Design Oversight Manager

Program Management & Control Services (PMCS); Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 166,000 - 208,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid Time Off

Employee profit-sharing program

Job summary

Program Management & Control Services (PMCS) is a growing multi-disciplinary consulting firm serving major rail and transit projects. This Design Oversight Manager role supports a long-term, $5B+ capital program for a top transit agency in Chicago.

The ideal candidate will guide design staff, coordinate with CTA operations, manage budgets and schedules, and ensure compliance with City, State, and Federal requirements while fostering collaboration across disciplines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or related field.
• 5–10 years of design manager/PM experience on transit/rail projects.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary design teams and problem-solving.

Responsibilities

• Provide oversight and coordination of engineering design activities for major transit projects.
• Coordinate with CTA design staff on scope, effort, and contract administration.
• Review design drawings and documents at milestones for constructability and impacts.
• Mentor design staff consultants and interface with capital program teams.
• Assist in budgeting, scheduling, and resource planning.

Skills

CTA projects experience

Public transit design oversight

Team leadership

Regulatory compliance

Contract administration

Illinois PE license

MS Office / Bluebeam

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

Adobe Acrobat

Bluebeam

Job description

Program Management & Control Services (PMCS) is a growing, multi-disciplinary firm providing specialized consulting services in public transportation projects, including construction engineering, program management, and project controls. We pride ourselves on a work environment that emphasizes:

• Supportive & collaborative team atmosphere
• Personalized attention
• Professional growth opportunities

The Design Oversight Manager will serve as a key member of the firm’s program management discipline, responsible for guiding, coordinating, and evaluating design consultant teams delivering major rail and transit infrastructure projects. The successful candidate will provide general oversight of several design staff consultants to aid in successfully delivery on the critical planning and design needs of a long-term, $5 billion+ capital program for one of the country's largest transit agencies.

This is a full-time, hybrid role with in-office days in the client’s downtown Chicago offices. Candidates must be self-driven, highly professional, and experienced in managing multidisciplinary design efforts. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of strong leadership, technical judgment, and transit and rail operations in complex urban environments.

What You’ll Do:

• Provide oversight and coordination of engineering design activities for major transit and rail projects, ensuring compliance with CTA standards, City of Chicago codes, state and federal regulations, and applicable permitting requirements
• Work with CTA’s design staff, including scope development, levels of effort, task assignments, performance monitoring, and contract administration
• Review and evaluate design drawings, specifications, and technical documents at the 30/60/90/100% milestones for completeness, constructability, operational impacts, and adherence to program objectives
• Provide oversight and review of feasibility studies, alternative analyses, design Levels of Effort , and technical reports
• Oversee design task order contracts, ensuring alignment with budget, schedule, quality standards, and program priorities
• Identify risks and recommend mitigation strategies to maintain design progress, budget discipline, and schedule integrity
• Coordinate design interfaces with CTA operations, adjacent capital programs, and external agencies
• Recommend improvements to design workflows and review processes to enhance efficiency and cost-effectiveness
• Participate in and lead design review meetings, technical workshops, and coordination sessions
• Mentor, guide, and support assigned design staff consultants and effectively interface with the 40+ person capital program management team
• Assist in developing design budgets and supporting departmental resource planning

The Ideal Candidate will Bring:

• 5+ years of experience working on CTA projects or similar large urban transit systems
• Demonstrated experience managing and overseeing public transit and rail system infrastructure design teams
• Familiarity with local, City of Chicago permitting processes and codes, building codes, utility coordination, and regulatory requirements
• Experience managing consultant contracts and task order delivery
• Ability to develop strategic design approaches and guide complex technical decision-making
• Exceptional team leadership, communication, and collaboration skills
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat and/or Bluebeam
• Illinois License as a Professional Engineer (PE)

Required Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or a related field
• 5-10 years of related experience as a design manager, project engineer, or project manager on major transit or rail projects
• Ability to manage multiple assignments to meet competing deadlines
• Ability to collaborate well within teams, and promote effective problem-solving
• Demonstrate excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and analytical skills
• Possess a valid driver’s license

Why Join Us?

• Contribute to high-profile transportation projects that shape the Chicago area
• Be part of a supportive, collaborative team with opportunities for professional growth and advancement and a personalized experience
• Work alongside professionals with 20+ years of experience
• Work for a leading organization in the field, renowned for quality excellence, reliability, and innovation

What We Offer:

• At PMCS, we believe in rewarding great work with competitive pay.
• The hourly rate for this position is $80 - $100 ($166,400 - $208,000), based on experience and qualifications.
• We provide a comprehensive benefits package that supports you:
• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Employee profit-sharing program

PMCS is an E-Verify employer. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.