Lead Architect

Job Description

The final salary will depend on the candidate's qualifications. Those with 8 years or more of required experience can expect offers up to the midpoint of the salary range. Metra provides full pay ranges so candidates can consider their growth potential.

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Qualified veterans who meet the minimum requirements will receive outreach during the recruitment process in accordance with Federal and State laws, including the Illinois Veterans Preference Act. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview or job offer. The most qualified candidate will be selected.

Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties. The agency is linking communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe, reliable, and efficient commuter service.

Metra's Capital Delivery Department oversees the design, construction and administration of Metra capital projects and manages the work of consultants and contractors implementing these projects. Capital projects overseen by this group include stations and parking as well as structural, civil, electrical, mechanical, traction power, and wayfinding and signs. The department also includes Project Management, NEPA, Project Controls, and Project Administration teams.

Reporting to the Director of Stations and Parking, the Lead Architect performs expert level professional architectural duties in connection with the design, construction, and renovation of station and parking facility projects and manages the most complex projects leading design efforts, ensuring leading design efforts, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in compliance with Metra's guidelines and quality standards; mentoring less experienced staff; and acting as a lead or supervisor on designated projects.

The primary duties include: Provide leadership, coaching, and mentoring to less experienced staff; conduct quality reviews of all station project designs, providing feedback to staff and documenting lessons learned to ensure consistency and accuracy of work performed. Function as subject-matter-expert leading project teams in the review of architectural plans and designs prepared by in-house staff or consultants for compliance with Station Design Guidelines, zoning and code compliance, efficiencies, cost effectiveness, and constructability; and recommending changes to ensure compliance with scope, budget, and schedules. Monitor project progress, identify and manage project risks; recommend solutions to keep projects within budget, scope, and schedule; and ensure compliance with contract specifications, design guidelines, best practices, and quality and safety standards. Lead the contract administration process including reviewing bids and proposals, negotiating consultant level-of-effort and contracts; negotiating and processing contract changes; authorizing contract payments upon work completion; and evaluating vendor performance and recommending appropriate action when performance does not meet contract specifications. Develop and maintain strong stakeholder relationships both within and outside the organization to facilitate project coordination, foster communications, and accomplish the department's work. Promote safe work practices and maintain and foster a safe work environment. Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Architecture or Civil Engineering.
• In addition to #1, must have seven years of Architectural or Civil design experience that includes project management.
• Considerable knowledge of the principles and best practices of planning, Architectural/Engineering design, procurement, and construction projects.
• Considerable knowledge of project management, project controls, and contract administration principles and best practices.
• Considerable knowledge of building codes, zoning ordinances, accessibility codes is required.
• Good knowledge of local, state, and federal requirements for capital projects at all phases.
• Knowledge of NEPA/Section 106/707 requirements and AREMA Manuals is preferred.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft 365. Skill with design software/workflows for Power BI, Adobe Creative Suite, CAD and/or BIM software, 3D modeling software, and GIS is preferred.
• Considerable skill conceptualizing complex architectural designs.
• Strong project management skills.
• Strong conflict resolution skills.
• Skill preparing complex architectural schematics, drawings, specifications, and cost estimates.
• Skill in comprehending, understanding, and continuously improving architectural/engineering contract documents and contract structures.
• Ability to foster teamwork by working cooperatively and effectively with others to establish goals, resolve problems, and find solutions that enhance projects.
• Ability to provide leadership to interdisciplinary project teams and build relationships with individuals both within and outside of the organization.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure and tight deadlines.
• Must be able to operate a vehicle.
• Must be willing to travel within and outside of Metra's 6-county region.
• Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.

Preferred:

• Project Management Professional certification.
• Illinois Licensed Architect or Professional Engineer.

Metra employees in an active review period under the current discipline policy or who have documented attendance or performance issues will not be considered and/or selected for this position.

Please note: Regardless of any state laws that legalize marijuana, Metra prohibits applicants and employees’ use or possession of marijuana (or marijuana paraphernalia), or having detectable amounts of marijuana in their bodies, including synthetic and/or non-synthetic substances such as THC for any reason for preemployment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.

Metra is committed to ensuring that our career website and recruiting process are accessible to all individuals. If you encounter difficulties or limitations in using or accessing our online application, or if you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, participate in interviews, complete any pre-employment testing, or engage in any other aspect of the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to [email protected].

Metra is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, gender identity, disability, or any protected categories, assuming an individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.