Project Manager II - Rail & Transit-Signals, Communications & Train Control

About the role

Burns Engineering provides professional engineering design and project management services for transportation, facilities, and infrastructure projects. We help our clients attain their strategic goals and initiatives through successful large-scale infrastructure projects. Burns’ full-service capabilities include mechanical, electrical, civil, structural, transportation, and energy consulting engineering.

Responsibilities

• Execute and deliver mid-scale engineering projects, ensuring successful completion aligned with scope, schedule, budget, and quality expectations.
• Ensure projects are consistently delivered on time, on budget, and within scope, proactively managing risks, issues, and changes.
• Review contracts and scope of work to establish clear delivery plans and avoid scope creep, delays, and write-downs (target ≤ 3% of net revenue).
• Create and manage resource plans, ensuring appropriate staffing and efficient utilization of project resources.
• Delegate work effectively to technical staff and project engineers to ensure quality and efficiency.
• Identify and communicate out-of-scope work early and secure approved change orders.
• Collaborate with technical leads to coordinate multidisciplinary teams and ensure high-quality deliverables.
• Manage project financials, including accounts receivable targets (≤ 60 days) and multiplier performance.
• Serve as the primary day-to-day operational contact for clients.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships through proactive communication and delivery excellence.
• Address client feedback and resolve issues to maintain satisfaction and repeat business.
• Secure approvals for scope changes to protect project profitability and delivery performance.
• Manage project budgets, forecasts, and financial performance to meet profitability targets.
• Maintain control over scope, schedule, and resources to prevent cost overruns.
• Drive achievement of project financial metrics, including margin and utilization targets.
• Support business development efforts focused primarily on expanding existing client relationships and generating repeat work.
• Build and maintain a strong client network (3x3 relationships) to identify opportunities.
• Execute assigned annual business plan initiatives related to existing client growth.
• Support proposal development, including scopes, budgets, fee schedules, and resource planning.
• Evaluate teaming partners and contribute to pursuit strategy to improve win probability.
• Leverage professional network to enhance Burns’ visibility and support growth within existing accounts.
• Coordinate project teams across technical disciplines to ensure alignment and efficient execution.
• Provide direction and support to technical staff and engineers on project tasks.
• Contribute to development of team members through mentoring and knowledge sharing.
• Perform all tasks in compliance with Burns (and, when applicable, a client’s) standards, policies, procedures, and engineering codes.
• Adhere to all Human Resources policies and procedures.
• Partner with Human Resources Business Partner to ensure adherence to all federal, state, and local employment regulations.
• Adhere to all Burns operational and quality policies and procedures.
• Complete special duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibility

The Project Manager II does not have formal supervisory responsibilities but provides day-to-day leadership and coordination of project teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's (B.S.) Degree, preferably in Engineering or a related field from an accredited university or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive engineering experience.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience managing small to mid-scale projects, people, client relationships, and business development.
• Managed a team of 5+ employees.
• Experience working with and coordinating project teams and technical staff.