Principal, Stations & Passenger Facilities

DB E.C.O. North America (with “E.C.O.” representing “Engineering, Consulting and Operations") offers specialized rail and transit consultancy services to public agencies, passenger and freight railroads. Part of the DB E.C.O. Group, the company leverages Deutsche Bahn’s global expertise to advance mobility and rail transportation across the U.S. and Canada. Their cross-disciplinary team collaborates closely with clients to innovate portfolios and elevate business performance, focusing on sustainability, safety, and operational excellence to enhance the customer experience and increase rail usage.

About the role

This position will build, lead, and expand DB E.C.O. North America’s Stations & Passenger Facilities Practice, shaping strategy, service offerings, market positioning, and growth plans. The role reports to the Director of Rail Infrastructure Advisory and is based in Chicago, New York City, or Washington, D.C.

Responsibilities

• Act as a trusted advisor to transit agencies, passenger rail operators, transportation authorities, infrastructure owners, and other key stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain executive-level client relationships across North America and convert market opportunities into consulting engagements.
• Lead complex and strategically important projects related to stations, passenger facilities, intermodal hubs, passenger experience, accessibility, asset management, and facility modernization.
• Pursue and secure strategically important business opportunities, including proposal development, client engagement, and commercial negotiations.
• Establish thought leadership through participation in industry conferences, professional associations, and market-facing events.
• Develop innovative consulting solutions and transform successful projects into repeatable service offerings.
• Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing team of managers, consultants, and technical specialists.
• Oversee project delivery, ensuring technical quality, client satisfaction, profitability, and effective risk management.
• Collaborate with experts across DB Group and DB E.C.O.’s international network to bring global best practices to North American clients.
• Contribute to the growth and profitability of the Rail Infrastructure Advisory business through strategic planning, business development, and market expansion.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Architecture, Urban Planning, Transportation Planning, Construction Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in rail, transit, station development, passenger facility planning, infrastructure consulting, or related fields.
• Demonstrated expertise in station and passenger facility planning, development, design management, operations, asset management, or lifecycle planning.
• Proven track record of winning and delivering consulting assignments within the North American transportation, rail, or infrastructure market.
• Established network of senior-level relationships with railroads, transit agencies, transportation authorities, infrastructure owners, and industry stakeholders across North America.
• Strong entrepreneurial mindset with demonstrated success in building business opportunities, expanding client relationships, and growing service offerings.
• Experience building, leading, or significantly expanding a consulting practice, business unit, or technical service line is highly desirable.
• Strong leadership, decision-making, and team development capabilities.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills, including experience engaging executive-level audiences.
• Business-oriented mindset with strong commercial awareness and the ability to balance technical excellence with business growth objectives.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, client-focused environment and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including PowerPoint, Excel, and Word.

Working Conditions

• Minimal overnight travel by land and air.
• Ability to work at a computer workstation for periods up to 4 hours at a time.
• Ability to speak on the telephone for a total of up to 3 hours per day.
• Ability to sit for up to 3 hours without breaks at meetings.
• Ability to walk and stand for up to 4 hours without breaks at program site visits and meetings.

Pay

Annual gross salary between $215,000 and $246,000 (USD) plus bonus for full-time employment, depending on professional qualifications and experience.

Benefits

U.S. Health & Wellness Benefits

• Medical Insurance: Multiple options - Low to High Deductible plans.
• Dental & Vision coverage.
• Health Savings & Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Company-paid Life & AD&D Insurance, Short-term, and Long-term Disability.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employees and their household members.
• Commuter Benefits: Use tax-free money to pay for eligible transit and parking expenses (Train, subway, bus, ferry, parking).
• Parental Paid Leave.
• Supplemental Coverage: Optional accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity plans with wellness benefits.
• Retirement Savings (401k): Pre-tax or Roth contributions with company match.
• Vacation & Holidays: Competitive time off plus 11 paid company holidays.

Canada Health & Wellness Benefits

• Comprehensive, company-paid benefits program for employees and their eligible dependents, including Basic Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D), Dependent Life Insurance, Long-Term Disability, extended Health and Dental coverage, and access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Company-subsidized Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) with a contribution equal to 5% of your basic salary.
• Competitive vacation time along with 11 paid company holidays.