Job SummaryThe Principal Project Manager independently leads the planning, execution, and delivery of complex, large-scale initiatives with significant cost, schedule, and stakeholder impact. This role is accountable for end-to-end project performance, including scope, cost, risk, and schedule coordination, and serves as the primary point of integration across internal teams, external partners, and governing bodies. The position operates with broad autonomy, applies advanced project management judgment, and contributes to organizational delivery capability through guidance, influence, and expertise rather than formal supervisory authority.
Essential Functions- Plan, execute, and deliver complex, high-risk initiatives from initiation through closeout, ensuring alignment with approved objectives, budgets, schedules, and governance requirements.
- Develop, maintain, and integrate detailed project plans, schedules, cost forecasts, and performance metrics; monitor progress and implement corrective actions as required.
- Serve as the primary point of coordination with internal teams, external partners, and oversight entities, facilitating decision-making and maintaining alignment across diverse stakeholders.
- Identify, assess, and manage project risks, issues, and changes, ensuring timely resolution, escalation, and transparent communication to stakeholders.
- Coordinate multiple project teams, vendors and assets to ensure timely and cost-effective sequencing and execution of critical path milestones across several inter-dependent projects.
- Apply advanced project management standards, tools, and best practices; provide guidance and informal mentorship to less-experienced project personnel and matrixed contributors.
- Establish Program Governance and Controls structures to enable effective escalation and decision-making processes. Cultivate collaborative partnership among stakeholders to enable scoping, financial and resource decisions
- Develop, track and forecast annual budgets and operating plans to support the program Provide performance reports and other relevant analytics on the program stakeholders Monitor and approve all budgeted program expenditures
Minimum Qualifications- Bachelor's Degree or equivalent combination of education, training and/or relevant experience.
- Plus 7 years of relevant work experience.
Preferred Qualifications- Plus 9 years of relevant work experience.
- Graduate degree
- Transportation industry background
- Understanding of Federal Railroad Administration and NEC stakeholders, including state and local governments, commuter railroads and freight
Minumum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities- Strong project and/or program management skills
- Superb communication and stakeholder management skills with focus on collaboration, team building, and customer service
- Ability to read and interpret technical design drawings and specifications
- Comprehension of project scheduling concepts using critical path method
- Understanding of design development and general construction practices
- Ability to develop, review, and adjust project schedules and cost forecasts to align with short and long-term project goals.
- Aptitude to understand, interpret, and apply applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, budgets, contracts, and labor/management agreements
- Ability to prioritize directed and self-directed project tasks to ensure on-time delivery of key project milestones
- Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Visio, PowerPoint, MS Project)
- Understanding of principles of project management, program development, implementation and administration for improvement and maintenance projects
- Ability to identify talented managers as well as motivate and support people across the organization to work collectively as a cohesive whole to produce superior results
- Knowledge of theories, principles, and practices of passenger railroad systems design, construction, operations, maintenance, safety, accident prevention, and emergency response (preferred but not required)
Communication and Interpersonal Skills- Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills
Environmental Conditions/Physical Demands- Travel Requirements: Up to 25%
- Office environment and project field visits as required
The salary/hourly range is $113,200.00 - $146,664.00. Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to education, work experience, certifications, etc. Depending on an employee's assigned worksite or location, Amtrak may consider a geo-pay differential to be applied to the employee's base salary. Amtrak may offer additional incentive and pay programs to recognize and reward our employees, including a short-term incentive bonus based upon factors such as individual and company performance that is commensurate with the level of the position.
Health and WellbeingFinancial and RetirementWork and Family Life SupportHealth, Dental, and Vision Insurance401K with Employer MatchGenerous Paid Time Off Wellness ProgramsRailroad Retirement BenefitsPaid Caregiving Days and Backup CareHealth Savings AccountPublic Service Student Loan ForgivenessFertility and Family Building BenefitsNo-cost Personal Health AdvocateStudent Loan AssistanceAdoption and Surrogacy AssistanceMedical Plan Opt-out CreditTuition and Education ReimbursementPaid Family Leave Life InsuranceRail Pass Privileges Short- and Long-term Disability InsuranceEmployee Assistance Program No-cost Financial Advisor SessionsCommuter and Flexible Spending Accounts
Learn more about our benefits offerings here.
Requisition ID:166825
Work Arrangement:06-Onsite 4/5 Days Click here for more information about work arrangements at Amtrak.
Relocation Offered:No
Travel Requirements:Up to 25%
