Senior Architect

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.

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

Senior Architect

Metra is transforming how the Chicago region moves, and we're looking for a Senior Architect to help shape that future. In this high-impact role, you'll lead the design and delivery of critical infrastructure projects that serve thousands of riders every day, from modernized stations to innovative parking solutions. This role reports to the Director of Stations and Parking.

Why This Role Matters

As part of Metra's Capital Delivery Department, you'll play a key role in delivering large-scale, complex capital projects that directly enhance the customer experience and improve regional transit. You'll collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and industry-leading consultants to turn vision into reality-on time, on budget, and to the highest standards.

What You'll Do

• Lead design excellence: Serve as a subject matter expert reviewing and guiding architectural designs to ensure compliance with Metra standards, codes, and best practices.
• Drive complex projects: Manage multiple large-scale station and parking facility projects from concept through construction.
• Ensure successful delivery: Proactively identify risks, solve challenges, and keep projects aligned with scope, schedule, and budget.
• Partner across teams: Build strong relationships with project stakeholders, consultants, contractors, and public agencies to drive collaboration and results.
• Oversee contracts & consultants: Lead contract negotiations, scope development, contract administration, and performance management.
• Champion safety & quality: Promote a culture of safety while upholding the highest standards of design and construction quality.

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture or Civil Engineering
• 5+ years of experience in architectural or civil design, including project management
• Strong knowledge of:
  • Building codes, zoning, and accessibility requirements
  • Project management, controls, and contract administration
  • Capital project delivery across planning, design, and construction
  • Contract documents, including schematics, drawings and specifications
• Proven ability to:
  • Lead multidisciplinary teams and manage competing priorities
  • Deliver complex projects under tight deadlines
  • Develop budgets, schedules, and cost estimates
• Excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365; experience with CAD and/BIM, GIS, Adobe Creative Suite, Power BI, 3D modeling software, and GIS is preferred

Preferred Qualifications

• Licensed Architect or Professional Engineer (Illinois)
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification
• Familiarity with NEPA/Section 106/707 requirements, local, state and federal requirements for capital projects at all phases, and AREMA Manuals

Additional Requirements

• Valid driver's license and ability to travel throughout the region
• Flexibility to work outside standard business hours when needed

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 andemployees' 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 RAC@Metrarr.com.

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.