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Technical Director, Transit and Rail Engineering

WSP in the U.S., Washington, District of Columbia, United States


This Opportunity WSP USA is seeking a multifaceted candidate to fill the Technical Director position on our Transit & Rail team in

Washington, DC , with an opportunity for the candidate’s primary office to be located in

Baltimore, MD or Herndon, VA

as well. The proven leader will have experience leading cross-functional teams and meeting target KPI metrics for large programs.

The role requires leadership and business development support throughout the region and strong technical knowledge. The right candidate will have a desire to work collaboratively to reinforce our strategic vision across the region. This position will work closely with area experts to identify growth areas, opportunities and pipeline pursuits. The ideal candidate will have a desire to lead both technical programs and develop the analytical skills necessary to drive the overall business forward.

Duties and Responsibilities

Lead major programs for key public sector clients

Perform scope development, scheduling, contract management duties, and ensure timely invoicing

Client management, client intelligence gathering, client market and competition analysis

Experience in assembling teams in a matrixed environment

Serve as a technical project manager for transit projects

Coordination with other directors/leaders to ensure a consistent level of technical standards and applications on projects.

Prepare technical memoranda and management reports

Support internal business management processes

Practice building, mentorship and skill development of professional staff

Management of multi-disciplined technical teams to deliver projects to clients

Develop and manage a portfolio of design and construction management work in the transit industry

Candidate must be adept at facilitating large working meetings both internally and to external-facing clients

Provide proactive and strategic leadership for the transit and rail engineering discipline and function, offering direction, expertise, and support to ensure project and work site deliverables are successfully achieved within the business sector.

Lead larger-scale more complex projects ensuring contributors know what they are required to do and by when, preparing and overseeing relevant project budgets, monitoring external events, tracking hours and expenses, ensuring satisfactory performance, and supervising subcontractors, contract work, and employees.

Responsible for the pursuit and development of business and the successful execution of work for current and potential infrastructure work within a geography specifically for the large projects within the area.

Support the overall long-term strategy, growth, and pipeline development of Transit & Rail Engineering work for WSP in assigned area of responsibility, with a focus on infrastructure opportunities in all disciplines (planning, design, and strategic consulting and program/construction management).

Responsible for the profitable performance of the individual projects and the successful completion of the projects within the specified area.

Assist with the preparation of an annual update to business tactical action plans within the specified area.

Ensure that engineering discipline certifications, accreditations, and value proposition is developed and continuously improved.

Conduct needs analysis and client value surveys to align the engineering discipline’s function with business and project strategy, identifying and addressing any skill gaps or risks within the sector business operations.

Schedule engineering discipline meetings, providing updates and recommendations to ensure that all reasonable and proper measures are taken to inculcate discipline expertise and innovation into project work.

Serve as one of the engineering discipline’s lead representatives/liaison to a variety of external entities including Federal, State, and Local Agencies, Clients, Subcontractors, industry-related groups, and various government and community entities.

Develop and inform proposal and project scopes, timelines, pricing, and budgetary metrics – and be accountable for planning, development and management of projects in compliance with all applicable City/State/Federal codes and regulations, and in accordance with all acceptable engineering practices.

Interpret and summarize data, including reports and documents that result in sound engineering and regulatory conclusions.

Mentor staff to support their growth and professional development.

Manage and provide performance guidance and leadership to assigned staff.

Remain current in latest engineering techniques and practices.

Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.

Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs

Manage and mentor junior staff

Minimum Qualifications

12+ years of experience in the transit and rail sector

Bachelor's degree in civil / structural engineering or related field

Licensed engineer (PE) in DC, MD or VA

Strong analytical, verbal, and written communication skills

Critical strategic and creative thinking skills

Self-motivated, well-organized, and works well with others

Local to the DC/Northern Virginia/Maryland area and available to work in office / on-site regularly

Preferred Qualifications

Active in local professional organizations

Master's degree in engineering or related field

Licensed in all 3 local jurisdictions: DC, MD, VA

Technical experience includes major local agencies

WSP Benefits:

WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career. These benefits include coverage related to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation (or other personal time); paid parental leave; and paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings.

Compensation $139,400-$267,700

WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and offer for this position, based on the successful applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities in addition to internal equity and specific geographic location. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant’s sex or other status protected by local, state, and/or federal law.

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