Transit Design Director: Lead Major Capital Projects

Sound Transit; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 137,000 - 245,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Long-term disability

Retirement plans

Paid time off (PTO)

Parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

ORCA card

Inclusve reproductive health

Job summary

Sound Transit is seeking a Director-Design to lead the design development and delivery of major capital transit projects, including light rail, commuter rail, and related facilities. You will oversee multidisciplinary design teams, ensure alignment with agency objectives, and coordinate with boards and external agencies to drive scope, schedule, and budget.

The role requires extensive transit design leadership, strong knowledge of design standards, and a track record of delivering large-scale

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Architecture, or closely related field.
• Eight years of progressively responsible experience in transit design including large-scale capital projects.
• Professional Civil Engineer license issued by the State of Washington or Licensed Architect in Washington State (or ability to obtain within 12 months).
• Preferred: Certifications related to Design-Build or other construction delivery methods (e.g., DBIA).

Responsibilities

• Promotes quality and safety across design programs and ensures compliance with safety requirements.
• Leads design teams of staff and consultants to meet milestones and design quality within budget.
• Directs work and schedules for staff; provides feedback and evaluates performance.
• Oversees design/construction support for stations, tracks, structures, and utilities.
• Coordinates with agency staff and outside partnerships; manages relationships with boards and stakeholders.

Skills

Transit design principles

Systems design integration

Project delivery methods

Leadership & supervision

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Architecture

Professional licensure: Civil Engineer or Architect (WA)

Tools

DBIA (preferred)

Job description

Sound Transit is seeking a Director-Design to lead the design development and delivery of major capital transit projects, including light rail, commuter rail, and related facilities. You will oversee multidisciplinary design teams, ensure alignment with agency objectives, and coordinate with boards and external agencies to drive scope, schedule, and budget.

The role requires extensive transit design leadership, strong knowledge of design standards, and a track record of delivering large-scale