Project Director - Transit Rail Systems

What We're Looking For

We are seeking an experienced Project Director to lead and manage the final design of a major light rail systems project in Seattle. The successful candidate will combine deep technical knowledge of rail systems with the leadership and organizational skills required to oversee multiple workstreams, coordinate diverse stakeholders, and ensure on-time, on-budget delivery.
At HNTB, you can create a career that is meaningful to you while building communities that matter to all of us. For more than a century, we have been delivering solutions for some of the largest, most complex infrastructure projects across the country. With our historic growth, it is an exciting time to join our team of employee-owners.
This opportunity entails being responsible for leading the development and execution of the project management plan while building and maintaining effective and meaningful client relationships. This position serves as the primary client liaison responsible for managing and delivering all aspects of one or more super mega ($25M+) projects including contracting, project controls, quality, risk and change management. The Sr Project Director implements the firm’s project delivery plan using HNTB's Sophisticated Delivery Approach (SDA) on each project.
Key Responsibilities:
Overall Project Leadership - Direct the final design phase of a complex light rail project, ensuring all deliverables meet scope, schedule, budget, and quality standards. Serve as the primary point of contact for internal teams, contractors, and external stakeholders.
Systems Engineering & Integration - Provide high-level oversight of various rail systems (e.g., traction power, overhead electrification, train control, communications), ensuring seamless integration and operational readiness.
Monitor technical progress, resolve conflicts, and maintain alignment with engineering standards and client requirements.
Stakeholder & Team Management - Engage with multiple parties including local agencies, suppliers, and community groups to address design concerns, coordinate approvals, and maintain project momentum. Lead, mentor, and develop multidisciplinary teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performing project culture.
Risk, Compliance & Quality - Identify and mitigate project risks, incorporating best practices in safety, reliability, and maintainability. Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal codes, as well as industry standards and organizational policies.
Reporting & Communications - Prepare and present regular updates to executive leadership and relevant stakeholders on project status, performance metrics, and budget forecasts. Oversee documentation control and maintain comprehensive records throughout the final design phase.

What You'll Do:

• Develops and nurtures key client relationships and is the primary company contact on assigned projects. Communicates effectively with clients to identify needs and evaluate alternative business solutions and strategies.  
• Responsible for financial performance on projects. Proactive management of cash, budget, schedule and project scope to ensure adherence to project goals and completion to the client's satisfaction.
• Sets priorities, obtains commitments, and engages required resources through collaboration with Group Directors, Department Managers and/or Section Managers to staff projects according to the project Work Plan.
• Collaborates with office and division leadership in solving challenges and ensuring business objectives are met. 
• Supervises and mentors’ team to achieve overall project objectives. Where appropriate, oversees the project's Project Manager(s). Responsible for/oversees project staffing, including, but not limited to; recruitment, hiring, development, retention and succession of project staff; development of plan for project staff reporting; and support for performance and compensation reviews.
• Leads pursuits of mega projects and/or actively involved as part of the pursuit team for super mega projects. Partners with Client Service Leaders to develop long term strategies to identify and pursue additional business opportunities with key clients and with pursuit champions on efforts for mega and super mega projects in accordance with HNTB's Sophisticated Sales Approach (SSA). Works with the pursuit team and marketing resources to prepare appropriate proposal and presentation materials. Leads interview and proposal presentations to the client as well as general presentations within the industry.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

What You'll Need:

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field and 12 years of relevant experience including 4 years experience successfully managing and delivering mega and/or super mega projects

• Master’s degree
• 25 years relevant experience
• Professional Engineer (PE) certification
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification
• Project Management Professional (PMP)

Additional Information

Click here for benefits information: HNTB Total Rewards

Click here to learn more about Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

#JEK #TransitAndRail

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Locations:

Seattle, WA (Downtown)

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The approximate pay range for the Greater Seattle, WA Metro Area is $243,166.85 - $388,435.34. Please note that the pay range provided is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Actual compensation will be dependent on factors, including but not limited to, the individual’s qualifications, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as physical work location within the state.

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NOTICE TO THIRD-PARTY AGENCIES:

HNTB does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or agencies.  Any staffing/employment agency, person or entity that submits an unsolicited resume to this site does so with the understanding that the applicant's resume will become the property of HNTB.  HNTB will have the right to hire that applicant at its discretion and without any fee owed to the submitting staffing/employment agency, person or entity. Staffing/employment agencies who have fee agreements with HNTB must submit applicants to the designated HNTB recruiter to be eligible for placement fees.