Design Manager

Salary range is $107k to $213k, with a midpoint of $160k. New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint, however, we may go slightly higher based on experience, internal equity and market.

Sound Transit also offers a competitive benefits package with a wide range of offerings, including:

• Health Benefits: We offer two choices of medical plans, a dental plan, and a vision plan all at no cost for employee coverage; comprehensive benefits for employees and eligible dependents, including a spouse or domestic partner.
• Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Retirement Plans: 401a - 10% of employee contribution with a 12% match by Sound Transit; 457b - up to IRS maximum (employee only contribution).
• Paid Time Off: Employees accrue 25 days of paid time off annually with increases at four, eight and twelve years of service. Employees at the 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 parental leave for new parents.
• Pet Insurance.
• ORCA Card: All full-time employees will receive an ORCA card at no cost.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Sound Transit will pay up to $5,000 annually for approved tuition expenses.
• Inclusive Reproductive Health Support Services.
• Compensation Practices: We offer competitive salaries based on market rates and internal equity. In addition to compensation and benefits, you'll find that we provide work-life balance, opportunities for professional development and recognition from your colleagues.

GENERAL PURPOSE:

Under general management of the Capital Delivery Department and reports to the Project or Design Director while leading, managing and coordinating the delivery of design of State of Good Repair (SOGR) projects renewing or repairing elements of the operating transit system and Sounder commuter rail track & signal and passenger facilities projects within the Capital Delivery Department. This leadership role requires providing oversight of and instruction to design consultant teams and close coordination with the Sound Transit Operations, Engineering, Architecture, Urban Design, Planning, Safety, third parties, and Quality Staff. Primary function ensures delivery of value and quality of design to fulfill the agency's mission.

The Design Manager positions will manage design of electrical, traction power substation (TPSS), overhead catenary system (OCS), communication systems, vertical transportation (VT), civil/structures, track & signals, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire life safety elements of light and heavy rail projects and of Sounder platforms, canopies, pedestrian bridges, and other passenger amenities. These positions supervise assigned staff and consultants and assist the Project and Design Directors in strategic oversight including planning, directing, and managing SOGR and Sounder design delivery activities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The following duties are a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Leads a technical team of subject matter experts and inspires creativity to solve design problems.
• Supervises, coaches, trains and motivates staff; Supports work force planning efforts for the project.
• Manages multiple smaller scale transit related designs including, architectural, civil, traffic, track, structural, geotechnical, landscaping, ventilation, station electrical, lighting, transit-oriented development, and urban design efforts, managing work teams and coordinating between work efforts of multiple design teams and multiple engineering subject matter experts.
• Provides cross departmental program, design and requirements coordination with Operations, Passenger Experience, the Project Management Office, and IT.
• Administration and management of design consultant contracts, including developing scopes of work for professional services, peer reviews, design reviews, contract packaging, schedules, budgets, construction support, and risk assessments.
• Accountable for technical resolution of milestone design submission comments through collaboration with project design teams and stakeholders
• Supports the development, negotiation of agreements, and permits with third parties, including state and local agencies, utilities, and private property owners, as required for the delivery of the projects.
• Accountable for design support during construction including design contract management, recommendation of error and omissions, resolution of non-conformance issues related to design, and change management of design-related issues.
• Provides support to the department/division and others on matters as directed; serves as staff on a variety of internal boards, commissions, and committees.
• Prepares staff reports and other necessary correspondence to Sound Transit leadership including Board and Executive leadership.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings
• Maintains awareness of new trends and developments in the fields related to area of assignment; incorporates new developments as appropriate
• Ensures processes, policies and practices are interpreted and applied consistently and effectively.
• Ensures accountability and compliance with all current and applicable state and federal laws, Agency policies and procedures, 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.
• It is the responsibility of all employees to follow the Agency safety rules, regulations, and procedures pertaining to their assigned duties and responsibilities, which could include systems, operations, and/or other employees.
• It is the responsibility of all employees to integrate sustainability into everyday business practices.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience: Bachelors degree in Civil Engineering, or Architecture, or related field. Five years of experience in civil/structural engineering or architectural design, and construction; Or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Three years of leadership, budgetary, planning and workforce management experience, preferably in a rail or transit related environment.

Required Licenses or Certifications:

• Professional Civil Engineer license or Professional Architect license issued by the State of Washington.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Advanced understanding of principles and practices of managing profession design services and project design development.
• Strong knowledge of application of Federal, State, and local policies, laws and codes and regulations.
• Advanced knowledge of principles of project management.
• Operations, services, and activities of transit engineering, site civil and construction programs.
• Obtaining design consulting services and contracting methods including developing scopes of work, reports, studies, cost estimates, plans, and specifications.
• Contract and procurement strategies and alternative contract forms such as GCCM and (progressive) design-build and associated management principles.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills to concisely and accurately convey technical information to others.
• Strong public speaking skills and the ability to represent the Agency at public meetings and Sound Transit Executive Leadership and Board meetings.
• Supervisory and team leadership skills.
• Performing negotiations and partnering with local jurisdictions and agencies, utilities, contractors, and community groups.
• Preparing, reviewing, interpreting, analyzing, and modifying complex engineering plans, drawings, specifications, contract documents, and engineering reports for conformance to professional standards and approved budgets.
• Applying advanced project management and contract management techniques and principles.
• Utilizing personal computer software programs affecting assigned work and in compiling and preparing spreadsheets and reports.
• Excellent ability to collaborate with others by establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
• Interpreting and administering policies and procedures sufficient to administer, discuss, resolve, and explain them to staff and other constituencies.
• Ability to work independently and demonstrate effective time management skills.
• Ability to effectively manage, prioritize, and delegate workload among assigned resources.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure, meeting deadlines and adjust to changing priorities.

Physical Demands / Work Environment:

• Work is performed in a hybrid office and field environment, at least 3 days per week.
• Positions working in field may occasionally be exposed to dangerous machinery, extreme weather conditions, physical harm, hazardous chemicals, and/or extreme noise.
• The Agency promotes a safe and healthy work environment and provides appropriate safety and equipment training for all personnel as required.

Sound Transit is an equal employment opportunity employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment action based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status or other protected class.