Senior Engineering Operations Manager

STV, Inc.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 116,930 - 133,635; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) Plan

Paid Time Off

Continuing Education Program

Job summary

STV, Inc. is looking for a Senior Engineering Operations Manager to guide operational strategy for transit and rail clients. This role requires over 25 years of experience in public transit operations and senior-level leadership within a transit agency.

The successful candidate will lead development of maintenance plans and collaborate with internal teams to ensure operational readiness. STV offers a competitive salary range alongside various benefits.

Qualifications

• 25+ years of progressive experience in public transit operations.
• Experience across multiple transit modes, including Light Rail, Commuter Rail, Heavy Rail/Subway, and Bus Operations.
• Strong working knowledge of testing and commissioning plans.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a senior advisor to transit agency clients on operations and maintenance initiatives.
• Lead development of Operations & Maintenance plans for new system start-ups.
• Support testing & commissioning activities and operational readiness planning.

Skills

Public transit operations

Senior-level leadership

Control Center Operations

Vehicle maintenance

Operational readiness

Job description

STV is seeking a Senior Engineering Operations Manager to serve as a trusted operations leader and subject matter expert supporting transit and rail clients nationwide. This highly consultative role partners directly with agency leadership to guide operational strategy, readiness, and implementation for new systems, service expansions, and complex transit programs.

The ideal candidate brings deep, hands‑on experience at a senior level within a public transit agency environment and understands the full lifecycle of operations and maintenance planning—from concept through testing, commissioning, and start‑up. This individual will provide practical, real‑world insight to help agencies deliver safe, reliable, and efficient service across multiple transit modes.

Responsibilities:

• Serve as a senior advisor to transit agency clients on operations, maintenance, and system readiness initiatives
• Lead development of Operations & Maintenance (O&M) plans and operational frameworks for new system start‑ups and expansions
• Support testing & commissioning activities, system integration testing, and operational readiness planning
• Provide subject matter expertise in control center operations, service delivery, and vehicle maintenance strategy
• Develop Concepts of Operations (ConOps), pre‑revenue operations plans, and transition strategies
• Collaborate with engineering, systems, and program management teams to align operational requirements with design and construction
• Interface directly with client leadership and stakeholders to provide guidance, risk mitigation strategies, and best practices
• Mentor internal staff and support business development efforts within STV's transit systems practice

Qualifications:

• 25+ years of progressive experience in public transit operations
• Senior‑level leadership experience within a transit agency environment
• Experience across multiple transit modes, including Light Rail, Commuter Rail, Heavy Rail/Subway, and Bus Operations
• Strong working knowledge of: Control Center Operations, Vehicle maintenance and lifecycle planning, Operational readiness and system start‑up

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience developing Testing & Commissioning Plans
• System Integration Test Planning
• New system start‑up and transition planning
• Experience supporting major capital or system expansion programs
• Consulting or advisory experience supporting public agencies

Compensation Range: $116,930.89 - $133,635.31

Benefits:

• Health insurance, including an option with a Health Savings Account
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare, Dependent Care and Transit and Parking where applicable)
• Disability insurance
• Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment
• 401(k) Plan
• Retirement Counseling
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Time Off (starting at 16 days)
• Paid Holidays (9 days)
• Back‑Up Dependent Care (up to 10 days per year)
• Parental Leave (up to 80 hours)
• Continuing Education Program
• Professional Licensure and Society Memberships

STV is committed to paying all of its employees in a fair, equitable, and transparent manner. The listed pay range is STV's good‑faith salary estimate for this position. Please note that the final salary offered for this position may be outside of this published range based on many factors, including but not limited to geography, education, experience, and/or certifications.

Not sure this role is the perfect match? We encourage you to apply if STV's work and values resonate with you. We know great candidates don't always meet every qualification, and research shows women and people of color are less likely to apply unless they do. At STV, we believe strong talent comes from a wide range of backgrounds, and your skills and experience may align with this or another opportunity as we continue to grow.