Senior Transit and Rail Project Manager

Gannett Fleming; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 175,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

Comprehensive benefits package

401(k)

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Professional development

Incentive compensation

Job summary

GFT in Boston, MA is seeking a Senior Transit and Rail Project Manager to lead complex rail and transit initiatives within our Public Transit Practice. The role follows a hybrid work model with regular in-office presence in Boston and close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to deliver safe, efficient, and sustainable rail systems.

You will oversee scope, schedule, budget, and client relationships from pursuit through design and construction, ensure compliance with GFT quality standards,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil, Electrical, Industrial, or Mechanical Engineering required.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license or Registered Architect required.
• 10+ years of progressive experience managing the planning, design, and delivery of complex rail and transit infrastructure projects.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams and managing projects through planning, design, and construction phases.
• Strong client relationship management, communication, and leadership skills across diverse teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of complex transit and rail engineering projects from pursuit through design and construction support.
• Serve as primary client contact, maintaining relationships and aligning expectations throughout the project lifecycle.
• Direct multidisciplinary project teams, providing leadership, technical guidance, and mentoring to engineers and staff.
• Manage scope, schedule, budget, resources, and risk while implementing proactive strategies.
• Oversee project controls, including schedule development, cost management, forecasting, and EVA-based reporting.
• Lead change management, contract modifications, and project documentation in line with contractual obligations.
• Prepare and present project status reports and executive-level communications.
• Coordinate document control, deliverables, and stakeholder communications.

Skills

Leadership

Client relationships

Project management

Communication

Team mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil, Electrical, Industrial, or Mechanical Engineering

Professional Engineer (PE) license or Registered Architect

Tools

AutoCAD

MicroStation

Microsoft Office

Job description

What You Will Do:

GFT is seeking a Senior Transit and Rail Project Manager to join our Public Transit Practice in Boston, MA. This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at our Boston office.

Working with the public transit team at GFT means shaping the future of transportation, delivering projects that improve mobility, safety, and accessibility for millions of passengers nationwide. Specializing in rail systems, bus rapid transit, and zero-emission mobility solutions, our experts combine deep technical knowledge with innovative thinking to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of transit networks. Together, we're transforming urban landscapes, reducing environmental impact, and connecting communities through state-of-the-art public transportation infrastructure. Explore some of our signature public transit projects here.

What you'll be challenged to do:

The Senior Project Manager will provide leadership for complex transit and rail projects, serving as a trusted advisor to clients while guiding multidisciplinary teams through all phases of project delivery. This individual will oversee project execution, manage client relationships, and ensure projects are delivered on schedule, within budget, and in accordance with GFT's quality standards. The role requires a collaborative leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and can effectively balance competing priorities while driving successful project outcomes.

In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following:

• Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of complex transit and rail engineering projects from pursuit through design and construction support.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, maintaining strong relationships and ensuring client expectations are met throughout the project lifecycle.
• Direct multidisciplinary project teams, providing leadership, technical guidance, and mentoring to engineers and project staff.
• Manage project scope, schedule, budget, resources, and risk while implementing proactive strategies to address project challenges and changes.
• Oversee project controls, including schedule development, cost management, forecasting, and performance reporting using Earned Value Analysis (EVA) or other project management techniques.
• Lead change management activities, contract modifications, and project documentation while ensuring compliance with client requirements and contractual obligations.
• Prepare and present project status reports, financial updates, and executive-level communications for clients and internal leadership.
• Coordinate document control, project deliverables, and stakeholder communications to ensure timely and accurate information flow across project teams.
• Develop and implement project execution plans, staffing plans, and project management strategies that support successful project delivery.
• Lead quality management activities and ensure compliance with the GFT Quality Management System throughout project execution.
• Support business development efforts by identifying new opportunities, participating in proposals, and contributing to client growth initiatives.

Education | Experience:

What you will bring to our firm:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil, Electrical, Industrial, or Mechanical Engineering.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license or Registered Architect.
• Experience working with major rail and transit agencies such as MBTA, MassDOT, Amtrak, Keolis, or other regional or national transit agencies.
• 10+ years of progressive experience managing the planning, design, and delivery of complex rail and transit infrastructure projects.
• Demonstrated success leading multidisciplinary engineering teams and managing projects through planning, alternatives analysis, environmental review, permitting, final design, construction, safety certification, and commissioning.
• Strong client relationship management, communication, and leadership skills with the ability to collaborate across diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Experience managing project scope, schedule, budget, risk, and quality while delivering successful project outcomes.
• Strong understanding of project delivery methodologies, project controls, and engineering consulting practices.

What we prefer you bring:

• PMI Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, AutoCAD, and/or MicroStation.

Compensation:

The salary range for this role is $175,000 - $225,000; Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location.

Featured Benefits:

• Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment.
• Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.
• Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual.
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
• Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations
• Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

Company Overview:

At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships - that's why we're the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry's brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more.

Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century's experience, together we're building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives.

GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans' status or other characteristics protected by law.

GFT does require the successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions.

California Applicants

Applicants in the County of Los Angeles - Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

Applicants in the City of San Francisco - Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Applicants in the State of California - Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the California Fair Chance Act.

Location: Boston, MA

Core Business Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Employment Status: Full-Time