Deputy Project Manager

Deputy Project Manager

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Deputy Project Manager for a rail transportation project in the New York City region.

The Deputy Project Manager supports the Project Manager in the day-to-day technical, commercial, and coordination activities required to successfully deliver a complex design-build transportation project. This role acts as a key integrator between engineering disciplines, construction, testing & commissioning, safety, quality, and the client, ensuring that scope, schedule, cost, and contractual obligations are met throughout the project lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

Project Management & Coordination

• Support the Project Manager in overall project execution, planning, and reporting across design, installation, testing, and commissioning phases.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary engineering teams (signaling, communications, track, traction power, systems engineering) to confirm alignment with contract scope and interfaces.
• Track progress against schedule and milestones, identify risks and issues, and support mitigation planning.
• Prepare inputs for internal and client progress meetings, dashboards, and executive reviews.

Project Controls & Performance Monitoring

• Support implementation of Project Controls Plan, including:
• Schedule control and progress measurement
• Cost tracking, forecasting, and burn rate monitoring
• KPI development and performance oversight
• Review and challenge Design-Builder schedule updates, productivity assumptions, and recovery plans.
• Support earned value / progress measurement where applicable.
• Track early warning indicators to proactively identify delays or cost risks (aligned with PMC performance oversight expectations)

Technical Oversight & Systems Integration

• Support systems engineering activities, including requirements management, design reviews, and technical stage gate readiness.
• Confirm design deliverables are consistent with contract requirements, applicable standards, and approved concepts of operations.
• Assist in managing technical interfaces between subsystems and external stakeholders.

Construction, Installation, Testing & Commissioning

• Coordinate with construction and installation teams to confirm engineering intent is correctly implemented in the field.
• Support planning and execution of installation, testing, cutover, and commissioning activities, including review of procedures and reports.
• Track and help resolve field issues, NCRs, and technical clarifications in coordination with engineering and quality teams.

Commercial & Contract Management

• Support change management, variation evaluation, and claims analysis.
• Assist in review and validation of:
• Payment applications
• Change orders / equitable adjustments
• Contractor correspondence
• Confirm all actions align strictly with contract requirements rather than informal agreements.
• Oversight of logs maintained by PMC:
• RFIs
• Submittals
• Changes / NOCs
• Support independent cost estimating and negotiation preparation (where required).

Safety, Quality & Compliance

Confirm compliance with:

• System Safety Certification process - Quality Management Plan; Environmental and regulatory requirements
• Support audits, readiness reviews, and certification milestones.
• Verify Design-Builder adherence to approved procedures and standards.

Stakeholder & Governance Interface

• Interface with:
• MTA C&D leadership
• NYCT operations (Service Delivery, OCC)
• Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs)
• Support preparation for executive-level briefings and decision forums.
• Maintain clear and professional communication aligned with PMC's role as owner's representative.

Document Control & Reporting

• Confirm all project documentation is: Properly tracked, reviewed, approved, and archived; Aligned with Document Control Plan requirements.
• Oversee completeness of:
• Submittals
• Technical deliverables;
• Close-out documentation
• Support traceability across requirements, design, and testing artifacts.
• 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.

Who You Are

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering (electrical, systems, civil, mechanical, or related discipline), architecture, or Business Administration or Project Management or equivalent.
• Minimum of 7–10 years of experience on large mission critical infrastructure or rail projects, preferably in a design-build environment. Preferably rail transportation and/or CBTC projects or projects that involve complex system integration. Experience with rail systems, signaling, CBTC, communications, or complex systems integration is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience supporting project management functions on multidisciplinary engineering projects.
• Strong technical foundation with the ability to interface between engineering and project management.
• Solid understanding of project delivery and lifecycle management.
• Excellent coordination, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, safety-critical environment.
• Proficient in project reporting tools, document control systems, and standard engineering software.
• Exposure to AI and AI tools (such as AI agents) for Project Management / delivery of projects
• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP's health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.

Reporting Relationship

• Reports to: Project Manager/ Program Director
• Acts as delegate for the Project Manager when required.

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

Expected Salary Range: $122,700- $182,200