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 Operations / Infrastructure Design Management

Date Posted: August 31, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years (Mid-Senior Level)

Remote Status: Hybrid (2-3 days/week in office)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the design and project management of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) infrastructure projects across the nation.

• Manage multidisciplinary engineering teams through all phases of transit design, from planning studies to final design (PS&E).

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with transportation agency clients, supporting business development initiatives.

• Ensure project deliverables meet technical, budgetary, and schedule requirements while upholding AECOM's quality standards.

• Foster a collaborative and growth-oriented environment for junior engineers and design staff.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior-level management and design leadership position within AECOM's Transportation Business Line, specifically focusing on the specialized area of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT). The emphasis on project leadership, client relations, and managing multidisciplinary teams indicates a critical function in delivering complex transit infrastructure projects. The hybrid work model and specific office location in Pittsburgh suggest a need for on-site collaboration and local client engagement.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Serve as AECOM's primary team lead, project manager, and/or discipline lead for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) planning studies, preliminary design, and final design (PS&E) efforts.

• Oversee and coordinate multidisciplinary design teams, including civil, structural, traffic, and systems engineers, as well as designers and technicians.

• Prepare and/or review multimodal street design plans, engineering calculations, and visual aids critical for BRT infrastructure.

• Develop comprehensive construction cost estimates and detailed estimates of technical effort for projects, ensuring accuracy and alignment with scope.

• Take ownership of quality control reviews for design calculations, drawings, and other project deliverables, ensuring adherence to AECOM and client standards.

• Provide essential input for the development of engineering budgets and project schedules, proactively managing them to meet project requirements and client expectations.

• Mentor and lead entry-level engineers and design staff, fostering their professional development and ensuring effective task execution.

• Independently manage and execute primary design elements for engineering works, demonstrating strong technical acumen and problem-solving skills.

• Collaborate effectively with other team members and external stakeholders to ensure seamless project integration and successful outcomes.

• Support business development activities by contributing to proposals, client meetings, and presentations, leveraging expertise in BRT design and project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities highlight a blend of technical design leadership, project management, and client-facing responsibilities. The emphasis on "multidisciplinary teams," "PS&E package," and "construction cost estimates" points towards a role deeply involved in the practical execution and delivery of transit infrastructure projects, requiring a strong understanding of the entire project lifecycle from concept to construction readiness.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (e.g., Civil Engineering, Transportation Engineering) is a mandatory requirement. Experience:

• A minimum of 8 years of relevant engineering experience is required.

• Demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education may be considered.

• 2+ years in a similar leadership role is highly beneficial.

• 5+ years in engineering project management roles is preferred. Required Skills:

• Professional Engineering (PE) license is mandatory.

• Proficiency with industry-standard design software: AutoCAD/Civil 3D OR Microstation/Power InRoads/Power GeoPak/OpenRoads Designer (ORD).

• Proven experience in roadway design.

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

• US Citizenship is a requirement due to the nature of the work. Preferred Skills:

• Ability to prepare comprehensive engineering design reports and construction drawings for highway, roadway, transit, and/or rail projects.

• Strong ability to collaborate and coordinate effectively with multi-discipline design engineers and technicians within a project team.

• Familiarity with local design standards (e.g., PennDOT, PA Turnpike) as well as national BRT/LRT standards and best practices.

• Ability to interpret and utilize appropriate design standards and guidelines for effective project execution.

• Established relationships with multiple transportation agency clients.

• Excellent communication and writing skills, essential for client interaction and report generation.

• Experience in leading business development efforts, including proposal writing and client engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications clearly delineate a senior engineering role requiring a PE license and specific software proficiency. The explicit mention of BRT/LRT design experience and US Citizenship are critical filters. The preferred qualifications emphasize client relationships and business development, suggesting this role contributes to AECOM's growth strategy in the transit sector.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Leadership Case Studies: Showcase examples where you led multidisciplinary teams in the successful delivery of complex transit design projects (BRT, LRT). Highlight your role in project planning, execution, and stakeholder management.

• Design Process Documentation: Provide samples or detailed descriptions of your involvement in defining and implementing design processes for transit infrastructure, emphasizing workflow optimization and quality control measures.

• System Implementation & Integration: Demonstrate experience with integrating design elements across various engineering disciplines (e.g., civil, traffic, systems) using common design software and ensuring seamless interoperability.

• Metrics & ROI Demonstration: Include examples of how your design decisions or project management contributions led to measurable improvements, such as cost savings, schedule adherence, enhanced safety, or improved transit efficiency. Quantify these achievements whenever possible.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Detail your approach to designing and optimizing workflows for transit design projects, including phases from conceptualization through preliminary and final design.

• Implementation & Automation Methods: Describe your experience in implementing design solutions and any use of automation tools or techniques to enhance efficiency and accuracy in the design process.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Explain how you track and analyze the performance of design processes, ensuring quality control, adherence to standards, and continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a management and design leadership role like this, a portfolio should emphasize not just individual technical contributions but also leadership, team management, and process oversight. The focus should be on the impact of their management and design decisions on project outcomes, client satisfaction, and AECOM's business objectives.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The estimated salary range for this position is $135,000 - $190,000 USD per year. Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans.

• Life and Disability: Life insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) benefits, as well as Disability benefits.

• Paid Time Off: Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and various Leaves of Absence options.

• Voluntary Benefits: A selection of additional voluntary benefits to customize coverage.

• Wellness & Support: Access to Well-being resources and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

• Additional Perks: Business Travel Insurance, Service Recognition Awards, Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP).

• Retirement Savings: A robust Retirement Savings Plan (e.g., 401(k)) to support long-term financial goals.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time position, typically requiring approximately 40 hours per week. The hybrid work arrangement allows for flexibility, with 2-3 days per week expected in the Pittsburgh office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is based on the explicit data in the job posting. The benefits listed are directly sourced from the "Additional Information" section of the job description, reflecting AECOM's standard offerings. The working hours are inferred from the "Full-time" employment type and the typical industry standard for such roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: AECOM operates within the Infrastructure Consulting and Engineering sector, a critical field focused on designing, building, and managing essential public and private infrastructure worldwide. This includes transportation, environment, water, energy, and buildings.

Company Size: AECOM is a large, global organization with over 50,000 employees worldwide. This size offers opportunities for diverse project involvement, career mobility, and access to a vast network of expertise.

Founded: AECOM has a long history, with the company as we know it evolving through various mergers and acquisitions. Its roots trace back to the early 20th century, indicating a stable and established presence in the industry.

Team Structure:

• Transportation Business Line: This role sits within the Transportation Business Line, a core unit of AECOM's operations.

• US Mid-Atlantic Region: The role reports to the US Mid-Atlantic Region Transportation Business Line, suggesting a regional management structure that oversees projects and teams within this geographical area.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The Transit Design Manager will work with diverse teams, implying collaboration with civil engineers, structural engineers, traffic engineers, environmental specialists, planners, and construction management professionals.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: AECOM emphasizes using data and advanced analytics to inform design decisions and optimize infrastructure performance.

• Integrated Project Delivery: The company promotes a collaborative approach, bringing together various disciplines and stakeholders early in the project lifecycle to ensure efficiency and alignment.

• Innovation & Technology: AECOM invests in digital tools, BIM (Building Information Modeling), and advanced software to enhance design quality, project management, and client communication.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context highlights AECOM as a major global player in infrastructure. The specific mention of the "Transportation Business Line" and "US Mid-Atlantic Region" provides crucial context for the team's focus and reporting structure. The emphasis on data-driven design and innovation aligns with modern engineering practices.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position is categorized as a Managerial/Senior Design Lead role within the transportation engineering and infrastructure sector. It requires a blend of technical expertise, project management acumen, and leadership capabilities. The scope involves overseeing complex projects, managing teams, and contributing to business development, indicating a significant level of responsibility and influence.

Reporting Structure: The Transit Design Manager reports to the US Mid-Atlantic Region Transportation Business Line. This suggests a clear reporting hierarchy within the regional transportation division, with opportunities for interaction with senior leadership within that line.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on the development of critical urban infrastructure through the design of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems. Successful project delivery contributes to improved urban mobility, reduced congestion, enhanced sustainability, and economic development, aligning directly with AECOM's mission to "deliver a better world."

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in BRT and other advanced transit systems, potentially leading to national or international technical leadership roles.

• Project Management Advancement: Progress into larger-scale program management roles, overseeing multiple projects or entire transit programs.

• Business Development Leadership: Grow into roles focused on client relationship management, strategic planning, and securing new business opportunities for AECOM's transportation sector.

• Leadership Development: AECOM offers award-winning training programs designed to expand technical expertise and leadership skills, providing a clear path for career advancement within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis frames the role not just as a job but as a significant step in a career path within the infrastructure and transportation consulting industry. It highlights the potential for both technical and managerial growth, supported by AECOM's established development programs.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as Hybrid. This means employees are expected to work from a designated AECOM office location for a portion of the week (2-3 days) and can work remotely for the remainder. This model aims to balance the benefits of in-person collaboration with the flexibility of remote work.

Office Location(s): The primary office location for this role is 436 7th Ave, Pittsburgh, PA. This specific address indicates a physical workspace where collaboration, team meetings, and client interactions will likely occur.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model suggests a focus on fostering collaboration during in-office days, with dedicated meeting spaces and team areas.

• Tools & Technology: Employees will have access to AECOM's standard suite of professional engineering software and technology, including CAD, BIM, project management tools, and communication platforms.

• Team Interaction: In-office days will provide opportunities for direct interaction with local team members, project managers, and potentially clients, facilitating knowledge sharing and team cohesion.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is typically 40 hours per week, aligning with full-time employment. The hybrid arrangement offers flexibility in how those hours are distributed between office and remote workdays, accommodating personal needs while ensuring business objectives are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment is a key aspect of this role, emphasizing a balance between in-office collaboration and remote flexibility. The specific Pittsburgh office location is important for candidates considering relocation or local commute.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review applications and conduct an initial screening call to assess basic qualifications and interest.

• Technical Interview(s): Expect in-depth interviews focusing on your engineering background, BRT/LRT design experience, software proficiency (AutoCAD/Civil 3D or Microstation suite), and project management skills. Be prepared to discuss specific technical challenges and solutions.

• Project Portfolio Review: A significant portion of the interview process will likely involve presenting and discussing your project portfolio. This is where you'll showcase your leadership, design contributions, and project outcomes.

• Behavioral & Situational Interviews: Assess your leadership style, team management approach, client relationship skills, problem-solving abilities, and how you handle conflict or challenging situations. Questions will likely align with AECOM's values and culture.

• Final Interview: A discussion with senior leadership or the hiring manager to confirm fit and discuss final terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Choose 3-5 of your most relevant projects, focusing on BRT or similar transit infrastructure. Prioritize those where you had significant leadership or design responsibility.

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

• Highlight Leadership: Emphasize your experience leading multidisciplinary teams, managing project lifecycles, and coordinating with clients and stakeholders.

• Visual Aids: Use clear, concise visuals such as drawings, schematics, or presentation slides to illustrate your work.

• Storytelling: Frame your project experience as a narrative, explaining the context, your actions, and the impact of your contributions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: You might be presented with a hypothetical BRT design challenge or a problem from a past project to discuss your approach.

• Project Management Simulation: Be prepared to discuss how you would manage a specific project phase, budget, or team dynamic.

• Client Interaction Simulation: Practice how you would communicate complex technical information to a non-technical client or resolve a client concern.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a manager-level role like this will be rigorous, focusing heavily on demonstrated leadership, technical depth, and project delivery success. A well-prepared portfolio is crucial for showcasing these capabilities effectively.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency is mandatory in either AutoCAD/Civil 3D OR Microstation (including Power InRoads, Power GeoPak, or OpenRoads Designer (ORD)). Candidates should be comfortable using these tools for detailed design and drafting of transit infrastructure.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with common project management platforms (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, Oracle Aconex) is expected for managing schedules, budgets, and resources.

• BIM Software: Experience with Building Information Modeling (BIM) tools (e.g., Revit, Navisworks) is likely beneficial for integrated design and collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret and utilize data from design simulations, traffic studies, and cost estimations.

• Reporting Tools: Experience in generating technical reports, design summaries, and cost estimates using standard office software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite).

CRM & Automation:

• Client Relationship Management (CRM): While not explicitly stated for the manager, familiarity with CRM principles is helpful given the client-facing aspect of the role.

• Workflow Automation: Experience with any tools or methods that automate repetitive design tasks or streamline workflows is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement revolves around CAD software proficiency. The other tools mentioned are standard in the engineering and project management fields and are likely to be used within AECOM's established technology stack.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in all dealings with clients, colleagues, and projects.

• Collaboration: Fostering teamwork and open communication across diverse disciplines and departments to achieve shared goals.

• Innovation: Encouraging creative problem-solving and the adoption of new technologies and methodologies to deliver better infrastructure solutions.

• Excellence: Committing to high-quality work, technical rigor, and client satisfaction in every project.

• Sustainability: Integrating environmental considerations and sustainable practices into design and project delivery to create long-term value.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: AECOM emphasizes bringing together various engineering disciplines, planners, and project managers to work cohesively on complex projects.

• Client-Centric Approach: The team likely adopts a style that prioritizes understanding and meeting client needs, fostering strong, long-term relationships.

• Mentorship & Development: There's a clear emphasis on developing junior staff, suggesting a culture of knowledge sharing and proactive guidance.

📝 Enhancement Note: AECOM's stated values and emphasis on collaboration are key indicators of the team's operating principles. The role of a manager will involve embodying these values and fostering them within their team.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Multidisciplinary Teams: Effectively coordinating diverse engineering disciplines, each with its own standards and priorities, to deliver a cohesive BRT design.

• Navigating Client Expectations & Agency Standards: Balancing the specific requirements and standards of various transportation agencies with AECOM's design best practices and project constraints.

• Project Budget & Schedule Adherence: Ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget, especially given the complexity and potential for unforeseen issues in large infrastructure projects.

• Staying Abreast of Evolving Technologies & Standards: Continuously learning and adapting to new design tools, software updates, and emerging best practices in BRT and transit design.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Transit Design Training: Access to AECOM's internal training programs and potentially external courses focused on specialized BRT systems, urban planning, and sustainable transit solutions.

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

• Leadership Development Programs: AECOM's award-winning programs are designed to cultivate leadership skills, strategic thinking, and team management capabilities.

• Industry Conferences & Networking: Opportunities to attend industry events (e.g., APTA, TRB) to stay current on trends, network with peers, and represent AECOM.

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding potential challenges and growth opportunities is crucial for setting realistic expectations and planning career development within AECOM. The company's investment in learning and development is a significant benefit for ambitious professionals.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your experience leading multidisciplinary teams on large-scale transit design projects. How do you ensure alignment and effective collaboration?" (Focus on team management, conflict resolution, and communication strategies.)

• "Walk us through a challenging BRT design project you managed. What were the key technical hurdles, how did you overcome them, and what was the outcome?" (Prepare a detailed case study highlighting problem-solving, technical expertise, and project delivery.)

• "How do you approach developing and managing project budgets and schedules for complex infrastructure projects? Provide specific examples." (Demonstrate financial acumen and project planning skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about AECOM and our work in Bus Rapid Transit?" (Research AECOM's recent projects, values, and strategic goals in transportation.)

• "How do you foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within your design teams?" (Align your answer with AECOM's emphasis on innovation and excellence.)

• "Describe a time you had to manage difficult client expectations. How did you handle it, and what was the resolution?" (Showcase your client relationship and negotiation skills.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by project, clearly stating your role, the project's scope, key challenges, your specific contributions (technical and managerial), and measurable outcomes.

• Visuals: Use high-quality visuals (drawings, renderings, site photos) that effectively communicate the project's complexity and your design solutions.

• Quantification: Be ready to present data supporting your claims – e.g., percentage of budget savings, adherence to schedule, efficiency gains achieved through your design.

• Conciseness: Practice delivering your presentation within a set timeframe, ensuring clarity and impact without getting bogged down in excessive detail.

📝 Enhancement Note: Tailoring your preparation to AECOM's specific needs—their focus on BRT, hybrid work model, and emphasis on client relationships—will significantly increase your chances of success. Demonstrating leadership and a data-driven approach will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your specific experience in Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) design, project management, and leadership roles. Emphasize your proficiency with the required CAD software (AutoCAD/Civil 3D or Microstation suite).

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly details your years of experience, PE licensure, and quantifiable achievements in transit infrastructure projects. Use keywords from the job description such as "BRT," "project management," "multidisciplinary teams," and "AutoCAD/Civil 3D" or "Microstation."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your project experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), focusing on leadership scenarios, technical problem-solving, and client management. Prepare specific examples for your portfolio presentation.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research AECOM's recent transportation projects, their mission, values, and their approach to infrastructure development. Understand their commitment to delivering a "better world" and how your role contributes to it.

⚠️ 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.