Departments Marketing Statement:

The Replacement, Expansion and Capacity Projects (RECP) department under the Office of Infrastructure is seeking a Sr. Design Manager to oversee design development and coordination associated with Metro’s transition to 100% Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEV) in the next 20 years. The preferred incumbent can expect to work with Metro’s engineering and maintenance disciplines, asset owners, project delivery teams, design consultants, and Design Builders to facilitate the development of ZEV design standards, manage interdisciplinary coordination, oversee communication of Metro’s standards and its implementation by 3rd party designers and design-builders, and coordinate design submittal process. RECP desires a high-energy, dependable, result-oriented individual who can work in a matrix environment. Apply today to join Metro’s ZEV Transformation.

General Hybrid Work Statement:

This opportunity is a hybrid opportunity allowing for flexibility between virtual and in-person work subject to the Authority’s telework policy.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering
  • In lieu of a bachelor’s degree, a high school diploma/GED and four (4) years of relevant work experience as a senior manager in planning, engineering, and/or transit operational function, with direct fiscal responsibility, in addition to the experience stated below will be considered.

Experience

• A minimum eight (8) years of experience as project manager in a relevant discipline or field, with direct fiscal responsibility, including two (2) years managing technical staff.
  • A Master’s Degree in Engineering may substitute for two (2) of the required years of experience.

Certification/Licensure

• Valid Driver’s License
• Roadway Worker Protection (RWP) Certification, Level 2, within six (6) months of hire and maintained for the duration while holding this job

Preferred

• Experience with transportation or mining infrastructure projects is preferred.

Medical Group

Satisfactorily complete the medical examination for this position, if required. The incumbent must be able to perform the essential functions of this position either with or without reasonable accommodations.

Mission Essential Designation:

• In accordance with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) this job has been identified as critical to mission essential functions. Incumbents in this role may be required to report to or continue to work in the event of authorized office closings or service suspensions due to severe weather, natural disaster, fire, operational emergencies or related events.

Job Summary

The Engineering Design Program Manager oversees all design projects within a WMATA engineering department’s portfolio. In this key role, the incumbent develops, manages, and administers systems design projects arising from or identified by WMATA’s Maintenance Departments requests, Capital Improvement Programs and FTA Directives. This incumbent ensures that design projects are performed on time and within budget in conformance with stakeholder requirements. The incumbent develops and administers design project scope, schedule and budget; manages work plans, quality control and coordination with WMATA internal stakeholders. This incumbent manages and coordinates employee and consultant technical resources and oversees and directs employee and consultant teams, ensuring projects are sufficiently resourced to meet key deadlines and milestones.

The Engineering Design Program Manager is a “Subject matter expert” for design projects in a relevant engineering discipline, and ensures designs are technically sound and aligned with WMATA’s unique equipment, infrastructure and operational needs, through active decision making, evaluation, testing, and Team Leadership.

This position administers design projects in a dynamic stakeholder environment, and frequently informs and advises of challenges and opportunities to improve project outcomes and mitigate project risks. Actively involved in the construction phase of projects to ensure design intent is maintained and implemented.

The Engineering Design Project Manager identifies scheduling and cost variances, and implements recommendations for corrective action for negative variance. Additionally, the incumbent ensures team member development by creating work assignments, directing and mentoring staff, and providing technical and quality support and guidance.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Identifies, investigates, and administers WMATA Systems functionality and efficiencies vs current trends and technologies. Communicates regularly with WMATA’s operating units to uncover design project needs and develop projects in conformance with WMATA’s unique requirements. Frequently conducts site visits to confirm field conditions and provides recommendations to WAMTA stakeholders (operating departments) for rehabilitation, maintenance, and improvements.
• Develops and administers the program of design projects within an Engineering department’s portfolio. Identifies new and potential design project needs. Develops, manages and monitors Project Scopes to ensure that program needs, schedule and costs are adhered to; coordination occurs between various departments and aspects of the project; and project elements are cost effective. Conducts research and prepares recommendations and work plans for complex project management, engineering, and potential construction problems. Co-ordinates with internal Stakeholders in connection with the funding and sequencing of proposed design work and assist with the creation of Project charters and schedules.
• Oversees phase coordination activities for engineering design projects to establish schedule priorities, access requirements and allocation of work areas for each contract affected, while minimizing fiscal impacts by exercising maximum control and assuring that the work is performed in a manner to meet the scheduled completion date. During construction, conducts site visits to address field conditions and resolve design issues as needed. Interacts with the WMATA operational departments to ensure access to restricted parts of the Trackways and infrastructure is required and to ensure timely information gathering for design work to proceed unhindered.
• Communicates effectively with WMATA internal and external stakeholders through presentations, formal meetings, and informal communications, regarding design project status and challenges. Resolves or escalates issues for resolution. Conducts project status meetings with staff. Conducts project status briefings for Authority Officers; the General Manager; WMATA Board Members; Federal, State, and Local Government Offices; and Local Civic Organizations as required. Responds to questions and compliance and serves as liaison to and briefs the Board of Directors and the Committees on all aspects of the program, schedule and cost tracking updates and reports.
• Develops and implements resource plans for design project execution and closely manages directs and monitors contracts and internal staff. Develops and administers realistic and reasonable design project budget and work plan, and issues appropriate progress reports as required to record the project's advancements or delays. Leads technical and administrative functions for design project life cycle. Manages the review and final approval of designs and develops construction schedules and may review preliminary cost estimates. Manages design project communications. Leads and manages consultant’s activities on all aspects of the project. Resolves issues associated with contract fulfillment.
• Develops and finalizes Self-performed design work including CAD and specifications, in response to WMATA internal stakeholder requests; collaborates closely with requesting department and construction team to ensure designs meet stakeholder and WMATA requirements in compliance with applicable regulations.
• Maintains up to date knowledge of changes in technology, regulations and common practices to inform design projects and WAMTA operating departments on compliance issues. Manages frequent reviews of WMATA specifications, identifies the needed update, and manages revision process. Provides active direction and guidance to WMATA project planning and implementation teams during the Construction Design Build / Design Bid build process, reviews technical proposals received and provides recommendations and comments.

The essential duties listed are not intended to limit specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Nor is it intended to limit in any way the right of managers and supervisors to assign, direct and control the work of employees under their supervision.

Evaluation Criteria

Consideration will be given to applicants whose resumes demonstrate the required education and experience. Applicants should include all relevant education and work experience.

Evaluation criteria may include one or more of the following:

• Skills and/or behavioral assessment
• Personal interview
• Verification of education and experience (including certifications and licenses)
• Criminal Background Check (a criminal conviction is not an automatic bar to employment)
• Medical examination including a drug and alcohol screening (for safety sensitive positions)
• Review of a current motor vehicle report

Closing

WMATA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by applicable federal law.

This posting is an announcement of a vacant position under recruitment. It is not intended to replace the official job description. Job descriptions are available upon confirmation of an interview.