Project Manager 2 Rail and Transit Signals - Communications and Train Control

Burns is currently seeking a Project Manager II to join our Railroad and Transit - Signals, Communications & Train Control team in Boston, MA.

SUMMARY

The Project Manager II is responsible for the successful delivery of mid-scale engineering projects of moderate complexity. This role leads the day-to-day execution, financial performance, client coordination, and delivery outcomes of assigned projects, ensuring work is completed on time, on budget, and within scope while meeting contractual requirements and client expectations.

The Project Manager II serves as the primary operational contact for clients and is accountable for managing project execution, including planning, staffing coordination, scope management, and schedule adherence. This role ensures projects are delivered safely, profitably, and in alignment with Burns’ quality standards.

In alignment with Business Unit priorities, the Project Manager II supports business development primarily through expanding relationships with existing clients, contributing to repeat work, and supporting proposal development efforts.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Project Management 

• Execute and deliver mid-scale engineering projects, ensuring successful completion aligned with scope, schedule, budget, and quality expectations.
• Ensure projects are consistently delivered on time, on budget, and within scope, proactively managing risks, issues, and changes.
• Work closely with Technical Delivery Lead and Discipline Leads to align technical execution with project scope, fee, and schedule commitments.
• Review contracts and scope of work to establish clear delivery plans and avoid scope creep, delays, and write-downs (target ≤ 3% of net revenue).
• Develop and implement the Burns Unique Client Experience (BUCE) plan to guide project execution and client engagement.
• Create and manage resource plans, ensuring appropriate staffing and efficient utilization of project resources.
• Delegate work effectively to technical staff and project engineers to ensure quality and efficiency.
• Ensure adherence to QA/QC procedures and internal delivery standards.
• Identify and communicate out-of-scope work early and secure approved change orders.
• Collaborate with technical leads to coordinate multidisciplinary teams and ensure high-quality deliverables.
• Manage project financials, including accounts receivable targets (≤ 60 days) and multiplier performance.

Client Relationship Management 

• Serve as the primary day-to-day operational contact for clients.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships through proactive communication and delivery excellence.
• Address client feedback and resolve issues to maintain satisfaction and repeat business.
• Secure approvals for scope changes to protect project profitability and delivery performance.

Financial & Performance Management

• Manage project budgets, forecasts, and financial performance to meet profitability targets.
• Monitor project progress against schedule and budget, proactively addressing variances.
• Maintain control over scope, schedule, and resources to prevent cost overruns.
• Drive achievement of project financial metrics, including margin and utilization targets.

Business Development 

• Support business development efforts focused primarily on expanding existing client relationships and generating repeat work.
• Build and maintain a strong client network (3x3 relationships) to identify opportunities.
• Execute assigned annual business plan initiatives related to existing client growth.
• Support proposal development, including scopes, budgets, fee schedules, and resource planning.
• Evaluate teaming partners and contribute to pursuit strategy to improve win probability.
• Leverage professional network to enhance Burns’ visibility and support growth within existing accounts.

Team Coordination & Development

• Coordinate project teams across technical disciplines to ensure alignment and efficient execution.
• Provide direction and support to technical staff and engineers on project tasks.
• Contribute to development of team members through mentoring and knowledge sharing.

Compliance  

• Perform all tasks in compliance with Burns (and, when applicable, a client’s) standards, policies, procedures, and engineering codes.  
• Perform all tasks efficiently, accurately, within the allotted project hours, and complete tasks on or before the due date.   
• Adhere to all Human Resources policies and procedures.
• Partner with Human Resources Business Partner to ensure adherence to all federal, state, and local employment regulations.
• Adhere to all Burns operational and quality policies and procedures.
• Complete special duties as assigned. 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• The Project Manager II does not have formal supervisory responsibilities but provides day-to-day leadership and coordination of project teams.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's (B.S.) Degree, preferably in Engineering or a related field from an accredited university or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive engineering experience.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience managing small to mid-scale projects, people, client relationships, and business development.  Managed a team of 5+ employees.
• Experience working with and coordinating project teams and technical staff.

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• Professional Engineering License is required at this level

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE 

• Demonstrated success delivering small- to mid-scale engineering projects on time, on budget, and within scope, with consistent adherence to quality and contractual requirements.
• Proven ability to manage project financial performance, including budgets, schedules, and resource plans, with an understanding of project profitability and cost control.
• Experience coordinating multidisciplinary project teams, including delegating technical tasks and ensuring work is executed efficiently and accurately.
• Strong track record of maintaining and expanding relationships with existing clients, resulting in repeat work opportunities and increased project scope.
• Demonstrated ability to support business development efforts within existing accounts, including identifying follow-on work and contributing to client capture activities.
• Experience supporting proposal development, including preparation of scopes, budgets, fee schedules, and resource plans.
• Proven ability to manage project scope, identify out-of-scope work, and secure change order approvals to protect project profitability.
• Demonstrated growth in client communication and coordination skills, including serving as a reliable day-to-day client contact and managing expectations.
• Experience mentoring or guiding junior team members or coordinating small teams, showing early leadership capability and accountability.
• Consistent achievement of project performance goals, including schedule adherence, client satisfaction, and quality compliance.
• Strong understanding of QA/QC procedures and ability to ensure compliance across project deliverables.
• Ability to manage multiple projects or workstreams with increasing complexity while maintaining delivery quality and performance.