Transit Facility Architectural Design Lead

We are seeking a Senior Transit Facilities Architect to lead the architectural design of complex transit infrastructure projects in the Chicago area. This is a senior technical leadership role for a seasoned architect who will serve as the technical authority for transit-related facilities, including passenger stations, maintenance and storage facilities, and other transit-support buildings.
The successful candidate will be responsible for delivering architectural designs from concept through construction, directing design teams, coordinating with multidisciplinary partners, and ensuring the delivery of permit- and construction-ready contract documents for active transit environments.

Key Responsibilities
Technical Leadership & Design Delivery

Serve as the technical lead and subject matter expert for transit facility architecture projects.
Lead architectural design from planning and concept development through final design and construction support.
Act as Architect of Record where required, including signing and sealing architectural documents.
Make and document key technical decisions, manage design risk, and uphold quality standards across projects.
Review and approve architectural drawings, technical calculations, specifications, and design deliverables.

Coordination & Agency Engagement

Coordinate closely with engineering, systems, construction, and operations teams to deliver integrated solutions.
Work directly with public transit agencies, navigating agency standards, design review processes, and operational constraints.
Support construction-phase activities in active operating transit environments, including design clarifications and field coordination.

Multidisciplinary Team Leadership

Lead and manage architectural scope on projects with multiple interfaces, phased construction, and ongoing transit operations.
Apply sound judgment related to constructability, staging, maintenance, and lifecycle considerations.
Mentor and guide junior architectural staff, ensuring consistency in technical execution and professional development.

Project Strategy & Business Development

Contribute to proposal development, scope definition, and fee estimation for transit facility pursuits.
Serve as Project Technical Leader on select projects and proposals, driving the technical vision of the final deliverable.
Collaborate with project managers to manage scope, budgets, schedules, and staffing needs.

TSO

Regular

Bachelor’s degree in Architecture. 11 years of related experience. Must possess RA certification. Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a degree. Domestic and/or international travel may be required. The frequency of travel is contingent on specific duties, responsibilities, and the essential functions of the position, which may vary depending on workload and project demands.

Experience working with public transportation agencies and urban municipalities.
Leadership experience on projects involving dense urban conditions, constrained sites, and active operations.
Experience developing:
Project scopes of work and fee proposals.
Construction plans, technical specifications, and cost estimates.
Technical reports and design justification documentation.
Ability to assign work, provide daily technical direction, and mentor junior staff.
Experience providing day-to-day oversight of architectural or transportation facility design projects, including budget and schedule management.

We attract the best people in the industry, supporting their efforts to learn and grow. We strive to create a challenging and progressive work environment. We provide career opportunities that span a variety of disciplines and geographic locations, with projects that our employees plan, design, build and operate as diverse as the needs of our clients. CDM Smith is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, pregnancy related conditions, childbirth and related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression), national origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Illinois - Chicago

10%

Fulltime-Regular

No - We will not support sponsorship, i.e. H-1B or TN Visas for this position

Expert technical knowledge and design application knowledge. Expert knowledge of technologies and methodologies in the use of construction materials. Expert knowledge of Computer Aided Design and Drafting (CADD), preferably AutoCAD and Revit. Familiarity with modeling and rendering software programs. Expert knowledge of basic business office software (Word, Excel, etc.). Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries (hereafter collectively referred to as “CDM Smith”) reserves the right to require background checks including criminal, employment, education, licensure, etc. as well as credit and motor vehicle when applicable for certain positions. In addition, CDM Smith may conduct drug testing for designated positions. Background checks are conducted after an offer of employment has been made in the United States. The timing of when background checks will be conducted on candidates for positions outside the United States will vary based on country statutory law but in no case, will the background check precede an interview. CDM Smith will conduct interviews of qualified individuals prior to requesting a criminal background check, and no job application submitted prior to such interview shall inquire into an applicant's criminal history. If this position is subject to a background check for any convictions related to its responsibilities and requirements, employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history. Criminal history will not automatically disqualify a candidate. In addition, during employment individuals may be required by CDM Smith or a CDM Smith client to successfully complete additional background checks, including motor vehicle record as well as drug testing.

$110,240

$192,899

All bonuses at CDM Smith are discretionary and may or may not apply to this position.

Hybrid Work Options may be considered for successful candidate.