HDR is seeking an
Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Facilities Planning and Design Lead to provide leadership for operations and maintenance facility pursuits and projects with a primary focus on bus- and rail-based transit facilities across Canada.
This role is focused on the planning, programming, and design of vehicle operations, servicing, storage, inspection, and maintenance facilities, and will support projects ranging from early master planning and feasibility through detailed design and construction administration.
The successful candidate will bring deep experience with transit O&M equipment, facility process flows, and functional adjacencies, and will act as a trusted advisor to transit agencies, operators, and project teams. This position goes beyond traditional facility design management, placing strong emphasis on operational functionality, maintainability, safety, and long-term performance.
Key ResponsibilitiesTransit O&M Facilities Leadership- Lead the planning and design of operations and maintenance facilities, including fleet storage, servicing lanes, inspection areas, heavy maintenance shops, and non-revenue support spaces. Primary focus on bus and rail facilities.
- Provide subject-matter expertise in vehicle maintenance equipment and systems, such as: Hoists, lifting systems, and inspection pits; vehicle wash systems (automatic and manual); Fueling, charging, and alternative energy systems (diesel, CNG, hydrogen, battery-electric); Rail-specific systems (e.g., underfloor wheel lathes, traction power interfaces) where applicable.
- Define and validate facility process flows, operational adjacencies, and circulation for vehicles, staff, and materials.
Planning, Programming, and Early-Phase Design- Lead facility programming, requirements and needs assessments, and master planning, including facility sizing, capacity analysis, growth planning, and phasing strategies.
- Translate operational and maintenance requirements into clear, actionable design criteria.
- Support development of concept depot track and building layouts, option analyses, and feasibility studies, ensuring operational intent is embedded early.
- Develop O&M organization staffing numbers including shifts per position to support/accommodate proposed facility designs.
Design Oversight and Coordination- Provide technical oversight during conceptual, preliminary, and detailed design phases.
- Guide and coordinate multidisciplinary teams including architecture, structural, mechanical, electrical, civil, fire protection, rolling stock and rail systems.
- Ensure building systems and site design support safe, efficient, and maintainable operations, not just code compliance.
- Review equipment layouts, specifications, and integration with building and site infrastructure.
Project Delivery and Client Engagement- Serve as Design Manager or discipline lead within the broader project management structure.
- Participate in and lead client workshops, design reviews, and operational work sessions.
- Coordinate submittals, shop drawing reviews, RFIs, and construction field observations.
- Contribute to pursuits and proposals for transit facility projects.
Preferred Qualifications- A minimum of 15 years of experience in transit or industrial facility design, with a strong emphasis on transit operations and maintenance environments.
- Demonstrated experience planning and designing bus and/or rail-based O&M facilities.
- Deep understanding of O&M-driven design principles, including workflow efficiency, safety, maintainability, and lifecycle considerations.
- Experience working with Canadian transit agencies and railways such as TTC, Metrolinx, TransLink, BC Transit, CN, or CPKC.
- Experience with zero-emission transition and/or fleet electrification.
- Familiarity with Concept of Operations (ConOps) or operational readiness planning.
- Proficiency with digital delivery software (Revit, AutoCAD, SketchUp).
- Knowledge and experience with CAPEX and OPEX life-cycle costing /modeling for depot design and staffing.
QualificationsRequired Qualifications - Associate's degree in engineering or related field of study or equivalent work experience
- A minimum of 15 years of engineering experience in the discipline to be supported
- Aptitude and demonstrated hands-on experience with computer applications specific to the discipline to be supported
- Extensive knowledge of industry standards specific to the discipline being supported
- Proven ability to work in multi-disciplinary environments
- Proficient with Microsoft Office
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must
