Senior Project Engineer - Rail

Senior Project Engineer (Design Manager) – Role Summary

We are seeking an experienced Senior Project Engineer (Design Manager) to lead delivery of complex, large‑scale transit infrastructure projects in the Seattle region, with a strong emphasis on rail systems design management and integration. This role will oversee the full lifecycle of design development (from preliminary engineering through final design) supporting a high‑profile, multibillion‑dollar light rail expansion program.

• Lead and manage the delivery of multidisciplinary design packages for major transit infrastructure projects, including guideways, stations, structures, utilities, and rail systems components (track, systems, and integration interfaces).
• Oversee design development from concept through final design, ensuring alignment with project scope, schedule, and budget objectives.
• Provide oversight and integration of rail systems design, ensuring alignment with civil, structural, and architectural elements across the program.
• Coordinate and integrate work across engineering disciplines, including civil, structural, geotechnical, rail systems, and architectural teams.
• Manage complex technical interfaces, particularly between infrastructure and rail systems packages, ensuring seamless design integration.
• Manage consultant teams, providing direction, oversight, and performance management to ensure quality and consistency across deliverables.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for design‑related matters with internal leadership, clients, and external stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with applicable codes, standards, and agency design criteria, including quality management processes and design reviews.
• Identify and proactively manage technical risks, design challenges, and constructability considerations across both civil and systems scopes.
• Support interface management with third parties such as utilities, municipalities, regulatory agencies, and adjacent projects.
• Collaborate with construction and project management teams to support constructability reviews and design‑to‑delivery alignment.
• Contribute to procurement strategies and support alignment of design deliverables with delivery methods (e.g., Design‑Bid‑Build, Progressive Design‑Build, CM/GC).
• Present technical information and design updates to senior leadership, stakeholders, and community groups as needed.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships through a visible and proactive client presence, underpinned by consistent delivery of high‑quality work and professional engagement.
• Collaborate effectively as part of a multi‑disciplinary sub‑consultant and joint venture team to deliver coordinated, high‑quality project deliverables.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering required (Civil, Structural, or related discipline); advanced degree preferred.
• Washington State PE license preferred (or ability to obtain).
• Minimum 10+ years of experience, with at least 5 years in a Design Manager or Design Lead role on large infrastructure projects.
• Demonstrated experience in rail systems design management, coordination, or oversight (e.g., track, traction power, signaling, communications), or strong experience integrating systems within major transit programs.
• Light Rail Transit (LRT) or commuter rail project experience preferred.
• Background working within heavily regulated, stakeholder‑driven environments.
• Demonstrated experience delivering major transit or heavy civil infrastructure projects, ideally light rail or similar rail systems.
• Proven ability to manage and coordinate multidisciplinary engineering teams on complex programs, including systems integration across multiple design packages.
• Strong understanding of design development processes, technical integration, and project delivery methods within a public‑sector environment.
• Experience working with transit agencies or large public owners is strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with regional permitting, stakeholder coordination, and utility interface management in the Pacific Northwest is a plus.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to both technical and…