Architect, Civil Engineering

Metra is America’s fourth busiest commuter rail system, providing essential transportation services to a community of over 9.4 million residents. As an organization of over 2,600 professionals, we are committed to safely and efficiently meeting the growing and changing transportation needs of the commuters and businesses we serve.
To meet those needs, Metra employs a diverse workforce in an environment that fosters creativity and drives innovation. We invite you to learn more about Metra and the many career opportunities we offer.

The final salary will depend on the candidate's qualifications. Those with 8 years or more of required experience can expect offers up to the midpoint of the salary range. Metra provides full pay ranges so candidates can consider their growth potential.

Qualified veterans who meet the minimum requirements will receive outreach during the recruitment process in accordance with Federal and State laws, including the Illinois Veterans Preference Act. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview or job offer. The most qualified candidate will be selected.

Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties. The agency is linking communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe, reliable, and efficient commuter service.

Metra's Capital Delivery Department oversees the design, construction and administration of Metra capital projects and manages the work of consultants and contractors implementing these projects. Capital projects overseen by this group include stations and parking as well as structural, civil, electrical, mechanical, traction power, and way finding and signs. The department also includes Project Management, NEPA, Project Controls, and Project Administration teams.

Reporting to the Director of Stations and Parking, the Architect II performs intermediate level professional architectural duties in connection with the design, construction, and renovation of station and parking facility projects and manages projects of moderate complexity leading design efforts, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in compliance with Metra's guidelines and quality standards.

The primary duties include:

Participate on project teams as the resident architect reviewing plans and designs prepared by in-house staff or consultants for compliance with Station Design Guidelines, zoning and code compliance, efficiencies, cost effectiveness, and constructability; and recommending changes to ensure compliance with scope, budget, and schedules.

Monitor project progress, identify and manage project risks; recommend solutions to keep projects within budget, scope, and schedule; and ensure compliance with contract specifications, design guidelines, best practices, and quality and safety standards.

Develop and maintain strong stakeholder relationships both within and outside the organization to facilitate project coordination, foster communications, and accomplish the department's work.

Prepare and manage project budgets and oversee the preparation of project cost estimates, scopes of work, and schedules prepared by consultants.

Participate in the contract administration process including reviewing bids and proposals, negotiating consultant level-of-effort and contracts; negotiating and processing contract changes; authorizing contract payments upon work completion; and evaluating vendor performance and recommending appropriate action when performance does not meet contract specifications.

Promote safe work practices and maintain and foster a safe work environment.

Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.

• Bachelor's Degree in Architecture or Civil Engineering.
• In addition to #1, must have two years of Architectural or Civil design experience that includes project management.
• Good knowledge of the principles and best practices of planning, Architectural/Engineering design, procurement, and construction projects.
• Good knowledge of project management, project controls, and contract administration principles and best practices.
• Good knowledge of local, state, and federal requirements for capital projects at all phases.
• Good knowledge of building codes, zoning ordinances, accessibility codes is required.
• Good organizational,…