Job Description
We are seeking a Transit Facility Structural Design Lead to serve as the senior technical authority for the structural design of transit infrastructure projects in the Chicago area. This position is intended for an experienced structural engineer with deep expertise in transit facilities and the ability to lead complex projects from concept through construction.
The successful candidate will take full ownership of structural design delivery, provide technical leadership across multidisciplinary teams, and ensure the development of permit- and construction-ready contract documents for projects in active urban transit environments.
Key Responsibilities
Structural Design Leadership
Lead the structural design of transit infrastructure projects, including passenger stations, maintenance and storage facilities, and other transit-support structures.
Serve as the technical authority for structural systems, guiding design decisions from early planning through final design and construction support.
Act as Engineer of Record when required, including signing and sealing structural calculations, drawings, and specifications.
Ensure designs meet applicable codes, agency standards, and industry best practices, while managing technical risk and constructability.
Technical Oversight & Quality Control
Review and approve structural calculations, drawings, and specifications.
Establish and enforce quality control procedures and consistent technical standards across projects.
Support construction activities, including responses to RFIs and coordination during work in active operating transit environments.
Multidisciplinary Coordination
Coordinate closely with architectural, civil, systems, construction, and operations teams.
Manage structural scope on projects with multiple interfaces, phased construction, and ongoing transit operations.
Apply sound engineering judgment related to constructability, staging, durability, and maintenance considerations in dense urban settings.
Mentorship & Team Development
Provide technical guidance, direction, and mentorship to junior engineers and emerging technical leaders.
Assign work, oversee day-to-day technical efforts, and support staff development within the structural discipline.
Project Strategy & Client Engagement
Serve as Project Technical Leader for structural design on transit facility projects and pursuits, with a regional focus and national collaboration.
Support proposal development, scope definition, and fee proposals.
Participate in client meetings and presentations; communicate technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Coordinate with project managers on staffing, budgets, schedules, and overall technical execution.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Civil, Architectural or Structural Engineering or related discipline. Professional engineering (PE) license. 10 years of related experience. 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. Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.
Preferred Qualifications
Strong background in Transit Facility Design, preferably with clients like CTA, Metra, and/or Illinois Municipalities.
Leadership experience on projects involving active operations, constrained sites, and phased construction.
Experience developing:
Project scopes of work and fee proposals.
Design criteria, construction plans, specifications, and cost estimates.
Technical reports and design justification documentation.
Experience managing task- or project-level budgets and schedules.
Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and mentor technical staff.
