Program director Jobs in Chicago, IL

Job Description

The Program Director – Rail and Transit is the senior leader responsible for the overall strategy, governance, delivery, and successful outcomes of large, complex rail and transit programs. The role provides executive leadership across all phases of the program lifecycle, from pursuit and mobilization through delivery, commissioning, and operational readiness.

The Program Director establishes the vision and delivery framework for major rail infrastructure investments, ensuring alignment with client objectives, rail industry regulations, public expectations, and organizational priorities. The role oversees multidisciplinary teams spanning engineering, systems integration, construction, operations, commercial management, environmental compliance, and stakeholder engagement.

As the accountable executive for program performance, the Program Director drives safety excellence, operational reliability, digital innovation, and sustainable delivery while maintaining focus on schedule, budget, quality, and long-term asset performance. The role also serves as a key industry leader, strengthening client relationships, supporting strategic growth initiatives, and enhancing organizational capability within the rail sector.

The role has been established to strengthen leadership readiness for major rail pursuits and support succession planning across strategic rail programs, ensuring experienced leadership is available to transition seamlessly from bid through delivery and operational commencement.

Due to the nature of the role, initial work location may be flexible; however, relocation to a major rail program location may be required following program award.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Program Leadership

• Provide executive leadership and strategic direction for major rail and transit programs, ensuring successful achievement of client, regulatory, operational, and business objectives.
• Establish and maintain an integrated program management framework covering engineering, construction, systems, testing and commissioning, and operational readiness.
• Define delivery strategies, governance structures, and performance objectives that support successful program outcomes and long-term network benefits.
• Lead program mobilization activities, ensuring the organization, systems, resources, and leadership structures are in place for successful execution.

Rail Systems & Operations Integration

• Oversee integration across all rail disciplines including track, signaling, communications, traction power, overhead catenary systems, stations, depots, rolling stock interfaces, and operational systems.
• Ensure effective systems integration and interface management across contractors, suppliers, operators, maintainers, and government stakeholders.
• Provide leadership during testing, commissioning, operational readiness, and handover activities to achieve safe and successful railway operations.
• Guide implementation of asset management, maintainability, reliability, and operational performance requirements throughout delivery.

Safety & Regulatory Compliance

• Serve as the senior safety leader for the program, promoting a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with all rail regulatory requirements, industry standards, safety certification processes, and client governance expectations.
• Oversee program-wide risk management, assurance, environmental stewardship, and quality programs.
• Support achievement of safety approvals, regulatory certifications, operational permits, and authorization processes required for service commencement.

Client & Stakeholder Leadership

• Build and maintain trusted relationships with senior client executives, rail operators, government agencies, regulators, funding bodies, and community stakeholders.
• Represent the program at executive steering committees, governance boards, industry forums, and public stakeholder engagements.
• Resolve complex stakeholder issues and drive alignment across diverse interests while protecting program objectives.

Commercial & Financial Management

• Provide executive oversight of program commercial strategy, contract administration, claims resolution, procurement, and supplier performance.
• Ensure effective management of program budgets, forecasts, contingencies, and financial performance.
• Direct commercial negotiations and strategic decision-making related to major contracts, partnerships, and delivery arrangements.
• Monitor program performance and implement corrective actions to manage cost, schedule, risk, and opportunity.

Innovation & Capability Development

• Champion innovation, digital delivery, BIM, digital engineering, data analytics, and emerging rail technologies.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance program performance, efficiency, and client value.
• Mentor and develop senior program leaders, supporting succession planning and workforce capability growth within the rail sector.
• Contribute to pursuit strategies, bid development, and market growth initiatives across rail and transit portfolios.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Program Management, Transportation, Business, or a related field.
• Typically 20+ years of experience in infrastructure delivery, including significant leadership experience on major rail, transit, or transportation programs.
• Demonstrated success leading complex, multi-billion-dollar rail infrastructure programs involving multiple stakeholders and delivery partners.
• Deep understanding of rail systems, infrastructure delivery models, regulatory environments, and operational requirements.
• Professional certification such as PgMP, PMP, APM RPP, CCM, or equivalent preferred.
• Chartered Engineer, Professional Engineer, or equivalent professional registration preferred.

Preferred Experience

• Executive leadership of major passenger rail, high-speed rail, metro, light rail, commuter rail, freight rail, or transit programs.
• Experience delivering programs involving significant rail systems integration, testing and commissioning, and operational readiness.
• Successful engagement with rail regulators, operators, infrastructure managers, and government agencies.
• Experience managing complex PPP, Design-Build, Alliance, EPC, Progressive Design-Build, or integrated delivery contracts.
• Strong track record leading geographically dispersed and multidisciplinary delivery organizations.
• Industry recognition through leadership positions, thought leadership, professional associations, or major project awards.

Additional Information

• All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

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 2025. 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.