Senior Design Manager for Transit and Rail Facilities

GFT is seeking a Senior Design Manager for Transit and Rail Facilities to join our team. This role is for a leader who combines deep technical expertise with visionary leadership to guide multidisciplinary teams in shaping the next generation of transit facilities. This is a full-time role based in our New York or Newark office, with hybrid flexibility.

Working with the public transit team at GFT means shaping the future of transportation, delivering projects that improve mobility, safety, and accessibility for millions of passengers nationwide. Specializing in rail systems, bus rapid transit, and zero-emission mobility solutions, our experts combine deep technical knowledge with innovative thinking to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of transit networks. Together, we're transforming urban landscapes, reducing environmental impact, and connecting communities through state-of-the-art public transportation infrastructure. Explore some of our signature public transit projects here. 

What you’ll be challenged to do:

The successful candidate will lead multidisciplinary teams in the design and delivery of complex transit and rail facility projects across North America.

In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following: 

• Leading the design and coordination of large-scale transportation infrastructure including rail yards, maintenance facilities, and passenger stations.
• Overseeing project schedules, budgets, and quality assurance processes
• Serving as the primary client liaison and point of contact for major transit agencies.
• Directing teams and subconsultants on Rail Facilities and Maintenance and design-build contracts.
• Preparing and reviewing technical reports, design packages, and procurement documents.
• Supporting business development and proposal efforts for transit and rail facility projects.
• Mentoring junior staff and fostering a collaborative team environment.
• Ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
• Coordinating with stakeholders, contractors, and public agencies.
• Facilitating design quality assurance and constructability reviews.
• Managing all phases of project delivery from planning through close-out

What you will bring to our firm: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Architecture
• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) or Registered Architect
• 15 years of experience in transit and rail facility design and project management.
• Proven experience with MTA, NJ Transit, Amtrak, and other major transit agencies.
• Ability to manage large, multidisciplinary teams across multiple projects.
• Proficiency in project delivery for design-build contracts.
• Strong leadership, communication, and client management skills.
• Experience with facility modernization and accessibility upgrades.
• Skilled in interpreting and applying engineering standards and specifications.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet client deadlines.
• Experience with stakeholder engagement and public involvement.

What we prefer you bring:

• Master’s Degree in Engineering or Architecture
• PMP Certification

Compensation:

The salary range for this role is $190,000-$240,000Salary dependent upon experience and geographic location

Featured Benefits: • Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment.• Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.• Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.• Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual.• Tuition reimbursement for continued education.• Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations• Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships – that’s why we’re the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry’s brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more.

Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century’s experience, together we’re building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives.GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives™ is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans’ status or other characteristics protected by law.

Unsolicited resumes from third party agencies will be considered the property GFT.

Location:New York, New York Core Business Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PMEmployment Status: Full-Time Salary Range: $190,000-$240,000Salary dependent upon experience and geographic location

GFT does require the successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions.

"California Applicants"Applicants in the County of Los Angeles - Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.Applicants in the City of San Francisco - Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.Applicants in the State of California - Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the California Fair Chance Act.

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