Job Description

We are seeking a Senior Transit Facilities Architect to lead the architectural design of complex transit infrastructure projects in the Chicago area-an exceptional opportunity for an architect passionate about shaping the future of urban transportation. This is a senior technical leadership role for an architect passionate about transportation who will serve as the technical authority for transit-related facilities, including passenger stations, maintenance and storage facilities, and other transit-support buildings. The successful candidate will be responsible for delivering architectural designs from concept through construction, directing design teams, coordinating with multidisciplinary partners, and ensuring the delivery of permit- and construction-ready contract documents for active transit environments.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership & Design Delivery

• Serve as the technical lead and subject matter expert for transit facility architecture projects, leveraging deep knowledge of transportation systems and urban mobility solutions.
• Lead architectural design from planning and concept development through final design and construction support.
• Act as Architect of Record where required, including signing and sealing architectural documents.
• Make and document key technical decisions, manage design risk, and uphold quality standards across projects.
• Review and approve architectural drawings, technical calculations, specifications, and design deliverables.

Coordination & Agency Engagement

• Coordinate closely with engineering, systems, construction, and operations teams to deliver integrated solutions.
• Work directly with public transit agencies, navigating agency standards, design review processes, and operational constraints while building relationships with key transportation industry stakeholders.
• Support construction-phase activities in active operating transit environments, including design clarifications and field coordination.

Multidisciplinary Team Leadership

• Lead and manage architectural scope on projects with multiple interfaces, phased construction, and ongoing transit operations.
• Apply sound judgment related to constructability, staging, maintenance, and lifecycle considerations.
• Mentor and guide junior architectural staff, ensuring consistency in technical execution and professional development.

Project Strategy & Business Development

• Contribute to proposal development, scope definition, and fee estimation for transit facility pursuits.
• Serve as Project Technical Leader on select projects and proposals, driving the technical vision of the final deliverable.
• Collaborate with project managers to manage scope, budgets, schedules, and staffing needs.

Skills & Abilities

• Technical knowledge and design application knowledge specific to transit facility design and transportation systems.
• Expert knowledge of technologies and methodologies in the use of construction materials
• Expert knowledge of Computer Aided Design and Drafting (CADD), preferably AutoCAD and Revit
• Familiarity with modeling and rendering software programs.
• Expert knowledge of basic business office software (Word, Excel, etc.).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Qualifications

• 10 years of related experience.
• Bachelor's degree in Architecture.
• Must possess RA certification.
• Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a college degree.
• Domestic and/or international travel may be required. The frequency of travel is contingent on specific duties, responsibilities, and the essential functions of the position, which may vary depending on workload and project demands.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with public transportation agencies and urban municipalities.
• Leadership experience on projects involving dense urban conditions, constrained sites, and active operations.
• Experience developing: Project scopes of work and fee proposals. Construction plans, technical specifications, and cost estimates. Technical reports and design justification documentation.
• Ability to assign work, provide daily technical direction, and mentor junior staff.
• Experience providing day-to-day oversight of architectural or transportation facility design projects, including budget and schedule management.

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Amount of Travel Required

10% or less
Additional Pay Range Information

CDM Smith is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. This pay range is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels for the geographic location assigned to the position. In addition to geographic location, a candidate's salary is determined by several other factors including, but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, relevant work experience, skills, required certifications, and education/training.
Additional Compensation

All bonuses at CDM Smith are discretionary and may or may not apply to this position.
Visa Sponsorship Available

No-We will not support sponsorship in the United States, i.e. H-1B or TN Visas for this position
Agency Disclaimer

All vendors must have a signed CDM Smith Placement Agreement from the CDM Smith Talent Acquisition Manager to receive payment for your placement. Verbal or written commitments from any other member of the CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries staff will not be considered binding terms. All unsolicited resumes sent to CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries and any resume submitted to any employee outside of CDM Smith Talent Acquisition Team will be considered property of CDM Smith. CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries will not be held liable to pay a placement fee.
Pay Range Max

USD $192,899.00
Pay Range Min

USD $110,240.00