Transit Facility Architectural Design Lead

CDM Smith; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

CDM Smith in Chicago seeks a Senior Transit Facilities Architect to lead architectural design of complex transit infrastructure. You will serve as technical authority for transit facilities, including stations, maintenance and storage facilities, and related buildings.

Deliver designs from concept to construction, direct design teams, coordinate with multidisciplinary partners, and ensure permit-ready contract documents for active transit environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture and RA registration required or equivalent.
• Minimum 10 years of related experience in transit/architecture projects.
• Travel may be required; frequency depends on duties and workload.

Responsibilities

• Lead architectural design for transit facility projects from planning through construction.
• Act as Architect of Record when required and ensure design quality.
• Coordinate with engineering, systems, construction, and operations teams.
• Mentor junior staff and manage design deliverables and risk.
• Support proposals and fee definitions for transit facility pursuits.

Skills

AutoCAD

Revit

CADD

Modeling software

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Architecture

RA certification

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

Rendering software

Job description

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Join Us! CDM Smith – where amazing career journeys unfold.

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Our employees are the heart of our company. As an employer of choice, our goal is to provide a challenging, progressive and inclusive work environment which fosters personal leadership, career growth and development for every employee. We value passionate individuals who challenge the norm, deliver world-class solutions and bring diverse perspectives. Join our team, and together we will make a difference and change the world.

We are seeking a Senior Transit Facilities Architect to lead the architectural design of complex transit infrastructure projects in the Chicago area. This is a senior technical leadership role for a seasoned architect who will serve as the technical authority for transit-related facilities, including passenger stations, maintenance and storage facilities, and other transit-support buildings. The successful candidate will be responsible for delivering architectural designs from concept through construction, directing design teams, coordinating with multidisciplinary partners, and ensuring the delivery of permit- and construction-ready contract documents for active transit environments.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership & Design Delivery Serve as the technical lead and subject matter expert for transit facility architecture projects. Lead architectural design from planning and concept development through final design and construction support. Act as Architect of Record where required, including signing and sealing architectural documents. Make and document key technical decisions, manage design risk, and uphold quality standards across projects. Review and approve architectural drawings, technical calculations, specifications, and design deliverables. Coordination & Agency Engagement Coordinate closely with engineering, systems, construction, and operations teams to deliver integrated solutions. Work directly with public transit agencies, navigating agency standards, design review processes, and operational constraints. Support construction-phase activities in active operating transit environments, including design clarifications and field coordination. Multidisciplinary Team Leadership Lead and manage architectural scope on projects with multiple interfaces, phased construction, and ongoing transit operations. Apply sound judgment related to constructability, staging, maintenance, and lifecycle considerations. Mentor and guide junior architectural staff, ensuring consistency in technical execution and professional development. Project Strategy & Business Development Contribute to proposal development, scope definition, and fee estimation for transit facility pursuits. Serve as Project Technical Leader on select projects and proposals, driving the technical vision of the final deliverable. Collaborate with project managers to manage scope, budgets, schedules, and staffing needs.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Architecture. 10 years of related experience. Must possess RA certification. Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a degree. Domestic and/or international travel may be required. The frequency of travel is contingent on specific duties, responsibilities, and the essential functions of the position, which may vary depending on workload and project demands.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working with public transportation agencies and urban municipalities. Leadership experience on projects involving dense urban conditions, constrained sites, and active operations. Experience developing: Project scopes of work and fee proposals. Construction plans, technical specifications, and cost estimates. Technical reports and design justification documentation. Ability to assign work, provide daily technical direction, and mentor junior staff. Experience providing day-to-day oversight of architectural or transportation facility design projects, including budget and schedule management.

Skills & Abilities

Expert technical knowledge and design application knowledge. Expert knowledge of technologies and methodologies in the use of construction materials. Expert knowledge of Computer Aided Design and Drafting (CADD), preferably AutoCAD and Revit. Familiarity with modeling and rendering software programs. Expert knowledge of basic business office software (Word, Excel, etc.). Excellent written and verbal communication skills.