Transit Engineering Lead

Saylor Consulting Group is seeking an experienced Engineering Lead to support our client, the Transbay Joint Powers Authority (TJPA), on The Portal (Downtown Rail Extension) program in San Francisco. The role supports delivery of the 40-CT Civil & Tunnel Progressive Design-Build (PDB) contract. It is a hybrid position: the individual must report to the project trailer in downtown San Francisco at least three days per week. The assignment is expected to last several years at 40 hours per week.

The start date is urgent. Half-time availability between now and February 2027 can be accommodated, with full-time work after that. We would also consider an immediate full-time start for the right candidate.

Reporting to the 40-CT Package Manager, the Engineering Lead will lead and coordinate the technical and engineering activities associated with this major underground infrastructure package. The 40-CT scope includes:

• an underground station
• utility relocation
• shafts and Sequential Excavation Method (SEM) tunneling
• cut-and-cover tunneling with traffic decking

The role calls for strong experience integrating complex underground transit projects, including civil works, temporary works, construction methodology, and multidisciplinary design, in a dense urban environment. The Engineering Lead will work closely with the Integrated Program Management Team (IPMT), the General Engineering Consultant (GEC), the PDB contractor, and third parties. The goal is to make sure engineering development supports safe, constructible, and cost-effective delivery of the package. 

• Serve as the technical and engineering lead for the 40-CT package, reporting to and supporting the Package Manager.
• Lead coordination and integration of engineering across underground station architecture, station fit-out, tunneling, geotechnical, structural, civil, utilities, temporary works and underground station disciplines.
• Oversee technical development of the PDB contractor’s design and coordinate review of design submissions for compliance with project requirements.
• Coordinate technical input from the General Engineering Consultant (GEC) and specialist subject matter experts supporting the IPMT.
• Lead resolution of complex multidisciplinary design issues, technical interfaces and constructability matters.
• Ensure engineering development appropriately considers construction methodology, sequencing, temporary works, utilities, traffic staging, cost, schedule and risk.
• Support evaluation of design alternatives, value engineering proposals and contractor innovations in collaboration with the Package Manager and wider IPMT.
• Provide technical input to development and reconciliation of the PDB contractor’s construction scope and price, including review of quantities, design assumptions, means and methods and technical risks.
• Coordinate engineering interfaces between 40-CT and other Portal contract packages, utilities, existing infrastructure and third parties.
• Support the Package Manager in identifying and managing technical risks, changes and design decisions, including their potential cost, schedule and contractual implications.
• Lead coordination of the GEC’s Engineering Services During Construction (ESDC), providing technical support to the IPMT in its oversight of the 40-CT contract.
• Support resolution of construction-phase technical issues, design clarifications, field conditions and contractor technical submittals.

• Significant engineering leadership experience on major underground transit, heavy civil or rail infrastructure projects, with a strong understanding of design.
• Experience with sequential excavation method (SEM) tunneling, shafts, cut-and-cover construction, underground structures and complex urban construction is highly desirable. Experience working with Progressive Design-Build, Design-Build, CMGC or similar collaborative delivery models would be advantageous.
• Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams, managing contractor-led design, resolving complex design and constructability issues, and working closely with project management, construction, commercial and project controls teams.
• A degree in civil, structural, geotechnical or related engineering discipline is required. Professional Engineering registration is strongly preferred.

Saylor Consulting Group (SCG) is a great place to work where your opinion matters, where you can grow with a supportive staff and make a difference in our project outcomes. We are proud to be an advisor on some of the largest, most technically complex projects in the nation. Our business is thriving and we offer unlimited opportunities for growth and career advancement. Additionally, we offer a competitive rate, flexibility, and an environment that recognizes and rewards hard work, with unlimited opportunities for professional development and advancement.  Salary is commensurate to education and experience and we offer a competitive full benefits package to full-time employees.

We seek like-minded professionals who have a passion for estimating, drive to achieve results, creative problem-solving ability, and a dedication to client service and relationship management. We want our people to succeed both in work and life. To support this we promote a healthy, productive and flexible working environment that respects work-life balance. Come join us and partner with our world-class team and do your best work.

Please apply by emailing a brief cover letter and CV to nsaylor@saylorconsulting.com. We look forward to hearing from you! Saylor Consulting Group is an equal opportunity employer and makes hiring decisions solely on the basis of merit.