Senior Architect

About the role

The Senior Architect plays a key role in delivering large-scale, complex capital projects that directly enhance the customer experience and improve regional transit. This role leads the design and delivery of critical infrastructure projects that serve thousands of riders every day.

Responsibilities

• Lead design excellence: Serve as a subject matter expert reviewing and guiding architectural designs to ensure compliance with Metra standards, codes, and best practices.
• Drive complex projects: Manage multiple large-scale station and parking facility projects from concept through construction.
• Ensure successful delivery: Proactively identify risks, solve challenges, and keep projects aligned with scope, schedule, and budget.
• Partner across teams: Build strong relationships with project stakeholders, consultants, contractors, and public agencies to drive collaboration and results.
• Oversee contracts & consultants: Lead contract negotiations, scope development, contract administration, and performance management.
• Champion safety & quality: Promote a culture of safety while upholding the highest standards of design and construction quality.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or Civil Engineering
• 5+ years of experience in architectural or civil design, including project management
• Strong knowledge of: - Building codes, zoning, and accessibility requirements
• Project management, controls, and contract administration
• Capital project delivery across planning, design, and construction
• Contract documents, including schematics, drawings and specifications
• Proven ability to: - Lead multidisciplinary teams and manage competing priorities
• Deliver complex projects under tight deadlines
• Develop budgets, schedules, and cost estimates
• Excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365; experience with CAD and/BIM, GIS, Adobe Creative Suite, Power BI, 3D modeling software, and GIS is preferred

Preferred Qualifications

• Licensed Architect or Professional Engineer (Illinois)
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification
• Familiarity with NEPA/Section 106/707 requirements, local, state and federal requirements for capital projects at all phases, and AREMA Manuals

Additional Requirements

• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel throughout the region
• Flexibility to work outside standard business hours when needed

Benefits

Final salary will depend on the candidate's qualifications. Those with 8 years or more of required experience can expect offers up to the midpoint of the salary range. Metra provides full pay ranges so candidates can consider their growth potential.

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