Senior Project Engineer - Rail

Mott MacDonald; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 148,000 - 181,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Medical insurance

Dental and vision insurance

Paid holidays

Parental leave

Job summary

Mott MacDonald is seeking a Senior Project Engineer (Design Manager) to oversee complex transit infrastructure projects in Seattle. This role emphasizes rail systems design management and will guide the design from preliminary stages to final delivery, ensuring compliance and project alignment.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years of experience, with significant involvement in large infrastructure projects and a strong background in rail systems. Mott MacDonald offers a comprehensive benefits package and performance bonuses.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience, with at least 5 years as Design Manager or Lead.
• Experience in rail systems design management and integration.
• Background in highly regulated environments preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead multidisciplinary design packages for transit infrastructure.
• Oversee design development and ensure compliance with codes.
• Manage technical interfaces and consultant teams.

Skills

Rail systems design management

Multidisciplinary engineering coordination

Leadership and problem-solving

Excellent communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Washington State PE license

Job description

Senior Project Engineer (Design Manager) – Role Summary

We are seeking an experienced Senior Project Engineer (Design Manager) to lead delivery of complex, large‑scale transit infrastructure projects in the Seattle region, with a strong emphasis on rail systems design management and integration. This role will oversee the full lifecycle of design development (from preliminary engineering through final design) supporting a high‑profile, multibillion‑dollar light rail expansion program.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the delivery of multidisciplinary design packages for major transit infrastructure projects, including guideways, stations, structures, utilities, and rail systems components (track, systems, and integration interfaces).
• Oversee design development from concept through final design, ensuring alignment with project scope, schedule, and budget objectives.
• Provide oversight and integration of rail systems design, ensuring alignment with civil, structural, and architectural elements across the program.
• Coordinate and integrate work across engineering disciplines, including civil, structural, geotechnical, rail systems, and architectural teams.
• Manage complex technical interfaces, particularly between infrastructure and rail systems packages, ensuring seamless design integration.
• Manage consultant teams, providing direction, oversight, and performance management to ensure quality and consistency across deliverables.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for design‑related matters with internal leadership, clients, and external stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with applicable codes, standards, and agency design criteria, including quality management processes and design reviews.
• Identify and proactively manage technical risks, design challenges, and constructability considerations across both civil and systems scopes.
• Support interface management with third parties such as utilities, municipalities, regulatory agencies, and adjacent projects.
• Collaborate with construction and project management teams to support constructability reviews and design‑to‑delivery alignment.
• Contribute to procurement strategies and support alignment of design deliverables with delivery methods (e.g., Design‑Bid‑Build, Progressive Design‑Build, CM/GC).
• Present technical information and design updates to senior leadership, stakeholders, and community groups as needed.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships through a visible and proactive client presence, underpinned by consistent delivery of high‑quality work and professional engagement.
• Collaborate effectively as part of a multi‑disciplinary sub‑consultant and joint venture team to deliver coordinated, high‑quality project deliverables.

Candidate Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering required (Civil, Structural, or related discipline); advanced degree preferred.
• Washington State PE license preferred (or ability to obtain).
• Minimum 10+ years of experience, with at least 5 years in a Design Manager or Design Lead role on large infrastructure projects.
• Demonstrated experience in rail systems design management, coordination, or oversight (e.g., track, traction power, signaling, communications), or strong experience integrating systems within major transit programs.
• Light Rail Transit (LRT) or commuter rail project experience preferred.
• Background working within heavily regulated, stakeholder‑driven environments.
• Demonstrated experience delivering major transit or heavy civil infrastructure projects, ideally light rail or similar rail systems.
• Proven ability to manage and coordinate multidisciplinary engineering teams on complex programs, including systems integration across multiple design packages.
• Strong understanding of design development processes, technical integration, and project delivery methods within a public‑sector environment.
• Experience working with transit agencies or large public owners is strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with regional permitting, stakeholder coordination, and utility interface management in the Pacific Northwest is a plus.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and problem‑solving capabilities with a proactive, team‑oriented approach.

Benefits

Our employees have a stake and a voice in our business, providing a direct connection to our success through personal and group performance bonuses. The comprehensive benefit package includes 401(k), medical, dental and vision insurance, short‑term/long‑term disability, paid holidays, PTO, parental leave, and company‑paid life insurance.

The expected salary for this position is $148,000 - $181,000.

Equal Opportunity

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