Transit Facility Architectural Design Lead

CDM Smith; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

CDM Smith in Chicago is seeking a Senior Transit Facilities Architect to lead the architectural design of complex transit infrastructure from concept through construction.

You will direct design teams, act as Architect of Record where required, coordinate with engineering, systems, and operations, and deliver permit-ready contract documents for active transit environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture is required.
• 11 years of related experience in transit facility architecture.
• Valid RA certification is mandatory.
• Willingness to travel domestically or internationally.

Responsibilities

• Lead architectural design of transit facilities from concept to construction.
• Serve as Architect of Record and sign/seal documents when required.
• Review drawings, calculations, specifications, and design deliverables for quality.
• Coordinate with engineering, systems, construction, and operations teams.
• Mentor junior staff and oversee design teams.
• Contribute to proposals, scope definition, and fee estimation for transit pursuits.

Skills

Transit facility architecture

AutoCAD

Revit

3D modeling

Microsoft Office

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

Job description

Senior Transit Facilities Architect

We are seeking a Senior Transit Facilities Architect to lead the architectural design of complex transit infrastructure projects in the Chicago area. This senior technical leadership role calls for a seasoned architect who will act 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

• Serve as the technical lead and subject matter expert for transit facility architecture projects, guiding the design from planning through final 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.
• 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.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams on projects with multiple interfaces, phased construction, and ongoing transit operations, applying judgment related to constructability, staging, maintenance, and lifecycle considerations.
• Mentor and guide junior architectural staff, ensuring consistency in technical execution and professional development.
• Contribute to proposal development, scope definition, and fee estimation for transit facility pursuits, serving as Project Technical Leader on select projects and proposals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture.
• 11 years of related experience in transit facility architecture.
• Must possess valid RA certification.
• Domestic and/or international travel may be required, depending on project needs.

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, fee proposals, construction plans, technical specifications, and cost estimates.
• Experience providing day‑to‑day oversight of architectural or transportation facility design projects, including budget and schedule management.
• Ability to assign work, provide daily technical direction, and mentor junior staff.

Skills & Abilities

• Expert technical knowledge and design application expertise in transit facility architecture.
• Proficiency in 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.

EEO Statement

CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, pregnancy related conditions, childbirth and related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression), national origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.