Senior Transit Systems Manager - Rail Engineering & Business Development

Company : AECOM

Location : Chicago, IL, 60290

Posted Date : 4 October 2025

Job Details

Company Description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world's most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

AECOM is actively seeking an accomplished and driven Senior Transit Systems Manager to lead engineering initiatives, manage complex transit projects, and spearhead business development efforts within our expanding transit practice. This leadership role is strategically positioned to support our Midwest operations-particularly in the Chicago metropolitan area-while also contributing to national pursuits and high-profile transit programs across the U.S.

This is a unique opportunity to shape and grow a dynamic practice with strong support from AECOM's national and global transit systems teams. The ideal candidate will bring deep technical expertise in rail and transit systems, a proven track record in project delivery, and a strong network within the transit industry.

Key Responsibilities:

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Expand AECOM's established Systems and Transit team in the West Region through strategic hiring, talent development, and staff retention initiatives.
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Lead client development and marketing efforts through strategic engagement, opportunity analysis, targeted proposal development, and the cultivation of new client and partner relationships.
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Providing leadership in the development of comprehensive transit project deliverables, including design drawings, technical specifications, cost estimates, proposals, engineering calculations, and technical studies.
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Serve as a technical leader on transit projects, demonstrating expertise across multiple disciplines of transit engineering while actively contributing to project execution and delivery.
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Recommend appropriate actions to ensure compliance with all client, local, state, and federal regulations, including AREMA railway criteria.
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Exercise judgment on details of work by making preliminary selections and adaptations of engineering alternatives.
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Manage projects of varying size and complexity, mentor staff to support team growth, and proactively mitigate risks to ensure successful program outcomes.
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Provide technical leadership and strategic direction for regional program delivery, while collaborating with regional and market sector leadership to identify and pursue new business opportunities.
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Analyze emerging and long-term industry trends to anticipate future needs, and recommend workforce planning and skill development strategies to build organizational capabilities.
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Actively contribute to talent attraction and retention by fostering a supportive environment and promoting growth opportunities within the area of expertise.
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Accountable for the overall financial success and delivery of the AECOM Program Management agreement.
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Travel nationally as needed to AECOM, partner, client, and project office locations to support solution development.
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Qualifications

Minimum:

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Bachelor's degree in Engineering and 10 years of transit engineering experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education, including 2 years of leadership.
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Experienced in the execution and task leadership for design calculations, plans development, specifications,and technical report writing
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Experience and demonstrated ability to design with constructability in mind throughout all steps of the design process.
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Experience and proficiency in technical and program management analytical and problem-solving skills and the ability to draw from the skills of others to bring innovation to serve the needs of our clients
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Experienced in strategic thinking, with the ability to prioritize long-term goal achievement over short-term gains, and the discernment to know when to choose between the two.
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Experience as a self-motivator, able and willing to plan for and act on risks and opportunities aligned with business goals and within the organizational structure.
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Preferred:

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Professional Engineering (PE) Registration
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Experience with Metro, CTA, NICTD or other relevant agencies
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Experience in design/build and other alternative delivery projects
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Experience in writing technical papers, presentations, and studies
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Previous leadership positions held on professional societies or technical committees
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Experience in providing technical training
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Experience in writing project proposals and delivery of oral presentations for purpose of business development
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Experience leading and managing programs that are medium to large in size and complexity or a defined part of a larger program, in support of the overall Program Manager.
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Experience contributing to innovation in program management approaches and methodology to achieve marketplace differentiation.
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Additional Information

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Visa support is an option for this position
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Relocation is an option for this position
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Offered compensation will be based on location and individual qualifications. The expected range is $175,000.00 - $225,000.00.

About AECOM

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients' complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle - from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2024. Learn more at aecom.com.

What makes AECOM a great place to work

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you'll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you've always envisioned. Here, you'll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community-where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

ReqID: J

Business Line: Transportation

Business Group: DCS

Strategic Business Unit: East

Career Area: Program & Project Management

Work Location Model: Hybrid

Legal Entity: AECOM Technical Services Inc