Transit Design Manager - Bus Rapid Transit

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Transit Design Manager - Bus Rapid Transit

Company: AECOM

Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Transportation Engineering & Design Management

Date Posted: 2026-06-01T19:05:51.201

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the end-to-end design and project management of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) initiatives, ensuring successful delivery from conceptualization through final design documentation.

• Oversee multidisciplinary engineering teams, fostering collaboration and providing technical guidance to achieve project objectives within scope, budget, and schedule.

• Drive business development efforts by leveraging existing client relationships and identifying new opportunities within the transportation sector, particularly in BRT and LRT projects.

• Act as a key technical resource for BRT design, contributing expertise in multimodal street design, engineering calculations, and the preparation of comprehensive PS&E (Plans, Specifications, and Estimates) packages.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is explicitly focused on Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) design and management, requiring deep expertise in this specific transit mode. The "Transit Design Manager" title, combined with responsibilities for leading multidisciplinary teams and managing design phases, strongly indicates a senior-level position within the transportation engineering domain, aligning with the '10+ Years' experience level. The emphasis on business development and client relationships suggests a strategic component to the role, common in senior consulting positions.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Serve as a project lead, project manager, and/or discipline lead for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) planning studies, preliminary design, and final design projects.

• Coordinate and collaborate effectively with internal AECOM teams, external stakeholders, and clients to ensure seamless project execution and alignment with strategic goals.

• Prepare and/or review detailed engineering calculations, drawings, visual aids, and technical specifications for BRT infrastructure, ensuring compliance with relevant standards and best practices.

• Develop comprehensive construction cost estimates and detailed estimates of technical efforts required for project proposals and execution plans.

• Oversee the preparation and quality control review of PS&E (Plans, Specifications, and Estimates) packages, ensuring completeness and accuracy for bidding and construction.

• Manage engineering budgets and project schedules, providing regular updates and proactively identifying and mitigating potential risks to timely and cost-effective delivery.

• Provide leadership and mentorship to junior engineers and design staff, fostering their professional development and ensuring the effective execution of assigned tasks.

• Perform independent work with minimal supervision, demonstrating strong technical judgment and problem-solving skills in all aspects of engineering design and project management.

• Conduct quality control reviews of design calculations, drawings, and other project deliverables to ensure adherence to AECOM standards and client requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are detailed and cover the full project lifecycle from planning to final design and estimation, emphasizing leadership, technical execution, and project controls. The inclusion of "PS&E package" and "construction cost estimates" highlights a practical, deliverable-oriented focus common in design management roles within infrastructure consulting. "Multimodal street design" and "BRT/LRT design" specify the technical domain.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (e.g., Civil Engineering, Transportation Engineering) from an accredited institution.

Experience:

• A minimum of 8 years of relevant engineering experience, with a strong emphasis on roadway design and transit infrastructure.

• Demonstrated experience in Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and/or Light Rail Transit (LRT) design.

• A minimum of 10 years of overall relevant experience is preferred.

• 2+ years of experience in a similar leadership or management role is beneficial.

Required Skills:

• Proficient in AutoCAD and/or Civil 3D.

• Proficient in Microstation and/or Power InRoads, Power GeoPak, or OpenRoads Designer (ORD).

• Strong understanding and practical application of roadway design principles and standards.

• Experience in the design of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems or Light Rail Transit (LRT).

• Ability to prepare engineering design reports and construction drawings for transportation projects.

• Demonstrated ability to manage project budgets and schedules effectively.

• Excellent technical communication and writing skills, with the ability to prepare clear and concise technical specifications.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in leading business development efforts and cultivating client relationships.

• Familiarity with local design standards and national BRT/LRT standards and best practices.

• Ability to interpret and utilize appropriate design standards for complex transportation projects.

• Proven ability to collaborate and coordinate with multi-discipline design engineers and technicians.

• Experience in managing client relationships with multiple transportation agencies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a PE license and 8 years of experience, coupled with the preferred 10+ years and specific leadership experience, firmly places this role at a senior/managerial level. The explicit mention of various CAD software packages (AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Microstation, ORD) signifies the technical tools required. The emphasis on US Citizenship is a critical qualifier.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a portfolio demonstrating successful leadership and management of complex Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) or Light Rail Transit (LRT) design projects.

• Include examples of comprehensive PS&E (Plans, Specifications, and Estimates) packages developed under your leadership, highlighting scope and complexity.

• Present case studies that illustrate your ability to manage multidisciplinary teams, coordinate across various engineering disciplines, and deliver projects within budget and schedule constraints.

Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of how you have documented and optimized design processes, particularly for BRT/LRT projects, from planning through final design.

• Illustrate your approach to quality control review processes for engineering calculations, drawings, and technical specifications.

• Showcase experience in establishing and managing engineering budgets and project schedules, including risk mitigation strategies.

• Detail your methods for technical specification development and ensuring compliance with industry standards and client requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, a role of this seniority and technical focus in a consulting firm like AECOM would invariably require a portfolio. The focus is on demonstrating leadership in BRT/LRT design, project management capabilities, and experience with deliverable packages like PS&E and cost estimates, which are standard for such roles.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: USD $135,000 - $190,000 per year

Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage.

• Disability benefits (short-term and long-term).

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and various leaves of absence.

• Access to voluntary benefits programs and employee perks.

• Flexible work options to support work-life balance.

• Well-being resources and Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

• Business travel insurance for work-related travel.

• Service recognition awards to acknowledge long-term contributions.

• Retirement Savings Plan (e.g., 401(k)) with potential company match.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work week is typically 40 hours.

• Hybrid work arrangement allows for 2-3 days per week in the office, with flexibility for project needs and team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is explicitly provided in the raw data. The benefits listed are a comprehensive package commonly offered by large engineering consulting firms like AECOM, detailed in the "Additional Information" section of the job description. The hybrid work arrangement is also clearly stated.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Infrastructure Consulting, Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management. AECOM operates globally, focusing on transportation, water, environment, energy, and buildings sectors.

Company Size: AECOM is a large, publicly traded company with over 50,000 employees worldwide.

Founded: AECOM has a long history, with its roots tracing back to the 1930s, evolving through mergers and acquisitions to become the global leader it is today.

Team Structure:

• The Transit Design Manager will be part of the Transportation Business Line within the Americas Operating Group.

• This role reports to a Transportation Business Line leader within the US Mid-Atlantic Region.

• The position involves leading and coordinating multidisciplinary teams, which will include civil engineers, transportation engineers, designers, drafters, and potentially specialists in areas like urban planning, traffic engineering, and landscape architecture.

Methodology:

• AECOM emphasizes a data-driven approach to infrastructure solutions, utilizing advanced analytics and digital tools.

• The company focuses on delivering sustainable, resilient, and innovative solutions throughout the project lifecycle.

• Project management methodologies are employed to ensure efficient delivery, client satisfaction, and adherence to quality standards.

• A culture of continuous improvement and technical excellence is fostered through training and development programs.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company description highlights AECOM's global reach, its mission to "deliver a better world," and its role as a trusted infrastructure consulting firm. The size and global presence suggest a structured environment with extensive resources and opportunities for cross-functional collaboration. The specific mention of "Transportation Business Line" and "US Mid-Atlantic Region" helps contextualize the team's focus.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a Senior-level position within the transportation design and engineering field, specifically focused on transit, with a strong emphasis on project leadership and management. It bridges technical expertise with managerial responsibilities.

Reporting Structure: The Transit Design Manager reports to a regional Business Line leader within the Transportation sector, indicating a clear line of management and strategic oversight. They, in turn, will lead and mentor junior engineers and design teams.

Operations Impact: The Transit Design Manager has a direct impact on the successful delivery of critical infrastructure projects that enhance urban mobility and improve public transportation systems. Their work influences city planning, commuter experience, and the overall efficiency of transportation networks, contributing significantly to AECOM's mission of delivering a better world.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in BRT and LRT design, potentially becoming a recognized subject matter expert within AECOM and the industry.

• Project Leadership: Progression to managing larger, more complex, and high-profile transit projects, potentially with international scope.

• Business Development: Development into a client account manager or lead for major transportation pursuits, driving revenue growth and strategic partnerships.

• Management Progression: Advancement into higher leadership roles within the Transportation Business Line, such as a Regional Director or Sector Lead, overseeing larger teams and broader operational responsibilities.

• Mentorship and Training: Opportunities to mentor emerging talent and contribute to AECOM's robust training and development programs, enhancing leadership skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is positioned as a senior technical and managerial leader. The growth opportunities are framed within the context of a large, established consulting firm, emphasizing both technical depth and career progression into leadership and business development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: AECOM likely operates modern office spaces designed to support both collaborative work and focused individual tasks. The hybrid model suggests a need for well-equipped meeting rooms, project team collaboration areas, and individual workstations.

Office Location(s): The role is based in Pittsburgh, PA, with a hybrid work model requiring 2-3 days in the office. The primary office location is specified as 436 7th Ave, Pittsburgh, PA. AECOM also has other offices on the East Coast from which candidates residing in the "East Region" can work.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model encourages in-office days for team meetings, design reviews, stakeholder discussions, and brainstorming sessions, fostering a collaborative culture essential for complex engineering projects.

• Technology & Tools: Employees will have access to AECOM's standard suite of design and project management software, including advanced CAD and BIM tools, as well as communication and collaboration platforms.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with project teams, other design disciplines, senior management, and clients, both in person and virtually.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, with the hybrid arrangement providing flexibility. Project demands may occasionally require extended hours to meet critical deadlines, particularly during peak design phases or client engagement periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role is a key characteristic of the work environment. The physical office location in Pittsburgh is specified, along with the flexibility to work from other East Coast offices for candidates in the "East Region."

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your application, resume, and potentially a brief introductory call to assess basic qualifications and interest.

• Technical Interview: In-depth discussion focused on your BRT/LRT design experience, project management methodologies, technical skills (CAD, design principles), and problem-solving capabilities. Expect scenario-based questions related to design challenges and team leadership.

• Portfolio Review: Presentation and discussion of your professional portfolio, highlighting key BRT/LRT projects, your role in them, design decisions, and outcomes. Be prepared to articulate your contributions and the impact of your work.

• Behavioral/Cultural Fit Interview: Assessment of your leadership style, collaboration skills, communication abilities, and alignment with AECOM's company values and culture. Questions may focus on how you handle conflict, motivate teams, and manage client relationships.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership or hiring managers to discuss strategic fit, long-term career aspirations, and final approval.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your most impactful BRT/LRT design projects that best showcase your leadership, technical expertise, and project management skills.

• Quantify Achievements: For each project, clearly articulate your specific role, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the quantifiable results (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, design improvements, client satisfaction).

• Highlight Leadership: Emphasize your experience in leading multidisciplinary teams, mentoring junior staff, and managing client relationships.

• Showcase Deliverables: Be prepared to discuss your experience with PS&E packages, technical specifications, and cost estimation processes.

• Tell a Story: Structure your project presentations with a clear narrative: problem, solution, and results.

Challenge Preparation:

• Case Study: You may be given a hypothetical BRT design challenge or a problem related to project management to solve. Prepare to outline your approach, consider constraints, and justify your recommendations.

• Technical Scenarios: Anticipate questions regarding specific design elements of BRT systems, traffic management, multimodal integration, or adherence to engineering codes.

• Process Improvement: Be ready to discuss how you would improve a specific design process or team workflow to enhance efficiency or quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is inferred based on typical senior-level roles in engineering consulting. The portfolio review is a critical component, and candidates should prepare to demonstrate leadership, technical depth in BRT/LRT, and project management success with quantifiable results.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Microstation, Power InRoads, Power GeoPak, OpenRoads Designer (ORD) are essential for creating detailed engineering drawings and models.

• BIM Software: While not explicitly mentioned, Building Information Modeling (BIM) tools may be utilized for complex project coordination and visualization.

• Project Management Software: AECOM likely uses enterprise-level project management tools (e.g., Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, or internal AECOM systems) for scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Cost Estimation Tools: Specialized software or advanced spreadsheet capabilities for developing accurate construction cost estimates.

• Reporting Platforms: Internal AECOM systems or standard office suites (e.g., Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint) for generating project status reports, technical summaries, and presentations.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: AECOM likely uses a CRM system for managing client relationships, tracking business development efforts, and identifying new opportunities.

• Collaboration Tools: Platforms like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, or similar for internal communication, document sharing, and virtual collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary tools are explicitly listed in the "Qualifications" section. The other tools are inferred based on the nature of a large infrastructure consulting firm and the responsibilities of a project management and design leadership role. Proficiency in these tools is crucial for technical execution and project delivery.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Delivery Excellence: A commitment to delivering high-quality, technically sound, and innovative solutions that meet client needs and exceed expectations.

• Integrity and Trust: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all business dealings and fostering a culture of trust and transparency with clients and colleagues.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Encouraging a cooperative environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and teams work together effectively to achieve common goals.

• Innovation and Sustainability: Driving forward-thinking solutions that address the world's complex challenges, with a focus on sustainable and resilient infrastructure.

• Client Focus: Prioritizing client relationships and working collaboratively to understand and meet their objectives, building long-term partnerships.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Encouraging seamless collaboration between different engineering disciplines (civil, structural, traffic, environmental, etc.) and project management functions.

• Proactive Communication: Emphasizing clear, timely, and open communication channels with all stakeholders, including clients, project teams, and senior leadership.

• Constructive Feedback: Fostering an environment where constructive feedback is welcomed and utilized for continuous improvement of designs, processes, and team performance.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting the sharing of best practices, lessons learned, and technical expertise across teams and projects to elevate overall capability.

📝 Enhancement Note: These values and collaboration styles are inferred from AECOM's stated mission, "Work with Us. Change the World," and their position as a global leader in infrastructure consulting. Large, reputable firms like AECOM typically emphasize these principles to guide their operations and employee interactions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Multidisciplinary Teams: Effectively coordinating diverse technical expertise and personalities to achieve cohesive project outcomes.

• Balancing Technical Rigor with Project Constraints: Ensuring high-quality design while adhering to strict budgets, tight schedules, and evolving client requirements.

• Navigating Complex Stakeholder Environments: Managing expectations and requirements from various clients, regulatory bodies, and community groups.

• Staying Abreast of Evolving Technologies and Standards: Continuously learning and adapting to new design tools, methodologies, and industry best practices in transportation engineering.

• Driving Business Development: Successfully identifying and securing new BRT/LRT projects in a competitive market.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced BRT/LRT Design Training: Access to specialized training modules and workshops to deepen expertise in cutting-edge BRT and LRT design techniques.

• Project Management Certifications: Support for obtaining or maintaining professional certifications such as PMP (Project Management Professional).

• Leadership Development Programs: Participation in AECOM's internal leadership training initiatives to enhance management, strategic thinking, and team-building skills.

• Industry Conferences and Seminars: Opportunities to attend leading transportation and transit industry events to network, learn about emerging trends, and represent AECOM.

• Mentorship: Access to senior leaders within AECOM who can provide guidance, career advice, and support for professional growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are derived from the inherent complexities of managing large infrastructure projects and leading diverse teams in a consulting environment. Growth opportunities are framed to capitalize on AECOM's resources for professional development in a senior-level role.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex BRT design project you led. What were the key challenges, how did you overcome them, and what was the ultimate outcome?" (Focus on leadership, problem-solving, and results).

• "How do you approach managing a multidisciplinary engineering team to ensure project success, especially when there are conflicting priorities or technical disagreements?" (Assess leadership, conflict resolution, and team-building skills).

• "Walk me through your process for developing a PS&E package for a major transit project. What are the critical steps, and how do you ensure quality control?" (Evaluate technical process understanding and attention to detail).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about AECOM and this specific Transit Design Manager role?" (Demonstrate research and alignment with company mission).

• "How do you foster a collaborative and innovative work environment within your design teams?" (Assess cultural fit and leadership style).

• "How do you stay current with the latest trends and technologies in Bus Rapid Transit design?" (Showcase commitment to continuous learning).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: Begin with an executive summary of the project, then delve into the problem statement, your team's approach, your specific contributions, the technical solutions, and finally, the achieved outcomes (quantified where possible).

• Focus on Your Role: Clearly articulate your leadership, decision-making, and contributions, rather than just describing the project generally. Use "I" statements for your direct actions and "We" for team efforts.

• Visual Aids: Use high-quality visuals (renderings, key drawings, diagrams) to illustrate your points. Ensure these are well-organized and easily comprehensible.

• Metrics Matter: Present data on budget adherence, schedule performance, design efficiencies, or any other measurable impact of your work.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about specific design choices, technical challenges, or management decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: These questions are tailored to assess the core competencies required for a Transit Design Manager role at a firm like AECOM, covering technical expertise, leadership, project management, and cultural fit. Portfolio presentation advice is crucial for this type of role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Transit Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the AECOM careers portal or the provided SmartRecruiters link.

• Tailor your resume: Highlight your experience with BRT/LRT design, project management, CAD software (AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Microstation, ORD), PS&E package development, and any leadership roles. Quantify achievements with data where possible.

• Prepare your portfolio: Curate a selection of 3-5 key BRT/LRT projects that best demonstrate your leadership, technical skills, and project management success. Be ready to discuss your specific contributions and the outcomes.

• Research AECOM: Familiarize yourself with AECOM's projects, values, and recent news, particularly within their Transportation Business Line. Understand their mission and how your skills align.

• Practice interview responses: Prepare answers to common behavioral and technical questions, focusing on providing specific examples from your experience, especially related to managing design teams and delivering transit infrastructure projects.

⚠️ 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.