivery of high-value and quality designs, and coordinating closely with internal operations, engineering, safety, and quality staff.

• The position involves significant contract administration for engineering consultants, negotiation of agreements with third parties (agencies, utilities, property owners), and providing crucial design support during the construction phase.

• This is a term-limited position, expected to last for 5 years, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to significant infrastructure projects within a defined timeframe.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is explicitly term-limited to 5 years, which is a critical detail for candidates seeking long-term career stability. This suggests a focus on project completion and delivery within that timeframe. The scope covers a broad range of civil engineering disciplines, indicating a need for a strong generalist with deep project management expertise.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and coordinate the delivery of civil engineering elements for major transit infrastructure projects, including light rail, heavy rail, and bus projects.

• Oversee and direct large design consultant teams, ensuring alignment with project scope, budget, and schedule.

• Manage complex civil engineering design efforts encompassing architectural, civil, traffic, track, structural, geotechnical, landscaping, ventilation, station electrical, and urban design.

• Administer and manage engineering consultant contracts, including peer reviews, design reviews, contract packaging, budget adherence, schedule management, and risk assessments.

• Plan, develop, negotiate, and administer formal agreements and permits with third parties such as state and local agencies, utilities, and private property owners.

• Provide comprehensive design support during construction, including contract management, resolution of design-related errors/omissions, non-conformance issues, and change management.

• Prepare and present staff reports, correspondence, and project updates to Sound Transit leadership, including the Executive Leadership and Board.

• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, agency policies, procedures, rules, and regulations, including safety and sustainability mandates.

• Champion and model Sound Transit's core values, fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "value and quality of design to fulfill the agency's mission" highlights a strategic operational focus beyond just technical execution. The requirement to negotiate with a wide array of third parties underscores the importance of strong stakeholder management and negotiation skills in this role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

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

Experience: Minimum of five years of civil engineering/architectural design and construction experience, preferably in a rail or transit environment. Three years of leadership, budgetary, planning, and workforce management experience.

Required Skills:

• Advanced understanding of civil engineering principles and practices.

• Strong knowledge of Federal, State, and local policies, laws, regulations, and codes relevant to transit engineering.

• Advanced knowledge of project management principles and methodologies.

• Expertise in managing transit engineering, site civil, and construction programs.

• Proficiency in engineering consulting services, including scopes of work, reports, studies, cost estimates, plans, and specifications.

• Deep understanding of contract and procurement strategies and management principles.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills for conveying technical information concisely.

• Strong public speaking skills for representing the Agency at public and executive meetings.

• Proven supervisory and team leadership abilities.

• Demonstrated ability to perform negotiations and partner effectively with local jurisdictions, agencies, utilities, contractors, and community groups.

• Skill in preparing, reviewing, interpreting, analyzing, and modifying complex engineering plans, drawings, specifications, and contract documents.

• Ability to apply advanced project management and contract management techniques.

• Proficient in utilizing personal computer software for engineering analysis, spreadsheets, and reports.

• Excellent collaboration skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

• Ability to interpret and administer policies and procedures.

• Strong independent work ethic with effective time management and prioritization skills.

• Ability to work effectively under pressure, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with light rail, heavy passenger rail, or bus projects.

• Familiarity with urban design, station electrical, and lighting design integration.

• Knowledge of geotechnical and structural engineering principles as they apply to transit infrastructure.

• Experience with risk assessment and mitigation strategies in large-scale infrastructure projects.

• Understanding of sustainability principles in civil engineering and construction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a Professional Civil Engineer or Professional Architect license issued by the State of Washington is a critical technical qualification. The emphasis on "Advanced understanding" and "Strong knowledge" indicates a need for seasoned professionals who can operate with a high degree of autonomy and expertise in complex project environments.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Examples demonstrating successful management of large-scale civil engineering design projects from concept through construction support.

• Case studies showcasing effective contract administration and negotiation with design consultants and third parties.

• Documentation illustrating budget and schedule management for complex infrastructure projects.

• Evidence of resolving design-related issues, errors, and omissions during the construction phase.

• Demonstrations of effective stakeholder engagement and coordination with diverse groups (agencies, utilities, community). Process Documentation:

• Showcase of structured processes for design review, peer reviews, and quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC).

• Examples of workflow design for managing third-party agreements and permits.

• Documentation of change management processes for design-related issues.

• Presentation of methodologies for risk assessment and mitigation in design and construction.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, a portfolio demonstrating a track record of successful project delivery, particularly in complex public infrastructure, will be crucial. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their methodologies for managing design processes, consultant relationships, and risk in their portfolio.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $107,000 - $213,000 annually, with a midpoint of $160,000. New hires typically fall between the minimum and midpoint, with potential to exceed based on experience, internal equity, and market conditions.

Benefits:

• Health Benefits: Two medical plan choices, dental, and vision plans at no cost for employee coverage; comprehensive benefits for employees and eligible dependents.

• Insurance: Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance.

• Support Services: Employee Assistance Program.

• Retirement Plans:

  • 401a: 10% employee contribution with a 12% Sound Transit match.
  • 457b: Employee contribution up to the IRS maximum.

• Paid Time Off: Accrual of 25 days annually, increasing at 4, 8, and 12 years of service. Directors and above accrue additional days.

• Holidays: 12 paid holidays, plus up to 2 paid floating holidays and 2 paid volunteer days per year.

• Parental Leave: 12 weeks for new parents.

• Additional Perks: Pet Insurance discount, complimentary ORCA Card for all full-time employees.

• Professional Development: Up to $5,000 annually for approved tuition reimbursement.

• Wellness: Inclusive Reproductive Health Support Services.

• Overall Compensation Philosophy: Competitive salaries based on market rates and internal equity, combined with work-life balance, professional development opportunities, and recognition.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is broad, indicating a significant opportunity for candidates with extensive experience and specialized skills. The benefits package is comprehensive, with a strong emphasis on health, retirement, and work-life balance, which are attractive to public sector professionals. The term-limited nature of the role is a key consideration for overall compensation strategy.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Transportation / Public Sector / Government (Transit Agency)

Company Size: Large (Likely 1,000+ employees, based on typical transit agency structures)

Founded: 1996 (Established to plan, build, and operate regional transit services)

Team Structure:

• This role sits within the Capital Delivery Department, specifically focused on Infrastructure Engineering.

• The Senior Design Manager will lead teams of design consultants and coordinate with internal Sound Transit departments including Operations, Engineering, Safety, Contracts, Project Controls, Quality, Facilities, and Maintenance.

• The position reports to a Project Director or Executive Project Director, indicating a hierarchical structure within large capital projects. Methodology:

• Emphasis on delivering "value and quality of design."

• Data-driven decision-making is implied through the need for analysis of plans, reports, and compliance with regulations.

• Process-oriented, with requirements for managing contracts, agreements, permits, and design support during construction.

• Collaborative approach, requiring extensive coordination with internal departments, external agencies, utilities, and community groups.

• Commitment to core values, diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as safety and sustainability.

Company Website: https://www.soundtransit.org/

📝 Enhancement Note: Sound Transit is a major public transit authority responsible for significant infrastructure development in the Puget Sound region. Working in this environment means navigating public sector processes, stakeholder engagement, and a mission-driven approach to public service. The emphasis on equity and inclusion suggests a commitment to fair practices and diverse representation.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Management / Director Level (within a specific project or departmental function)

Reporting Structure: Reports to a Project Director or Executive Project Director, managing external design consultant teams and coordinating with internal subject matter experts.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and substantial impact on the successful delivery of critical public infrastructure projects. The quality and efficiency of the design managed by this role will influence project timelines, costs, safety, and long-term operational effectiveness of transit systems.

Growth Opportunities:

• Within the Term: Opportunity to lead and deliver high-profile, large-scale transit projects, gaining extensive experience in complex public infrastructure development and management.

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of civil engineering design management, contract negotiation, and large-scale project delivery within the transit sector.

• Leadership Development: Enhance leadership skills by managing diverse teams, including external consultants and internal stakeholders, and by reporting to executive leadership.

• Post-Term: While this is a term-limited role, the experience gained can be highly valuable for future senior leadership positions in public transit agencies, large engineering firms, or construction management companies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The term-limited nature of this role means growth opportunities are likely focused on project-specific achievements and skill enhancement rather than linear career progression within Sound Transit. However, the caliber of projects and the scope of responsibility offer significant professional development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid environment, with a minimum expectation of 3 days per week in the office. Occasional visits to construction sites are required.

Office Location(s): Seattle, WA (Postal Code: 98104). This is a central location within the city.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires extensive interaction with internal teams (Operations, Engineering, Safety, Contracts, etc.) and external entities (design consultants, agencies, utilities, community groups). Expect a dynamic, cross-functional work setting.

• Tools & Technology: Access to standard office productivity software, likely project management software, and potentially specialized CAD/BIM platforms for design review.

• Team Interaction: Frequent meetings, presentations, and collaborative sessions, both in-person and potentially virtual, to ensure project alignment and resolve issues.

Work Schedule: Standard 40-hour work week. The hybrid nature allows for some flexibility, but the requirement for in-office presence and site visits indicates a need for consistent availability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model with a minimum of 3 days in office suggests a preference for in-person collaboration and oversight, which is common for senior roles managing complex projects. Site visits are a non-negotiable aspect, requiring adaptability and comfort working in active construction environments.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of application, resume, and qualifications against minimum requirements, with a focus on engineering licenses and relevant experience.

• Technical Interview(s): Likely to involve discussions with hiring managers and subject matter experts from Capital Delivery and Infrastructure Engineering. Expect questions on civil engineering principles, project management methodologies, contract administration, and experience with transit projects.

• Behavioral Interview(s): Assessment of leadership style, problem-solving abilities, stakeholder management, communication skills, and alignment with Sound Transit's core values (e.g., equity, inclusion, collaboration, safety).

• Portfolio Presentation (Potential): Candidates may be asked to present examples from their portfolio showcasing key projects, management strategies, and successful outcomes. This is where demonstrating process optimization and ROI will be critical.

• Executive Interview: Final interviews may involve discussions with senior leadership (Project Director/Executive Project Director) to assess strategic fit and overall suitability for the term-limited role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Key Projects: Select 2-3 major transit or civil engineering projects that best demonstrate your experience in managing design and construction.

• Quantify Achievements: Use metrics to showcase impact, such as budget savings, schedule adherence, reduction in design errors, or successful negotiation outcomes.

• Showcase Process Management: Clearly articulate your approach to managing design consultants, contracts, third-party agreements, and design support during construction.

• Demonstrate Problem-Solving: Include examples of complex challenges faced and how you effectively resolved them, emphasizing your analytical and decision-making skills.

• Emphasize Collaboration: Provide examples of successful cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder engagement.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for case study questions related to managing a design consultant through a challenging phase of a transit project, or resolving a significant design conflict during construction.

• Practice articulating your approach to risk management, budget control, and schedule adherence in complex infrastructure projects.

• Prepare to discuss how you would ensure design quality and compliance with regulatory requirements for a major public transit project.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the senior level and project-management focus, expect interviewers to probe deeply into your experience managing consultants, contracts, and complex stakeholder relationships. The Washington State PE/Architect license is a hard requirement, so ensure this is clearly stated and verifiable.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Likely tools such as Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, or similar platforms for scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking.

• Contract Management Systems: Platforms for managing consultant contracts, change orders, and payments.

• Document Management Systems: Tools like SharePoint, Procore, or similar for organizing project documentation, plans, and specifications.

• CAD/BIM Software (for review): Familiarity with reviewing designs produced in AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Revit, or other industry-standard design software is essential, though direct creation may not be required.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Financial Tracking Tools: Software for budget management, cost control, and financial reporting.

• Performance Metrics Dashboards: Ability to interpret and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to design delivery, budget, schedule, and risk.

• Data Analysis Tools: Proficiency in Excel for data analysis, reporting, and creating financial models.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a traditional CRM role, experience with systems for managing stakeholder communications and agreements (e.g., contract management systems, permit tracking systems) will be beneficial.

• Automation knowledge is less about workflow automation and more about efficient management of processes and documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role requires expertise in managing projects that utilize these tools, rather than necessarily being an administrator of them. The emphasis is on leveraging these systems for effective project oversight, reporting, and decision-making.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: A paramount value, especially given the public transit and construction environment. Employees are expected to prioritize safety protocols and compliance.

• Equity & Inclusion: Sound Transit is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace and ensuring equitable service delivery.

• Collaboration: Strong emphasis on working together across departments and with external partners to achieve shared goals.

• Accountability: Holding oneself and teams responsible for delivering on commitments, quality, and performance.

• Customer Focus: Ultimately serving the public by delivering efficient, reliable, and accessible transit services.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect to work closely with various internal departments, requiring strong communication and negotiation skills to align diverse interests.

• Consultant Partnership: Building and maintaining effective working relationships with design consultants is key to project success.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Proactive and transparent communication with external agencies, utilities, and community groups is essential for project approvals and smooth execution.

• Data-Driven Discussions: Decisions and discussions are expected to be informed by data, technical analysis, and adherence to established processes and regulations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "champions and models Sound Transit's core values" and "Equity & Inclusion Policy" signifies that cultural fit and demonstration of these values will be assessed during the hiring process.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Large, Complex Projects: Navigating the inherent complexities of multi-year, multi-stakeholder transit infrastructure projects.

• Third-Party Negotiations: Successfully negotiating agreements and permits with numerous public and private entities, each with their own interests and requirements.

• Design Resolution During Construction: Effectively resolving design discrepancies, errors, and omissions that arise during the construction phase to minimize delays and cost overruns.

• Term Limitation: Adapting to a defined project scope and timeline, requiring efficient execution and a focus on delivering within the 5-year term.

• Public Scrutiny: Working within a public sector environment where projects are often subject to public review and political considerations.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Management: Gaining hands-on experience managing multi-million dollar capital projects within a major transit agency.

• Public Sector Procurement & Contracts: Deepening expertise in public sector contracting, negotiation, and compliance.

• Transit Infrastructure Design: Broadening knowledge across various civil engineering disciplines as they apply to transit systems.

• Executive Communication: Developing skills in presenting complex technical information to executive leadership and public boards.

• Leadership in Public Service: Enhancing leadership capabilities within a mission-driven, public-focused organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for large-scale public infrastructure projects. The growth opportunities are significant, especially for professionals looking to specialize in transit or public sector project delivery.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you managed a large design consultant team through a critical project phase. What were the key challenges, and how did you ensure successful delivery?" (Focus on process, communication, and problem-solving.)

• "How do you approach negotiating complex agreements with multiple third-party stakeholders, such as utilities or local government agencies, for major infrastructure projects?" (Highlight negotiation tactics, stakeholder mapping, and conflict resolution.)

• "Walk me through your process for identifying and mitigating design-related risks on a large transit project. Provide a specific example of a risk you managed successfully." (Emphasize proactive planning, risk assessment tools, and mitigation strategies.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Sound Transit's mission and current projects? How do you see your role contributing to our goals?" (Research current projects and strategic objectives.)

• "How would you foster a culture of equity and inclusion within your design team and with external consultants?" (Connect to Sound Transit's DEI policies and your own leadership philosophy.)

• "Describe a situation where you had to deliver difficult news or manage conflicting priorities with executive leadership. How did you handle it?" (Assess communication, accountability, and political acumen.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation around key projects, clearly outlining the scope, your role, challenges, solutions, and quantifiable outcomes.

• Process Focus: For each project, detail your approach to design management, contract oversight, risk mitigation, and stakeholder coordination.

• Metric-Driven: Quantify your achievements whenever possible (e.g., "Reduced design change orders by 15%," "Secured permits 3 months ahead of schedule").

• Visuals: Use clear visuals (charts, diagrams, photos) to illustrate complex concepts or project progress.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present key information efficiently and answer detailed questions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Emphasize your experience with public sector projects and your understanding of regulatory compliance, public procurement, and stakeholder management. Highlight your Professional Engineer or Architect license prominently.

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Application Steps:

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on the Ultipro platform.

• Tailor your resume: Clearly highlight your experience in civil engineering design, construction, project management, and contract administration, using keywords from the job description (e.g., "light rail," "transit engineering," "design management," "contract management," "PE license").

• Prepare your portfolio: Select representative projects and be ready to discuss your role, methodologies, and achievements in detail, focusing on process optimization and quantifiable results.

• Research Sound Transit: Familiarize yourself with their mission, current major projects (especially light rail expansion), and their stated values regarding equity, inclusion, safety, and sustainability.

• Practice your interview responses: Prepare for technical, behavioral, and situational questions, focusing on demonstrating your leadership, problem-solving skills, and ability to manage complex projects in a public sector environment.

⚠️ 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.