Senior Design Manager (West Seattle Link Extension)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Manager (West Seattle Link Extension)

Company: Sound Transit

Location: Seattle, Washington, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Infrastructure Engineering & Design Management

Date Posted: September 17, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage the delivery of complex civil engineering and design elements for the West Seattle Link Extension project, a critical component of the Capital Delivery Department's infrastructure initiatives.

• Provide strategic oversight and direction to large, multi-disciplinary design consultant teams, ensuring alignment with project goals, budgets, and timelines.

• Foster robust collaboration and coordination between design teams, internal Sound Transit departments (Operations, Engineering, Safety, Quality), and external stakeholders including third parties, utilities, and regulatory agencies.

• Administer and manage engineering consultant contracts, overseeing peer reviews, design reviews, contract packaging, schedules, budgets, construction support, and risk assessments to ensure project success and value delivery.

• Champion and integrate agency-wide values, including diversity, equity, inclusion, safety, and sustainability, into all aspects of design management and team leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior Design Manager, indicating a significant level of responsibility in managing complex, large-scale infrastructure projects. The focus on civil engineering elements and coordination with various internal and external stakeholders suggests a need for strong leadership, technical expertise, and stakeholder management skills within a public transit environment. The "West Seattle Link Extension" specificity points to a project-driven role with a clear mandate.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Project Oversight & Delivery: Lead, manage, and coordinate the comprehensive delivery of civil engineering elements, including architectural, civil, traffic, track, structural, geotechnical, landscaping, ventilation, station electrical, lighting, and urban design efforts for the West Seattle Link Extension.

• Team & Consultant Management: Supervise, coach, train, and motivate internal staff and direct the work of large design consultant teams, ensuring effective coordination between multiple work efforts, subject matter experts, and alternative delivery contractors.

• Contract & Financial Management: Administer and manage engineering consultant contracts, including peer reviews, design reviews, contract packaging, budget adherence, schedule management, construction support, and risk assessments.

• Stakeholder & Third-Party Coordination: Plan, develop, and negotiate formal agreements and permits with third parties such as state and local agencies, utilities, and private property owners, collaborating closely with Real Estate, Legal, Contracts, Project Controls, Quality, Operations, and Facilities departments.

• Construction Support & Issue Resolution: Provide critical design support during construction, including managing design contracts, recommending actions for errors and omissions, resolving non-conformance issues related to design, and managing design-related change orders.

• Reporting & Communication: Prepare and present comprehensive staff reports, correspondence, and findings to Sound Transit leadership, including the Board and Executive leadership, and represent the Agency at public meetings and professional forums.

• Process Improvement & Compliance: Ensure consistent and effective interpretation and application of processes, policies, and practices, maintaining accountability and compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, agency policies, and regulations.

• Value & Quality Assurance: Ensure the delivery of value and quality in design to fulfill the agency's mission, championing Sound Transit's core values and integrating sustainability into daily business practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on technical design management and broad project leadership, encompassing contract administration, stakeholder engagement, and direct team supervision. The emphasis on coordination across numerous departments and external entities underscores the complexity and collaborative nature of this role within a large public transportation project.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

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

Experience: A minimum of five years of combined civil engineering/architectural design and construction experience, with a strong emphasis on project and contracts management, preferably within a rail or transit environment. Three years of experience in leadership, budgetary oversight, planning, and workforce management is also required.

Required Skills:

• Advanced understanding of civil engineering principles and practices.

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

• Advanced knowledge of project management principles and methodologies.

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

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

• In-depth knowledge of contract and procurement strategies and management principles.

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

• Strong public speaking and presentation skills for representing the Agency to leadership and the public.

• Proven supervisory and team leadership capabilities.

• Demonstrated ability in negotiation and partnership-building with local jurisdictions, agencies, utilities, contractors, and community groups.

• Ability to prepare, review, and interpret complex engineering plans, drawings, specifications, and contract documents.

• Proficiency in applying advanced project management and contract management techniques.

• Competency in utilizing personal computer software for data analysis, spreadsheets, and report generation.

• Excellent ability to collaborate effectively and build strong working relationships.

• Capacity to interpret and administer policies and procedures for staff and stakeholders.

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

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

• Experience with alternative delivery methods (e.g., Design-Build, P3) in large-scale public infrastructure projects.

• Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for project planning and analysis.

• Knowledge of sustainability best practices and their integration into design and construction.

• Experience with Sound Transit's specific project delivery processes and standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills list is extensive and emphasizes both technical engineering acumen and robust managerial and interpersonal capabilities. The mandatory professional licensure is a critical qualification. Preferred skills suggest an advantage for candidates with experience in modern project delivery methods and specific agency context.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Delivery Case Studies: Showcase examples of successfully managed large-scale civil engineering or infrastructure projects, detailing your role, responsibilities, and contributions to design and construction phases.

• Contract Management Examples: Provide evidence of experience managing complex consultant and construction contracts, including contract negotiation, administration, change order management, and dispute resolution.

• Process Optimization Initiatives: Highlight instances where you identified and implemented improvements to design processes, workflow efficiencies, or project delivery methodologies, demonstrating measurable outcomes.

• Stakeholder Engagement Documentation: Include examples of successful coordination with diverse stakeholders, such as government agencies, utilities, and community groups, demonstrating your ability to build consensus and manage complex relationships.

Process Documentation:

• Design Management Frameworks: Demonstrate understanding of structured approaches to managing multi-disciplinary design efforts, including design review cycles, quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) protocols, and risk mitigation strategies.

• Contract Administration Procedures: Detail your experience with standard operating procedures for consultant contract management, including procurement processes, scope definition, progress tracking, and payment approvals.

• Performance Measurement & Reporting: Showcase your ability to define key performance indicators (KPIs) for design delivery, track progress against project baselines (schedule, budget, scope), and generate comprehensive performance reports for executive leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role of this seniority, a portfolio should clearly demonstrate not just technical competence but also strategic management capabilities. Emphasis should be placed on quantifiable achievements, successful navigation of complex project environments, and leadership in process improvement.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

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

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Two medical plan choices, dental, and vision plans at no cost for employee coverage, extending benefits to eligible dependents.

• Income Protection: Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance.

• Employee Support: Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

• Retirement Savings:

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

• Generous Paid Time Off: Accrue 25 days annually, increasing with service tenure. Additional days for Director-level and above.

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

• Family Support: 12 weeks of paid parental leave for new parents.

• Additional Perks: Pet Insurance discount and a subsidized ORCA card for all full-time employees.

• Professional Development: Tuition Reimbursement up to $5,000 annually for approved expenses.

• Health & Wellness: Inclusive Reproductive Health Support Services.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours (typically 40 hours per week), with a hybrid work arrangement requiring a minimum of 3 days per week in the office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a senior-level management position in the Seattle area, reflecting the responsibility and scope of the role. The benefits package is robust, offering significant value in health coverage, retirement contributions, and paid time off, which are key considerations for public sector roles. The hybrid work model with specific in-office days is important for candidates to note.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Public Transportation / Infrastructure Development. Sound Transit is a major public agency responsible for developing and operating regional transit services in the Puget Sound area, including light rail, commuter rail, and bus rapid transit. This context implies a mission-driven environment focused on public service, community impact, and long-term infrastructure planning.

Company Size: Sound Transit is a large public agency, likely employing several thousand individuals across various departments, including engineering, operations, planning, administration, and maintenance. This size suggests structured processes, established hierarchies, and opportunities for cross-departmental collaboration.

Founded: Sound Transit was established in 1993, indicating a mature organization with decades of experience in planning, delivering, and operating complex transit systems. This history implies established best practices, institutional knowledge, and a stable operational framework.

Team Structure: The Senior Design Manager will likely be part of the Capital Delivery Department, specifically within the Infrastructure Engineering division. This team is responsible for the planning, design, and construction of major transit projects. The structure will involve reporting to a Project Design Director or Executive Project Director, with direct management of design consultant teams and close coordination with internal engineering subject matter experts, project controls, safety, quality assurance, and operations staff.

Methodology: The department likely employs a combination of traditional project management methodologies and increasingly modern approaches for large infrastructure projects. This includes rigorous adherence to engineering standards, robust contract management, detailed risk assessment, and a strong emphasis on data-driven decision-making for project delivery, budget control, and schedule adherence.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Sound Transit as a public agency is crucial. This means a focus on public accountability, regulatory compliance, community engagement, and long-term strategic planning. The "West Seattle Link Extension" is a specific, high-profile project that will be central to the candidate's immediate focus.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level management position within the engineering and design function of a major public infrastructure organization. It requires a blend of deep technical expertise in civil engineering and design, coupled with significant project management and leadership capabilities. The scope involves managing high-value contracts and large teams, directly impacting the successful delivery of a multi-billion dollar transit expansion project.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Manager reports to a Project Design Director or Executive Project Director. This implies a hierarchical structure where strategic direction is provided from higher levels, and the manager is responsible for executing that strategy through their team and consultants. Collaboration with peer managers and department heads across Engineering, Operations, Safety, and Quality is essential.

Operations Impact: The design management function is critical to the overall success of the West Seattle Link Extension. Effective design delivery ensures that the project is built safely, efficiently, on budget, and to the required specifications, ultimately enabling the agency to fulfill its mission of providing vital public transportation. Poor design management can lead to significant cost overruns, schedule delays, and safety issues.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential progression to higher-level Director roles within Capital Delivery or other engineering departments, managing larger portfolios or more complex projects.

• Specialization Deepening: Opportunity to become a subject matter expert in specific areas of transit infrastructure design or project delivery methodologies, leading specialized teams or initiatives.

• Cross-Functional Experience: Potential to move into broader program management roles or roles within other functional areas of Sound Transit, leveraging their project delivery expertise.

• Professional Development: Access to ongoing training, certifications, and industry conferences related to civil engineering, project management, and public infrastructure development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a significant career step for experienced civil engineers and design managers. The growth potential is tied to successful project delivery and demonstrated leadership within a large, complex organizational structure.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role operates within a hybrid work environment. This typically means a mix of remote work and in-office presence, designed to balance flexibility with the need for in-person collaboration and oversight.

Office Location(s): The primary work location will be in Seattle, Washington, with specific office addresses likely available upon inquiry or during the interview process. The job description mentions the need for site visits to construction areas.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office environment is expected to facilitate collaboration with project teams, internal stakeholders, and potentially external partners. It will likely feature meeting rooms, shared workspaces, and access to necessary office infrastructure.

• Tools & Technology: Access to standard office productivity software, project management platforms, and potentially specialized engineering design and modeling software will be available.

• Team Interaction: The hybrid model allows for focused individual work remotely, while in-office days are crucial for team meetings, design reviews, strategic discussions, and building team cohesion. The role requires navigating both environments effectively.

Work Schedule: While the standard workweek is likely 40 hours, the nature of large infrastructure projects can sometimes necessitate flexibility to meet critical deadlines or address urgent issues, particularly during peak construction phases. The hybrid arrangement offers some autonomy in managing the work schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work arrangement is a key feature, requiring candidates to be comfortable with a mix of remote and on-site work. The mention of construction site visits indicates that the role is not purely desk-bound and requires adaptability to different work settings.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process: The interview process is expected to be multi-stage and rigorous, typical for senior management roles in public agencies.

• Initial Screening: Review of application, resume, and portfolio to assess qualifications, experience, and alignment with the role's technical and leadership requirements.

• Technical Interview: In-depth discussion focusing on civil engineering expertise, design management principles, contract administration, and project delivery methodologies. Expect scenario-based questions related to managing complex design challenges and consultant performance.

• Leadership & Behavioral Interview: Assessment of leadership style, team management skills, problem-solving abilities, communication effectiveness, and cultural fit with Sound Transit's values (e.g., DEI, safety, collaboration). This may involve a panel interview.

• Case Study or Presentation: Candidates may be asked to present a portfolio piece or tackle a hypothetical design management challenge to demonstrate their strategic thinking, problem-solving approach, and ability to communicate complex information.

• Final Interview: Discussion with senior leadership (e.g., Project Director) to confirm fit and discuss final terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: For each project or initiative presented, clearly articulate your specific role, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, risk mitigation, design quality improvements).

• Showcase Leadership: Highlight examples of your leadership in managing teams, motivating consultants, resolving conflicts, and driving consensus among diverse stakeholders.

• Demonstrate Process Acumen: Detail your understanding and application of structured design management processes, contract administration, and quality assurance protocols. Explain how you've improved these processes.

• Tailor to Sound Transit: Research the West Seattle Link Extension project and Sound Transit's current strategic priorities. Frame your portfolio examples to demonstrate how your experience directly addresses the project's needs and the agency's goals.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate, using clear headings, concise descriptions, and relevant supporting documents (e.g., project summaries, key deliverables).

Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate Technical Scenarios: Be prepared for questions about managing scope creep, resolving design conflicts between disciplines, handling consultant performance issues, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements on large public projects.

• Practice Communication: Rehearse explaining complex technical concepts, project challenges, and your strategic approaches clearly and concisely. Practice articulating your leadership philosophy and how you foster collaboration.

• Understand Public Sector Dynamics: Familiarize yourself with the unique aspects of working in a public agency, including procurement processes, public accountability, stakeholder engagement, and political considerations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application and interview process for a role of this caliber will be thorough. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not only technical proficiency but also strong leadership, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of public infrastructure project delivery. A well-curated portfolio is paramount.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with industry-standard project management platforms (e.g., Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, Procore) for schedule tracking, resource allocation, and project control is essential.

• Design & Engineering Software: Familiarity with common CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, Civil 3D) and potentially BIM (Building Information Modeling) platforms (e.g., Revit) is beneficial for understanding design deliverables and facilitating interdisciplinary coordination.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with enterprise document management systems for organizing, storing, and retrieving project-related documents, drawings, and specifications.

• Collaboration Platforms: Tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for team communication, virtual meetings, and document sharing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Cost Management Software: Experience with tools used for budget tracking, cost forecasting, and financial reporting on large capital projects.

• Reporting Tools: Ability to generate and interpret reports from project management and financial systems, potentially using tools like Microsoft Excel for advanced analysis and visualization.

• Data Analysis: Skills in analyzing project data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement in design delivery and cost control.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a traditional CRM role, familiarity with systems used for managing consultant contracts, permits, and stakeholder communications can be advantageous.

• Automation in the context of this role would likely refer to process automation within project management workflows, document control, and reporting.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific software is not explicitly listed, the role's nature implies a need for proficiency in project management, scheduling, document control, and general office productivity suites. Familiarity with engineering-specific software and BIM is a strong plus for understanding design deliverables.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Public Service & Mission Focus: A core value is contributing to the public good by delivering essential transportation infrastructure that serves the community. Operations professionals are expected to be committed to this mission.

• Integrity & Accountability: High standards of ethical conduct, transparency, and responsibility are paramount, given the public trust and significant financial investment involved in transit projects.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A strong emphasis on working effectively across diverse teams, departments, and with external partners to achieve common project goals.

• Safety & Quality: An unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety of the public and workers, and delivering high-quality, durable infrastructure through rigorous design and oversight.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: An openness to adopting new technologies, methodologies, and best practices to enhance project delivery efficiency, sustainability, and effectiveness.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect a highly collaborative environment where the design team works closely with operations, maintenance, safety, planning, and construction teams throughout the project lifecycle.

• Open Communication: Encouragement of clear, direct, and respectful communication channels to facilitate problem-solving and decision-making.

• Process-Oriented: A culture that values defined processes, documentation, and adherence to standards, while also being adaptable to address project-specific challenges.

• Knowledge Sharing: A willingness to share expertise, lessons learned, and best practices to foster collective growth and improve project outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Sound Transit, as a public agency, likely emphasizes values centered around public service, accountability, and collaborative problem-solving. Candidates should align with these principles and demonstrate a capacity for effective teamwork in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of Large-Scale Transit Projects: Navigating the intricate technical, logistical, financial, and political challenges inherent in delivering major public infrastructure projects like the West Seattle Link Extension.

• Managing Multiple Stakeholders: Effectively coordinating and balancing the diverse needs and expectations of internal departments, external agencies, utility companies, private property owners, and the public.

• Scope, Schedule, and Budget Pressures: Maintaining rigorous control over project scope, adhering to demanding schedules, and managing substantial budgets in a public sector environment where cost efficiency and accountability are critical.

• Design Integration & Coordination: Ensuring seamless integration and coordination among numerous design disciplines (civil, structural, architectural, systems, etc.) and delivery partners to avoid conflicts and ensure constructability.

• Adapting to Evolving Regulations & Technologies: Staying abreast of and implementing changes in regulatory requirements, engineering best practices, and technological advancements (e.g., BIM, new materials) to ensure project success and compliance.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Management Training: Opportunities to pursue certifications (e.g., PMP) or advanced training in mega-project management, risk management, and contract negotiation.

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of transit infrastructure design, construction methods, or specialized engineering fields through internal resources, external courses, or industry forums.

• Leadership Development Programs: Access to leadership training, mentorship, and opportunities to develop skills in strategic planning, executive communication, and organizational leadership.

• Industry Engagement: Participation in professional organizations, conferences, and workshops to stay current with industry trends, network with peers, and represent Sound Transit.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges inherent in managing large public works projects. However, these challenges also offer substantial opportunities for professional growth and development in leadership, technical expertise, and project management.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to managing a large, multi-disciplinary design consultant team on a complex infrastructure project. What are the key elements of your strategy for ensuring successful delivery?"

  • Preparation: Focus on your framework for consultant selection, contract administration, performance monitoring, communication protocols, and risk management. Provide specific examples of how you've successfully led teams to overcome challenges.

• "How would you approach balancing the competing demands of cost, schedule, scope, and quality for a project like the West Seattle Link Extension, especially within a public agency context?"

  • Preparation: Discuss your understanding of trade-offs, your methods for data-driven decision-making, your experience with change management processes, and how you communicate these trade-offs to stakeholders and leadership.

• "Walk me through a complex design issue you encountered on a past project. What was the problem, how did you analyze it, what solutions did you consider, and what was the ultimate resolution and its impact?"

  • Preparation: Select a case study that demonstrates your analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, technical knowledge, and capacity for effective decision-making under pressure. Quantify the impact where possible.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you specifically about working for Sound Transit and contributing to the West Seattle Link Extension project?"

  • Preparation: Research Sound Transit's mission, current projects, and recent news. Connect your personal career goals and passion for public service/infrastructure to the agency's objectives.

• "How do you foster a culture of collaboration and accountability within your teams, especially when working with external consultants and diverse internal departments?"

  • Preparation: Discuss your leadership style, communication strategies, methods for setting clear expectations, and how you build trust and encourage open dialogue. Provide examples of successful team dynamics.

• "How do you ensure that diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability are integrated into the design and project delivery process?"

  • Preparation: Demonstrate your understanding of these principles and provide concrete examples of how you've championed them in previous roles, either through team practices or project design considerations.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your presentation logically, perhaps by project type or skill area. Start with a high-level overview of your experience and then dive into 2-3 key case studies that best represent your capabilities for this role.

• Focus on "You": Clearly articulate your specific contributions, decisions, and leadership within each project. Use "I" statements for your actions and "we" for team accomplishments.

• Data-Driven Storytelling: Back up your narrative with quantifiable results whenever possible (e.g., percentage of budget saved, schedule improvements, reduction in RFI's, successful permit approvals).

• Visual Aids: Use clear, concise slides with minimal text. Incorporate visuals like project photos, diagrams, or charts to illustrate your points and keep the audience engaged.

• Anticipate Questions: Be ready to elaborate on any aspect of your portfolio and answer detailed questions about your decision-making processes and project outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of technical expertise, strong leadership, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of public sector project delivery. A well-prepared portfolio presentation is crucial for showcasing your capabilities effectively.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Sound Transit recruiting portal.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experience directly relevant to civil engineering design management, large-scale project delivery, contract administration, and team leadership within transit or public infrastructure. Use keywords from the job description, such as "West Seattle Link Extension," "civil engineering," "project management," "consultant management," and "stakeholder coordination."

• Develop Your Portfolio: Curate a professional portfolio that showcases your most impactful projects, emphasizing your leadership role, problem-solving approaches, and quantifiable results in design management, contract administration, and stakeholder engagement. Ensure it's well-organized and easy to navigate.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice presenting key portfolio pieces or preparing for a case study. Focus on clearly articulating your strategic thinking, decision-making process, and the impact of your contributions.

• Research Sound Transit: Thoroughly research Sound Transit's mission, values, current projects (especially the West Seattle Link Extension), and recent news. Understand their commitment to public service, safety, and sustainability.

⚠️ 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.