Principal, NY Metro Transportation Chief Architect
About The Position
AECOM is seeking a Principal, Transportation Chief Architect to join its NY Metro Buildings + Places leadership team. The role will grow and lead the Buildings + Places transportation architecture practice across the New York Metro region, advancing design excellence for airports, rail and transit stations, and bus facilities. The position is part of a large multidisciplinary Transportation design team and offers the opportunity to shape transportation architecture in a complex market, delivering resilient, people-centered, future-ready, and equitable mobility infrastructure. The ideal candidate has deep technical knowledge of building technology and expertise in designing and delivering innovative transportation facilities, including aviation, rail, light rail, and bus rapid transit. The Principal will nurture a local multidisciplinary team of architects, engineers, urban strategists, and specialty sub-consultants, and engage national and global experts to deliver efficient, equitable, and inspiring facilities. The role also involves leadership, client development, pursuit capture, and delivery of major transportation projects. The position is hybrid and based in New York, NY. Relocation is not available, and sponsorship for US employment authorization is not available now or in the future. The posting is for a current vacancy, which AECOM intends to fill no later than December 2, 2026. Newly hired employees must attend in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Architecture.
- At least 12 years of progressive experience, including at least 4 years of leadership, in planning, design, and delivery of complex transportation facilities in the New York Metro transportation market.
- Experience in at least one of the following: airports, including passenger terminals, support/operations, or landside/airside interfaces; transit/rail, including stations, intermodal hubs, concourses, or platform environments; or bus facilities, including depots, maintenance facilities, BRT infrastructure, or stations.
- Licensed Architect (RA).
- Demonstrated leadership of large multidisciplinary teams on fast-paced programs with multiple stakeholders and delivery models, including DB, PDB, CM/GC, or CMAR.
- Proven success in client development, capture leadership, and winning major pursuits.
- Strong command of applicable codes, standards, and agency processes, such as IBC, ADA, and NFPA 130; familiarity with FAA/FTA guidance and regional agency requirements.
- Track record of delivering projects with high design quality, operational performance, safety, and user experience.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills at executive and public forum levels.
- Experience working with NY Metro agency clients.
Nice To Haves
- Master of Architecture.
- 20 years of progressive experience leading planning, design, and delivery of complex transportation facilities in the New York Metro market.
- Recent experience working with PANYNJ, MTA, AMTRAK, NJT, and/or LIRR agencies.
- New York State and New Jersey State RA, or ability to obtain either via reciprocity; NCARB certification preferred.
- LEED AP, ENV SP, or equivalent sustainability credential.
- Experience collaborating with major New York Metro transportation and aviation stakeholders and navigating complex stakeholder environments.
- Expertise in digital delivery, including BIM/Revit, AutoCAD, Navisworks, Bentley/MicroStation family BIM and 3D modeling software, parametric tools, and advanced coordination workflows.
- Background in progressive delivery preconstruction, bridging documents, and performance-based design criteria.
- Experience with wayfinding, passenger experience design, and terminal/station operational planning.
- Design/Build experience; DBIA certification is a plus.
- PMP certification is a plus.
Responsibilities
- Grow and lead AECOM’s Buildings + Places transportation architecture practice across the New York Metro region.
- Advance design excellence for airports, rail and transit stations, and bus facilities.
- Lead the planning, design, and delivery of complex transportation facilities.
- Lead large multidisciplinary teams and coordinate with multiple stakeholders and delivery models.
- Nurture a local multidisciplinary team of architects, engineers, urban strategists, and specialty sub-consultants.
- Engage national and global experts to support delivery of efficient, equitable, and inspiring transportation facilities.
- Lead client development and capture efforts and help win major pursuits.
- Deliver projects with high design quality, operational performance, safety, and user experience.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
- Life, AD&D, and disability benefits.
- Paid time off and leaves of absence.
- Voluntary benefits and perks.
- Flexible work options.
- Well-being resources and employee assistance program.
- Business travel insurance.
- Service recognition awards.
- Retirement savings plan.
- Employee stock purchase plan.
- Award-winning training and development programs.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Principal
