Principal Consultant, Planning Engineer​/Transportation

Lead the Future of Sustainable Infrastructure Step into a leadership role where transportation strategy meets global impact. At ERM, as a Principal Consultant, Planning Engineer / Transportation, based in Washington, DC (hybrid), you’ll help shape the trajectory of major capital projects that enable the energy transition and sustainable infrastructure worldwide. This is a strategic, high-visibility opportunity to influence how complex projects are planned, approved, and delivered - while mentoring others and growing a best-in-class transportation practice.

Why This Role Matters Transportation planning sits at the core of every successful infrastructure project. In this role, you’ll provide strategic direction and technical leadership across a diverse portfolio—from electric transmission and renewable energy (wind, solar, hydropower, battery storage) to large-scale extractive projects. Your expertise will ensure projects are compliant, efficient, and aligned with both U.S. regulatory standards and global sustainability benchmarks - directly advancing ERM's mission to deliver innovative, responsible solutions.

• Lead transportation analyses for U.S.
  
  -based projects, ensuring alignment with state DOT requirements and global best practices.
• Deliver IFC-compliant Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA) for international initiatives.
• Shape project outcomes by defining methodologies, contributing to proposals, and guiding technical strategy.
• Expand ERM's transportation planning capabilities through business development, client engagement, and thought leadership.
• Mentor and develop emerging talent, strengthening team capability and impact.

• Required Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Transportation Engineering, Urban/Transportation Planning, or related field or equivalent experience.
• 6+ years (10+ years preferred) of progressive experience in transportation planning/engineering for major capital projects.
• Strong expertise in U.S. transportation standards and frameworks (NEPA, FHWA/FTA guidance, HCM, MUTCD) and state/local requirements.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear insights for clients and stakeholders.
• Authorization to work in the U.S.
• Preferred Master’s degree in Transportation Engineering/Planning or related field
• Professional licensure or certification (PE, PTOE, AICP, RSP, or equivalent).
• Proficiency in transportation and traffic modeling tools (Synchro/Sim Traffic, HCS, VISSIM/SIDRA, GIS, travel demand modeling).
• Experience supporting international projects and working within IFI-funded frameworks.
• Demonstrated success in business development and industry thought leadership.

• Lead multimodal transportation impact assessments (road, rail, vessel, air) for both construction and operational phases of major projects.
• Develop and apply methodologies aligned with NEPA, FHWA/FTA guidance, state/local regulations, and international standards.
• Contribute to proposal development by defining scope, methodology, and level of effort for transportation components.
• Build and strengthen client relationships while leading pursuits for new transportation planning opportunities.
• Mentor junior team members and foster an inclusive, collaborative, and high-performing team culture.
• Occasional travel for client meetings and field reviews across project locations.

If you're motivated to lead complex, meaningful projects and leave a lasting mark on sustainable infrastructure, this role offers the platform to do just that - on a global scale.

For the Principal Consultant, Planning Engineer / Transportation position, the anticipated annual base pay is $127,600–$163,100 (USD). Actual pay will depend…