Deputy Director of Transit and Rail Operations

Deputy Director, Transit And Rail Operations

GFTis seeking a Deputy Director, Transit and Rail Operations to join our Transit & Rail Practice in any of our GFT locations! This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance in the 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.

What you'll be challenged to do :

In this role, you will focus on advancing operational excellence, client delivery, and strategic growth across major transit operations, maintenance, and systems programs. The Deputy Director will provide executive-level leadership and technical guidance on projects involving bus rapid transit (BRT), light rail, commuter rail, and multimodal corridor operations. This position plays a key role in driving operational readiness, safety, and performance-based outcomes for clients nationwide while mentoring internal teams and advancing GFT's reputation as a trusted partner to agencies and operators.

In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following :

• Operational Leadership & Client Delivery
• Program & Project Oversight
• Strategic Growth & Market Development
• Team Leadership & Mentoring

Education | Experience :

What you will bring to our firm :

Bachelor's degree in Transportation, Civil Engineering, Urban Planning, Public Administration, or related discipline.

Minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in transit or rail operations management, planning, or consulting.

Demonstrated success leading complex, multi-agency operational initiatives or service startups.

Strong understanding of FTA / FRA regulations, safety management systems (SMS), and O&M practices.

Proven client relationship skills with the ability to communicate effectively at executive and technical levels.

What we prefer you bring :

Bachelor's degree in a related field.

PMP, PE, AICP or equivalent professional certification.

Experience with Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), LRT, or commuter rail service activation and system testing.

Prior experience with NEPA-to-Operations transitions, FTA Small Starts / Capital Investment Grant projects, or value engineering.

Experience leading teams within a consulting or design-build environment.

Featured Benefits :

Company Overview :

At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships that's why we're the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry's brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more. Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century's experience, together we're building a lasting legacy for future generations : stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives.

GFT : Ingenuity That Shapes Lives is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans' status or other characteristics protected by law.

Location : North America

Core Business Hours : 8 : 00 AM 5 : 00 PM

Employment Status : Full-Time

Salary Range : $270,000 - $365,000 Salary dependent upon experience and geographic location

GFT does require the successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions.

"California Applicants" Applicants in the County of Los Angeles- Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act. Applicants in the City of San Francisco- Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Applicants in the State of California- Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the California Fair Chance Act.