Senior Transit and Rail Project Manager

GFT • Boston, MA

2d • $175,000 - $225,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

GFT is seeking a Senior Transit and Rail Project Manager to join our Public Transit Practice in Boston, MA. This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at our Boston office. Working with the public transit team at GFT means shaping the future of transportation, delivering projects that improve mobility, safety, and accessibility for millions of passengers nationwide. Specializing in rail systems, bus rapid transit, and zero-emission mobility solutions, our experts combine deep technical knowledge with innovative thinking to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of transit networks. Together, we're transforming urban landscapes, reducing environmental impact, and connecting communities through state-of-the-art public transportation infrastructure. Explore some of our signature public transit projects here.
What you'll be challenged to do:
The Senior Project Manager will provide leadership for complex transit and rail projects, serving as a trusted advisor to clients while guiding multidisciplinary teams through all phases of project delivery. This individual will oversee project execution, manage client relationships, and ensure projects are delivered on schedule, within budget, and in accordance with GFT's quality standards. The role requires a collaborative leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and can effectively balance competing priorities while driving successful project outcomes.
In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following:
Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of complex transit and rail engineering projects from pursuit through design and construction support.
Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, maintaining strong relationships and ensuring client expectations are met throughout the project lifecycle.
Direct multidisciplinary project teams, providing leadership, technical guidance, and mentoring to engineers and project staff.
Manage project scope, schedule, budget, resources, and risk while implementing proactive strategies to address project challenges and changes.
Oversee project controls, including schedule development, cost management, forecasting, and performance reporting using Earned Value Analysis (EVA) or other project management techniques.
Lead change management activities, contract modifications, and project documentation while ensuring compliance with client requirements and contractual obligations.
Prepare and present project status reports, financial updates, and executive-level communications for clients and internal leadership.
Coordinate document control, project deliverables, and stakeholder communications to ensure timely and accurate information flow across project teams.
Develop and implement project execution plans, staffing plans, and project management strategies that support successful project delivery.
Lead quality management activities and ensure compliance with the GFT Quality Management System throughout project execution.
Support business development efforts by identifying new opportunities, participating in proposals, and contributing to client growth initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Civil, Electrical, Industrial, or Mechanical Engineering.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license, preferably in Massachusetts or another New England state.
• Experience working with major rail and transit agencies such as MBTA, MassDOT, Amtrak, Keolis, or other regional or national transit agencies.
• 10+ years of progressive experience managing the planning, design, and delivery of complex rail and transit infrastructure projects.
• Demonstrated success leading multidisciplinary engineering teams and managing projects through planning, alternatives analysis, environmental review, permitting, final design, construction, safety certification, and commissioning.
• Strong client relationship management, communication, and leadership skills with the ability to collaborate across diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Experience managing project scope, schedule, budget, risk, and quality while delivering successful project outcomes.
• Strong understanding of project delivery methodologies, project controls, and engineering consulting practices.

Nice To Haves

• PMI Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, AutoCAD, and/or MicroStation.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of complex transit and rail engineering projects from pursuit through design and construction support.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, maintaining strong relationships and ensuring client expectations are met throughout the project lifecycle.
• Direct multidisciplinary project teams, providing leadership, technical guidance, and mentoring to engineers and project staff.
• Manage project scope, schedule, budget, resources, and risk while implementing proactive strategies to address project challenges and changes.
• Oversee project controls, including schedule development, cost management, forecasting, and performance reporting using Earned Value Analysis (EVA) or other project management techniques.
• Lead change management activities, contract modifications, and project documentation while ensuring compliance with client requirements and contractual obligations.
• Prepare and present project status reports, financial updates, and executive-level communications for clients and internal leadership.
• Coordinate document control, project deliverables, and stakeholder communications to ensure timely and accurate information flow across project teams.
• Develop and implement project execution plans, staffing plans, and project management strategies that support successful project delivery.
• Lead quality management activities and ensure compliance with the GFT Quality Management System throughout project execution.
• Support business development efforts by identifying new opportunities, participating in proposals, and contributing to client growth initiatives.

Benefits

• Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment.
• Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.
• Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual.
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
• Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations
• Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior