Rail & Transit Program Director: Strategy & Delivery

AECOM; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 250,000 - 340,000; Full time

Job summary

AECOM in the United States is seeking a Program Director – Rail and Transit to lead the strategy, governance, delivery and outcomes of large rail programs. You will oversee engineering, systems, construction, safety, and commercial management, driving safety excellence and digital delivery while aligning with client objectives and regulatory requirements.

This senior role requires 20+ years of infra delivery experience, PgMP/PMP preferred, and a proven record of complex rail deployments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in Engineering, Construction Management, Program Management, Transportation, Business, or related field.
• Typically 20+ years in infrastructure delivery with leadership on major rail/transit projects.
• Deep understanding of rail systems, regulatory environments, and operations.
• Professional certification such as PgMP, PMP, APM RPP, CCM, or equivalent preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership and strategic direction for major rail and transit programs.
• Establish and maintain an integrated program management framework across engineering, construction, systems, testing and commissioning, and operational readiness.
• Define delivery strategies, governance structures, and performance objectives for long-term network benefits.
• Lead program mobilization activities ensuring organization, systems, resources, and leadership structures are in place.
• Oversee integration across rail disciplines including track, signaling, communications, traction power, and stations.
• Provide leadership during testing, commissioning, operational readiness, and handover to achieve safe operations.
• Support achievement of safety approvals, regulatory certifications, and compliance with client governance.
• Build and maintain relationships with senior client executives, regulators, and stakeholders.
• Oversee program budgets, forecasts, contingencies, and financial performance.
• Champion innovation, digital delivery, BIM, data analytics in rail.

Skills

Executive leadership

Strategic program management

Stakeholder engagement

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Program Management, Transportation, Business, or related field

Job description

AECOM in the United States is seeking a Program Director – Rail and Transit to lead the strategy, governance, delivery and outcomes of large rail programs. You will oversee engineering, systems, construction, safety, and commercial management, driving safety excellence and digital delivery while aligning with client objectives and regulatory requirements.

This senior role requires 20+ years of infra delivery experience, PgMP/PMP preferred, and a proven record of complex rail deployments.