Project Manager - Rail and Transit

Jacobs; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 135,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401(k)

Stock purchase plan

PPTO

Holidays

Caregiver leave

Job summary

Jacobs is seeking a Project Manager to join our Rail & Transit team in Chicago, IL. You will lead design and delivery of rail engineering projects, mentor junior staff, coordinate budgets and schedules, and engage with clients to drive successful outcomes.

The role emphasizes leadership, technical oversight, and collaboration across disciplines, with a hybrid work policy and opportunities to influence nationwide rail initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or related field.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and delivery of rail engineering projects.
• Provide technical oversight and QA/QC for plans, calculations, specs, and documentation.
• Develop and review electronic models, plan sheets, specs, and cost estimates.
• Manage and coordinate project schedules, budgets, and resources with Project Managers.
• Serve as a technical leader and mentor for junior staff.
• Perform plan reviews, submittals, and RFIs in line with requirements.
• Support business development, including proposals and client presentations.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to resolve complex engineering challenges.
• Contribute to nationwide rail-transit initiatives and best practices.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Mentoring

Team leadership

Client management

Communication

Problem solving

Rail design knowledge

Construction coordination

FRA standards

AREMA guidelines

IL PE license

Rail & Transit experience

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering

Tools

MicroStation

OpenRail

Job description

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your impact

We are seeking a Project Manager to join our growing Rail & Transit team in Chicago, IL. This leadership role is responsible for delivering and overseeing design and engineering services for transit, passenger, and freight rail projects, while also guiding teams and supporting project execution from concept through construction. This is an exciting opportunity for a driven professional who wants to play a key role in building and shaping a high-performing, collaborative team in a dynamic and evolving market.

Our ideal candidate is energized by growth, both personally and organizationally, and is eager to contribute to a fun, inclusive team environment that values leadership development and continuous learning. You’ll have the opportunity to mentor and train early-career engineers, helping to cultivate the next generation of rail professionals while strengthening team capabilities. In addition to local impact, you will engage and build relationships with Jacobs staff across the country, fostering collaboration and supporting the success of projects nationwide.

The role offers a diverse and engaging workload, ranging from large-scale design-build programs to specialized, niche rail and transit projects in ports and other unique environments. We are looking for someone who is motivated, forward‑thinking, and passionate about making a lasting impact—someone who is ready to grow with us and help define the future of our Chicago‑based Rail & Transit team.

You will play a key role in project management, client engagement, and strategic pursuits, working closely with internal stakeholders and clients to drive successful outcomes.

When you join us

• Lead the design and delivery of rail engineering projects
• Provide technical oversight and QA/QC for plans, calculations, specifications, and engineering documentation
• Develop and review electronic models, plan sheets, specifications, and cost estimates
• Manage and coordinate project schedules, budgets, and resources in collaboration with Project Managers
• Serve as a technical leader and mentor, guiding junior staff and fostering team development
• Perform and oversee plan reviews, submittals, and RFIs, ensuring compliance with project requirements
• Support business development efforts, including proposals, client presentations, and pursuit strategies
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and clients to identify solutions and resolve complex engineering challenges
• Contribute to nationwide rail‑transit initiatives, best practices, and project delivery strategies

Here’s what you’ll need

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering or related field
• Professional Engineer (PE) license in IL
• Progressive railway engineering experience, track design experience a plus in Chicago
• Demonstrated experience in project management and delivery of rail infrastructure projects
• Proven team leadership experience, including mentoring and overseeing engineering staff
• Strong knowledge of FRA, Class I Railroad standards, and AREMA guidelines
• Proficiency in MicroStation and OpenRail (or comparable rail design platforms)
• Experience with construction phase services and field coordination
• Excellent communication, leadership, and client management skills
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities

Ideally you’ll also have

• Experience with special trackwork design and procurement

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to invest in you, and in the things you care about. Your health. Your well‑being. Your security. Your future. Employees have access to medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance, a 401(k) plan, and the ability to purchase company stock at a discount. Eligible employees may also enroll in a deferred compensation plan or the Executive Deferral Plan. Jacobs has an unlimited U.S. Personalized Paid Time Off (PPTO) policy for full‑time salaried/exempt employees, seven paid holidays, and caregiver leave. And certain roles may be eligible for additional rewards, including merit increases, performance discretionary bonus, and stock.

The base salary range for this position is $135,000.00 to $175,000.00. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Job posted on August 05, 2026. This position will be open for at least 3 days.

We value collaboration and believe that in‑person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.

Your application experience is important to us, and we’re keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support.