Transit Facility Structural Design Lead

We are seeking a Transit Facility Structural Design Lead to serve as the senior technical authority for the structural design of transit infrastructure projects in the Chicago area. This position is intended for an experienced structural engineer with deep expertise in transit facilities and the ability to lead complex projects from concept through construction.
The successful candidate will take full ownership of structural design delivery, provide technical leadership across multidisciplinary teams, and ensure the development of permit- and construction-ready contract documents for projects in active urban transit environments.

Key Responsibilities
Structural Design Leadership

Lead the structural design of transit infrastructure projects, including passenger stations, maintenance and storage facilities, and other transit-support structures.
Serve as the technical authority for structural systems, guiding design decisions from early planning through final design and construction support.
Act as Engineer of Record when required, including signing and sealing structural calculations, drawings, and specifications.
Ensure designs meet applicable codes, agency standards, and industry best practices, while managing technical risk and constructability.

Technical Oversight & Quality Control

Review and approve structural calculations, drawings, and specifications.
Establish and enforce quality control procedures and consistent technical standards across projects.
Support construction activities, including responses to RFIs and coordination during work in active operating transit environments.

Multidisciplinary Coordination

Coordinate closely with architectural, civil, systems, construction, and operations teams.
Manage structural scope on projects with multiple interfaces, phased construction, and ongoing transit operations.
Apply sound engineering judgment related to constructability, staging, durability, and maintenance considerations in dense urban settings.

Mentorship & Team Development

Provide technical guidance, direction, and mentorship to junior engineers and emerging technical leaders.
Assign work, oversee day-to-day technical efforts, and support staff development within the structural discipline.

Project Strategy & Client Engagement

Serve as Project Technical Leader for structural design on transit facility projects and pursuits, with a regional focus and national collaboration.
Support proposal development, scope definition, and fee proposals.
Participate in client meetings and presentations; communicate technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Coordinate with project managers on staffing, budgets, schedules, and overall technical execution.

TSO

Regular

Bachelor's degree in Civil, Architectural or Structural Engineering or related discipline. Professional engineering (PE) license. 10 years of related experience. 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. Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.

Strong background in Transit Facility Design, preferably with clients like CTA, Metra, and/or Illinois Municipalities.
Leadership experience on projects involving active operations, constrained sites, and phased construction.
Experience developing:
Project scopes of work and fee proposals.
Design criteria, construction plans, specifications, and cost estimates.
Technical reports and design justification documentation.
Experience managing task- or project-level budgets and schedules.
Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and mentor technical staff.

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.

Check out this video and find out why our team loves to work here!

Join Us! CDM Smith – where amazing career journeys unfold.

Imagine a place committed to offering an unmatched employee experience. Where you work on projects that are meaningful to you. Where you play an active part in shaping your career journey. Where your co-workers are invested in you and your success. Where you are encouraged and supported to do your very best and given the tools and resources to do so. Where it’s a priority that the company takes good care of you and your family.

Our employees are the heart of our company. As an employer of choice, our goal is to provide a challenging, progressive and inclusive work environment which fosters personal leadership, career growth and development for every employee. We value passionate individuals who challenge the norm, deliver world-class solutions and bring diverse perspectives. Join our team, and together we will make a difference and change the world.

Illinois - Chicago

All vendors must have a signed CDM Smith Placement Agreement from the CDM Smith Recruitment Center Manager to receive payment for your placement. Verbal or written commitments from any other member of the CDM Smith staff will not be considered binding terms. All unsolicited resumes sent to CDM Smith and any resume submitted to any employee outside of CDM Smith Recruiting Center Team (RCT) will be considered property of CDM Smith. CDM Smith will not be held liable to pay a placement fee.

10%

Fulltime-Regular

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

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.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.