Senior Design Manager

Job Details Salary range is $K to $K with a midpoint of $K. Total compensation includes project-based premiums that reflect project complexity, political sensitivity, size, and strategic importance. New hires typically receive between the minimum and midpoint of the base range, however, we may go higher based on experience, internal equity, and market.

Sound Transit offers a competitive benefits package that includes: Health Benefits: two choices of medical plans, a dental plan, and a vision plan all at no cost for employee coverage; comprehensive benefits for eligible dependents, including a spouse or domestic partner. Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance. Employee Assistance Program.

Retirement Plans: a) 10% of employee contribution with a 12% match by Sound Transit; b) up to IRS maximum (employee only contribution). Paid Time Off: 25 days of paid time off annually with increases at four, eight, and twelve years of service; director level and up accrue additional days. We also observe 12 paid holidays and provide up to 2 paid floating holidays and up to 2 paid volunteer days per year.

Parental Leave: 12 weeks of leave for new parents. Pet Insurance. ORCA Card: free for all full‑time employees.

Tuition Reimbursement: up to $5,000 annually for approved tuition expenses. General Purpose Under general direction from the Project Director or Executive Project Director, leads, manages, and coordinates the delivery of civil engineering elements of major light rail corridor projects, heavy passenger rail projects, or bus projects within the Capital Delivery Department. This leadership role requires providing oversight and direction of large design consultant teams and close coordination with Sound Transit Operations, Engineering, Safety, 3rd parties, and Quality Staff.

The primary function ensures delivery of value and quality of design to fulfill the agency's mission. Essential Functions Supervises, coaches, trains, and motivates staff. Supports workforce planning efforts for the Infrastructure Engineering division.

Manages complex large or multiple smaller‑scale transit‑related civil engineering design, including architectural, civil, traffic, track, structural, geotechnical, landscaping, ventilation, station electrical, lighting, and urban design efforts. Directs work teams and coordinates between multiple design teams and engineering subject‑matter experts. Administers and manages engineering consultant contracts, including peer reviews, design reviews, contract packaging, schedules, budgets, construction support, and risk assessments.

Plans, develops, negotiates, and administers formal agreements and permits with third parties, including state and local agencies, utilities, and private property owners. Works with real estate, legal, contracts, project control, quality, operations, facilities, maintenance, and other Sound Transit departments to coordinate and develop agreements. Accountable for design support during construction, including design contract management, recommending error and omission, resolving non‑conformance issues, and managing design‑related changes.

Provides support to the department, division, and others on directed matters; serves on boards, commissions, and committees. Prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence to Sound Transit leadership, including Board and Executive leadership. Attends and participates in professional group meetings and maintains awareness of new trends and developments in the field.

Incorporates new developments as appropriate; ensures consistent application of processes, policies, and practices. Ensures accountability and compliance with all current and applicable state and federal laws, agency policies, rules, and regulations. Champions and models Sound Transit's core values and demonstrates values‑based behaviors in everyday interactions across the agency.

Contributes to a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion in alignment with Sound Transit’s Equity & Inclusion Policy. Responsibilities include safety adherence, sustainability integration, and other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related field; five years of civil engineering/architectural design and construction experience, including project and contract management, preferably in a rail or transit environment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Three years of leadership, budgetary, planning, and workforce management experience. Required Licenses or Certifications: A Professional Civil Engineer license or Professional Architect license issued by the State of Washington. Required Knowledge and Skills: Advanced understanding of civil engineering principles; strong knowledge of Federal, State, and local policies, laws, and codes; advanced project management principles; operations of transit engineering programs; consulting services and methods; contract and procurement strategies; excellent oral and written communication; strong public speaking; supervisory and team leadership; negotiation and partnership with local jurisdictions; preparation and review of complex engineering plans and documents; advanced use of computer software and spreadsheets; collaboration skills; and effective time management under pressure.

Physical Demands / Work Environment Work is performed in a hybrid field and office environment with visits to construction sites as required. Responsibilities include navigating uneven terrain, compliance with agency safety policies, and occasional exposure to dangerous machinery, extreme weather, hazardous chemicals, and noise. The agency promotes a safe and healthy work environment and provides appropriate safety and equipment training for all personnel. #J-18808-Ljbffr