Project Manager, Engineering & Construction

Join to apply for the Project Manager, Engineering & Construction role at Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA).

The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) is a political subdivision responsible for promoting, sustaining, and expanding the availability of passenger and commuter rail services in the Commonwealth. VPRA funds Virginia Railway Express (VRE) and administers all capital expansion projects related to the $3.7 billion Transforming Rail in Virginia initiative, which will double Amtrak and VRE service over the next decade.

Are you a civil engineer looking for your next opportunity? VPRA is looking for a Project Manager to plan and execute existing work and develop new projects, ensuring on‑schedule and within‑budget completion and following VPRA's contractual obligations. This position may be based in Richmond or Alexandria, Virginia.

• Lead oversight of all activities associated with projects throughout Virginia, coordinating with CSXT, NS, VRE, Amtrak, and federal, state, and local entities, including right‑of‑way and utilities.
• Establish and oversee contracts with project support (GEC) and engineering and construction contractors while assuming full responsibility for and managing the project’s budget, schedule, quality, and safety.
• Develop reports of project schedules and budgets and project updates/status reports for reporting to the Senior Director of Projects, COO, and CEO as required.
• Develop project scopes, fees, and schedules for design contracts.
• Establish and maintain schedules and deadlines, holding self, stakeholders, and teams accountable to the set budgets and schedules.
• Lead projects from planning, development, design, and construction, including construction management and quality, as well as project close‑out and post‑implementation phases.
• Employ an understanding of rail and transit operations, including the environmental review process, to develop solutions with the support of the Director of Planning.
• Ensure all project deliverables are complete and coordinated through quality reviews in compliance with VPRA’s quality program.
• Support VPRA’s Mission and the Commonwealth at large via the Transforming Rail in Virginia Program.
• Demonstrate a track record of success in leading and implementing similar railroad and transit projects with the following clientele: WMATA, VRE, Amtrak, Class 1 freight owners, and similar entities.
• Review, monitor, and understand architectural design and operational information and present and review this information with staff, management, and stakeholders.
• Occasional statewide travel may be required for project‑related tasks and nationally for conferences.

• BS/BA degree in a related field.

• Professional engineering license in Virginia or the ability to obtain one within six months of hire.
• Project Management Professional (PMP).

• A minimum of 10 years of direct, relevant project management experience leading multi‑million‑dollar infrastructure projects in the transportation industry, preferably rail transit, freight rail, or passenger rail.
• Experience with engineering and design activities for passenger rail projects and familiarity with railroad engineering principles related to track and station elements.
• Experience managing contractors from procurement through contract close‑out.
• Solid understanding of heavy civil/structural engineering principles and construction practices, and experience applying to achieve successful project outcomes.
• Ability to read, interpret, and understand engineering drawings and specifications, including geotechnical, grading/drainage, trackwork, structures, electrical, signalization, stormwater management, and sediment/erosion control.
• Ability to perform independent, detailed reviews of technical and engineering documents and respond appropriately.
• Ability to conduct independent research into engineering‑related matters, prepare reports, present findings, and make recommendations.
• Ability to provide engineering and project management support on several projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a project team to achieve stated goals and…