Program Lead - CM/CI

RK&K•Baltimore, MD

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

RK&K is seeking an executive-level Program Lead – CM/CI to drive the execution of large-scale rail and transit capital programs throughout the Mid-Atlantic. The role can be based anywhere RK&K has an office. The Program Lead oversees multiple high-profile projects and teams of construction management (CM) and construction inspection (CI) professionals, working with transit agencies, freight railroads, funding partners, and other stakeholders. The position provides strategic direction, risk management, and quality assurance to support successful project delivery. The role provides program-level leadership for multimillion-dollar rail and transit projects, serving as the primary client interface and ensuring alignment with agency objectives, funding requirements, and regulatory compliance. It oversees project teams, contracts, program-wide risks, staffing, reporting, controls, budgets, and milestones. The Program Lead also mentors senior staff and represents RK&K with clients and stakeholders. RK&K describes itself as a full-service engineering and construction management firm with an award-winning culture built on collaboration and trust. It offers career advancement and professional growth, and describes its work as having a direct impact on the communities where employees live and work.

Requirements

20+ years of experience in rail and transit construction management, including at least 10 years in a leadership role managing large-scale, multi-project programs.
Experience overseeing megaprojects valued at $500M or more or major transit expansion programs.
Strong public agency background, preferably in a senior leadership role at a major transit agency, rail authority, or DOT.
Deep expertise in federally funded transit projects, including FTA/FRA requirements, grant funding, and procurement regulations.
Proven success managing construction contractors, negotiating complex change orders, and resolving high-stakes claims.
Strong relationships with Mid-Atlantic transit agencies such as WMATA, MTA Maryland, VRE, DRPT, Amtrak, MARTA, SEPTA, or freight railroads.
Deep understanding of construction management and project control software, such as Primavera P6, Procore, e-Builder, and ProjectWise.
Excellent executive communication skills and experience presenting to board members, elected officials, and funding partners.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, construction management, or a related field.
Professional certifications such as PMP, CCM, DBIA, or a PE license in Virginia, Maryland, or Washington, DC.
Experience with FTA- and FRA-funded transit projects, including grant compliance and reporting.
Active engagement in industry organizations such as APTA, WTS, ASCE, CMAA, or ARTBA.
Passion for delivering high-quality, sustainable, and resilient transportation infrastructure.

Responsibilities

Provide program-level leadership for multimillion-dollar rail and transit capital projects, ensuring alignment with agency objectives, funding requirements, and regulatory compliance.
Serve as the primary client interface, applying agency knowledge to navigate project complexities, stakeholder engagement, and funding compliance.
Oversee multiple CM/CI teams managing construction of rail alignments, transit centers, bus rapid transit corridors, maintenance facilities, and station infrastructure.
Lead contract administration, including oversight of DBE participation, risk management, and contractor performance.
Manage program-wide risk assessments and proactively resolve claims, schedule delays, and change order negotiations.
Ensure FTA/FRA/DOT compliance on federally funded projects, including reporting requirements for Capital Investment Grants, New Starts, and Small Starts.
Coordinate across agencies, railroads, and municipalities to resolve construction conflicts and advance project approvals.
Develop and execute staffing strategies for large CM/CI programs.
Provide executive-level reporting and program controls, tracking key performance indicators, budgets, and milestones.
Mentor and develop senior staff, positioning the firm as a leader in transit construction management.