Company Description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

AECOM’s Greater Pennsylvania Area (GPA) rail operations practice has an opportunity available for a Rail Program Manager and Operations Lead.  In this role, this person will be responsible for reporting to the Transit Rail team and the Transit Planning practice in Philadelphia, PA and throughout the AECOM East Region.  Works with local, national and global rail leaders to create a national and global rail operations center of excellence within AECOM.  This is a hybrid role based in Philadelphia, PA.

SUMMARY:

The Rail Program Manager and Operations Lead will work with the Transportation & Environmental Planning group as well as the Engineering groups and support a broad range of technical assignments. 

The successful candidate may be asked to serve as an AECOM team and/or discipline lead, project manager and/or technical task leader on selected projects and will coordinate, cooperate, and work collaboratively with others within multiple AECOM regions.  Clients may include Amtrak, Departments of Transportation, public rail agencies, railroads, private operators and more. 
 

RESPONSIBILITIES of this role include, but may not be limited to, the following:

Advancing an integrated approach to rail infrastructure design and service planning and overall responsibility for managing rail network simulation projects/tasks and contributing to preliminary design and final design of rail infrastructure projects as appropriate, including intercity rail, regional/commuter rail, freight rail and high-speed rail throughout the United States. 

Oversees railroad service planning and operations analysis including high level runtime and detailed rail network simulation modelingTeam building, staff mentoring, business development and program/project management and planning.  Interfaces with clients including railroads, passenger rail agencies and modelersTranslates client goals into deliverable modeling tasksProposes approach to solve new problems encountered using modifications of standard procedures or methods developed in previous assignments.Provides in-depth Quality Control and Quality Assurance for design/project management/program management.Identifies discrepancies in results.Provides guidance to modelers/analystsInterpret and advise on modeling logic and railroad operating rules as necessaryVerify modeling outputs results are realistic and client alignedCharacterize modeling results into clear, digestible reports and presentationsCoordinate and iterate with other rail planning disciplines including design teamsPerforms work in accordance with agreed upon budget and schedule with little supervision.Performance at this level requires developmental experience in a professional position.

Qualifications

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

BA/BS + 10 years of relevant experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education, including 2 years of leadershipFamiliarity with passenger rail-sponsoring agencies (DOT’s, rail authorities, Amtrak, etc.)Experience with business development and client relationsExperience with rail simulation modeling software including Rail Traffic Controller (RTC) and ViriatoPrevious experience with rail planningDemonstrated experience with MS Office suite of programsDue to the nature of the work, US Citizenship is required

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

12 years of relevant experience including 4 years of leadershipExperience operating passenger and/or freight equipmentExperience working in railroad Transportation departments working on trains and field management positionsExperience in railroad service design both scheduling and capacity planningExperience rolling stock and maintenance requirements including passenger and freight equipmentExperience with rail infrastructure such as track and signal systemsExperience with Federal Railroad Administration discretionary grant programs including Corridor Identification and Development ProgramDemonstrated leadership skills and communication skills requiring client interaction

Additional InformationSponsorship for this role is not availableRelocation support is not available for this position

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2024. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.