Rail & Transit Project Manager / Client Lead

Michael Baker Intl.; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 115,000 - 201,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a skilled Rail Project Manager/Client Lead to join their dynamic team in Chicago. This role involves managing major railway planning and design projects while fostering key client relationships with local rail agencies. You will play a crucial role in ensuring project success through effective management of schedules, budgets, and resources. The opportunity offers a hybrid work environment and the chance to lead innovative projects that impact urban transit solutions. If you are passionate about rail infrastructure and have a track record of successful project management, this is the perfect opportunity for you to make a difference in the community.

Benefits

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401k Retirement Plan

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Life insurance

Paid time off

Commuter benefits

Wellness benefits

Qualifications

• 10+ years in railway civil design and planning.
• IL PE license required; NCEES record is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Manage railway planning/design projects ensuring they stay on schedule.
• Act as main contact with local rail agencies and support business development.

Skills

Client management skills

Problem-solving ability

Verbal and interpersonal skills

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering

Master’s Degree in related field

Tools

Bluebeam

Microsoft Office

Bentley MicroStation/OpenRail

AutoCAD Civil 3D

Job description

WHO WE ARE

Michael Baker International is a leading provider of architectural, engineering and consulting services, including design, planning, environmental, construction and program management. The company provides its comprehensive range of services and solutions to support U.S. federal, state, and municipal governments, foreign allied governments, and a wide range of commercial clients. Michael Baker’s more than 4,000 employees across 85 locations are committed to a culture of innovation, collaboration, and technological advancement to help solve challenges for clients and communities throughout the country. To learn more, visit https://mbakerintl.com/.

RAIL & TRANSIT PRACTICE

Whether moving people or freight, future rail and transit solutions will be determined by energy prices, a shift toward urban living and growing environmental concerns. Michael Baker helps freight, rail and transit agency, and Department of Transportation clients meet these modern challenges by providing services that address key industry issues such as state of good repair, capacity, safety, community livability, asset management and maintenance, planning and development for new projects, and the promotion of environmental stewardship and sustainability.

We provide value by first understanding our clients’ needs, then working with them as a partner to identify innovative and cost-effective solutions that optimize their opportunities for success.

DESCRIPTION

With a base in our local office in Chicago, IL in a hybrid work environment, Michael Baker International is seeking a talented Rail Project Manager / Client Lead with a specialization in major railway planning and/or design projects to help make a difference in our Rail and Transit Practice in Chicago and vicinity. Consideration will be given to remote work for exceptional candidates with direct experience and client relationships in the Chicagoland area.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate experience working on projects for Metra, Amtrak, or Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). Experience with a Class I Railroad is a plus.

In this role, you will serve as a Rail Project Manager and Client Lead to support our current and future projects on managing design projects and business development efforts. You will utilize your established relationships with Chicagoland rail agencies including Metra, Amtrak, and CTA. You will act as the main point of contact with local rail agencies/authorities and support the national Rail team with local efforts for Amtrak and Class I Railroads.

Occasional travel may be required.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage multi-discipline railway planning or design projects, ensuring projects progress on schedule and within budget.
• Develop project scopes, schedules, budgets, and staffing requirements for project pursuits.
• Complete monthly project management duties, including invoicing and status reporting.
• Coordinate project activities to ensure project’s progression stays on schedule and within prescribed budget.
• Attend project meetings with client representatives as needed for project delivery, either onsite or virtually.
• Coordinate regularly with the client project manager.
• Review project designs and contract plans for conformance with design criteria, client technical requirements and to ensure quality deliverables.
• Obtain all required railroad safety certifications and support safety initiatives.
• Business Development
  • Act as the main point of contact with local rail agencies/authorities and support the national Rail team with local efforts for Amtrak and Class I Railroads.
  • Identify and assist in positioning for future work, including market analysis, client meetings, proposal writing, and project interviews.
  • Work with market leadership to support growth and strategic planning.

PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering required; Master’s Degree in related field is a plus.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in railway civil and geometric design, planning/alternatives analysis on capacity, expansion or maintenance projects with a railroad specialization.
• IL PE license required; NCEES record is a plus.
• Familiarity with AREMA or other rail client specific standards.
• Strong client management skills, ability to work independently and within a multidisciplinary team, excellent verbal and interpersonal skills, and problem-solving ability.
• Proficient in Bluebeam and Microsoft Office. Knowledge of CADD software, including Bentley MicroStation/OpenRail, and AutoCAD Civil 3D a plus.
• Willingness and ability to mentor, advise and manage young staff on rail projects, operations, and engineering best practices.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks or projects concurrently and a proactive, collaborative approach to project development.

COMPENSATION
The approximate compensation range for this position is $115,478- $200,051 per year. This compensation range is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Actual compensation is dependent upon factors such as education, qualifications, experience, skillset, and physical work location.

BENEFITS
We offer a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Medical, dental, vision insurance
• 401k Retirement Plan
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Life, AD&D, short-term, and long-term disability
• Professional and personal development
• Generous paid time off
• Commuter and wellness benefits

MICHAEL BAKER INTERNATIONAL EEO STATEMENT

Michael Baker International is proud to be an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Michael Baker International provides equal employment opportunity for all persons, in all facets of employment. Michael Baker International maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply for any open position for which they feel they are qualified and all will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status or any other legally protected status.

EEO is the Law. Applicants to and employees of Michael Baker International are protected under Federal law from discrimination.