Senior Architect

Metra•Chicago, IL

About The Position

Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties. The agency is linking communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe, reliable, and efficient commuter service. Metra's Capital Delivery Department oversees the design, construction and administration of Metra capital projects and manages the work of consultants and contractors implementing these projects. Capital projects overseen by this group include stations and parking as well as structural, civil, electrical, mechanical, traction power, and wayfinding and signs. The department also includes Project Management, NEPA, Project Controls, and Project Administration teams. Reporting to the Director of Stations and Parking, the Senior Architect performs senior level professional architectural duties in connection with the design, construction, and renovation of station and parking facility projects and manages complex projects leading design efforts, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in compliance with Metra's guidelines and quality standards.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Architecture or Civil Engineering.
Five years of Architectural or Civil design experience that includes project management.
Considerable knowledge of the principles and best practices of planning, Architectural/Engineering design, procurement, and construction projects.
Considerable knowledge of project management, project controls, and contract administration principles and best practices.
Good knowledge of building codes, zoning ordinances, accessibility codes is required.
Good knowledge of local, state, and federal requirements for capital projects at all phases.
Strong organizational, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Proficient in Microsoft 365.
Good conceptualizing architectural designs.
Strong project management skills.
Strong conflict resolution skills.
Skill preparing complex architectural schematics, drawings, specifications, and cost estimates.
Skill in comprehending, understanding, and continuously improving architectural/engineering contract documents and contract structures.
Ability to comprehend, understand, and continuously improve architectural/engineering contract documents and contract structures.
Ability to provide leadership to interdisciplinary project teams and build relationships with individuals both within and outside of the organization.
Ability to prepare detailed complex architectural schematics, drawings, specifications, and cost estimates.
Ability to manage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously.
Ability to work efficiently under pressure and tight deadlines.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
Must be able to operate a vehicle.
Must be willing to travel within and outside of Metra's 6-county region.
Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of NEPA/Section 106/707 requirements and AREMA Manuals is preferred.
Skill with design software/workflows for Power BI, Adobe Creative Suite, CAD and/or BIM software, 3D modeling software, and GIS is preferred.
Project Management Professional certification
Illinois Licensed Architect or Professional Engineer

Responsibilities

Function as subject-matter-expert leading project teams in the review of architectural plans and designs prepared by in-house staff or consultants for compliance with Station Design Guidelines, zoning and code compliance, efficiencies, cost effectiveness, and constructability; and recommending changes to ensure compliance with scope, budget, and schedules.
Monitor project progress, identify and manage project risks; recommend solutions to keep projects within budget, scope, and schedule; and ensure compliance with contract specifications, design guidelines, best practices, and quality and safety standards.
Develop and maintain strong stakeholder relationships both within and outside the organization to facilitate project coordination, foster communications, and accomplish the department's work.
Prepare and manage project budgets and oversee the preparation of project cost estimates, scopes of work, and schedules prepared by consultants.
Lead the contract administration process including reviewing bids and proposals, negotiating consultant level-of-effort and contracts; negotiating and processing contract changes; authorizing contract payments upon work completion; and evaluating vendor performance and recommending appropriate action when performance does not meet contract specifications.
Promote safe work practices and maintain and foster a safe work environment.
Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.