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Rail Systems Design Manager, Southern California

AECOM

Orange, CA · HybridJob$180–220K/yrSeen todaySeen in employer's feed today

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At a glance

Compensation
$180–220K/yr
Location
Orange, CAHybrid
Work Authorization
Visa required • Visa sponsorship

Olive lists jobs from US employers, including remote roles you can work from the United States.

Job overview

AECOM seeks a Rail Systems Design Manager to oversee rail systems implementation across project phases and support its transit and rail practice. The role coordinates design-build interfaces, installation, integration, testing, and commissioning; ensures alignment with program standards and regulations; and leads multidisciplinary teams, supports technical issue resolution, and mentors mid-career staff. The position is hybrid and based in Southern California.

Skills & qualifications

RequiredNice to have

Skills

Rail Systems EngineeringOverhead Contact SystemsTrain ControlTraction PowerRail CommunicationsSystem IntegrationProject ManagementSchedulingRisk ManagementTechnical AnalysisClient CommunicationLeadershipCoordinationProblem SolvingRegulatory ComplianceDesign Management

Qualifications

BA/BS or Equivalent Experience8 Years Related Experience15 Years Rail Project Experience

Benefits

Medical Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Paid Time Off
401(k) Match

Full job description

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 is seeking a Rail Systems Design Manager to join our World Class Transit/Rail Team in support of our rail systems practice.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Rail Systems Design Manager will work collaboratively with a team of engineers and specialists across rail systems. This position plays a key role in overseeing all phases of rail systems implementation while ensuring alignment with program standards, project management best practices, and regulatory requirements.

  • lan, coordinate, and manage the oversight of rail systems delivery across all project phases, ensuring alignment with project management processes

  • Support timely resolution of rail systems-related issues, including design-build coordination, interface management, installation, integration, testing, and commissioning

  • Support issue resolution related to contracts, third parties, and technical matters

  • Develop, implement, and improve strategies, policies, procedures, and tools to support effective rail systems oversight and delivery

  • Ensure consistent application of systems engineering principles and project management best practices

  • Knowledge of the rail systems disciplines such as overhead contact systems, train control, traction power, communications, and system integration and experience in one or more

  • Project management tools, scheduling techniques, and risk management practices

  • Understand the interrelated aspects of rail systems within a complex infrastructure program

  • Analyze technical documents and data accurately to develop effective solutions and strategies

  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and resolve technical, logistical, and contractual issues

  • Communicate effectively, demonstrating leadership, coordination, and problem-solving skills

  • Overseeing the preparation of detailed calculations, drawings, technical specifications, procurement documents, design and installation packages, proposal evaluations, technical reports, cost estimates, detailed analyses, design justifications, and other materials suitable for procurement and construction purposes for transit/rail projects

  • Ensure all design elements are compliant with the relevant Rail Operation Rules, all applicable industry codes and standards, and client expectations

  • Provide valuable leadership to mid-career staff and mentoring to develop their technical skills.

  • Interact with clients to discuss technical topics in a clear and professional manner. Facilitate resolution of customer expectations versus technical issues

  • Work with tight schedules and motivate project teams

  • Plan and execute project work, based on an understanding of the project scope, schedule, and budget

Qualifications

MINIMUM:

  • BA/BS + 8 years of related experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education,

PREFERRED;

  • 15 years of experience in the design and management of complex multidisciplinary rail system projects

  • Experience on design management responsibility, including management of design services during design and construction

  • Technical competence in all elements of transit/rail systems engineering

  • Ability to recommend appropriate actions to ensure compliance with clients, local, state, and federal regulations

Additional Information

  • Relocation is not an option for this position

  • We are interested in every qualified candidate eligible to work in the United States. Sponsorship may be available for current visa holders in the United States

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.

Offered rate of compensation will be based on individual education, qualifications, experience, and work location. The range for this position is $180000 to $220000.

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.

ReqID: J10163411

Business Line: Transportation

Business Group: DCS

Strategic Business Unit: West

Career Area: Engineering

Work Location Model: Hybrid

Compensation: USD 180000 - USD 220000 - yearly

How this job compares

Set against the 5,601 open Engineering Manager jobs on Olive Jobs, counted November 3, 2026.

Pay
  • This posting$180–220K/yr
  • California median$192–285K/yr920 salary ranges
  • US median$148–257K/yr4,504 salary ranges

This range's midpoint, $200K, is 15% below the California median midpoint ($236K) — in the middle half of Engineering Manager salary ranges in California.

Openings
Olive Jobs lists 1,072 open Engineering Manager jobs in California and 5,601 across the US. 6% of them nationwide are listed as remote or flexible.
Hiring the most in California
Experience
This posting asks for at least 8 years of experience; Engineering Manager postings that state a minimum ask for 7 years at the median (4,956 postings).
Education
2,478 of the 5,601 open Engineering Manager jobs (44%) ask for a bachelor's degree or higher.

Counted across the open, public US postings on Olive Jobs on November 3, 2026. Pay medians are the middle values of the low ends and of the high ends of postings that list both ends of a range in the same cadence (a yearly salary or an hourly rate); a range's midpoint is halfway between its ends. Pay and experience figures resting on fewer than 20 postings are left out.

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