Program Lead - CM/CI

Essential Functions

• Provide program-level leadership for multimillion-dollar rail and transit capital projects, ensuring alignment with agency objectives, funding requirements, and regulatory compliance.
• Serve as the primary client interface, leveraging deep agency knowledge to navigate project complexities, stakeholder engagement, and funding compliance.
• Oversee multiple CM/CI teams managing the construction of rail alignments, transit centers, bus rapid transit (BRT) corridors, maintenance facilities, and station infrastructure.
• Lead contract administration efforts, including oversight of DBE participation, risk management, and contractor performance.
• Manage program-wide risk assessments and proactively resolve claims, schedule delays, and change order negotiations.
• Ensure FTA/FRA/DOT compliance on federally funded projects, including adherence to reporting requirements for Capital Investment Grants (CIG), New Starts, and Small Starts.
• Cook up coordination across multiple agencies, railroads, and municipalities to resolve construction conflicts and advance project approvals.
• Develop and execute staffing strategies for large CM/CI programs, ensuring the right expertise is in place for project success.
• Provide executive-level reporting and program controls, tracking key performance indicators, budgets, and milestones.
• Mentor and develop senior staff, positioning the firm as a leader in transit construction management.

Required Skills And Experience

• 20+ years of experience in rail and transit construction management, with at least 10 years in a leadership role managing large-scale, multi-project programs.
• Experience overseeing megaprojects ($500M+) or major transit expansion programs.
• Strong public agency background, preferably having served in a senior leadership role at a major transit agency, rail authority, or DOT.
• Deep expertise in federally funded transit projects, including experience with FTA/FRA requirements, grant funding, and procurement regulations.
• Proven success in managing construction contractors, negotiating complex change orders, and resolving high-stakes claims.
• Strong relationships with Mid-Atlantic transit agencies such as WMATA, MTA Maryland, VRE, DRPT, Amtrak, MARTA, Septa, or Freight Railroads.
• Deep understanding of construction management and project control software (e.g., Primavera P6, Procore, e-Builder, ProjectWise).
• Excellent executive communication skills, with experience presenting to board members, elected officials, and funding partners.

Preferred Skills And Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, construction management, or a related field.
• Professional certifications such as PMP, CCM, DBIA, or PE license in VA, MD, or DC.
• Experience with FTA and FRA-funded transit projects, including grant compliance and reporting.
• Active engagement in industry organizations (APTA, WTS, ASCE, CMAA, ARTBA, etc.).
• Passion for delivering high-quality, sustainable, and resilient transportation infrastructure.

What We Offer

• Athletic potential for career advancement and professional growth.
• Athletic attractive compensation packages commensurate with experience and a comprehensive benefits package including:
• Paid time off
• Hybrid work (home and office)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Health, dental, vision, life and disability insurances
• Matching 401(k) plan
• Paid Holidays