Project Manager (7131) - Trolley Modernization

Category:  Manager/Supervisor/Administrator
Facility:  SEPTA Headquarters
City:  Philadelphia
Date:  Nov 12, 2025
Req ID:  7838

 

Secure Your Future with SEPTA – A Leader in Transportation!

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) is the sixth-largest transportation system in the U.S., connecting communities across a 2,200-square-mile service region. SEPTA is at the forefront of innovation in the transit industry, ensuring reliable and efficient services while driving economic growth in the Philadelphia region.

 

We are proud to be recognized as:

2023 FORBES Best in State Employer

Philadelphia Employer of Choice for 2024

 

We are seeking to hire candidates for our Project Manager (7131) - Trolley Modernization position.    

 

Opening Date: 11/12/2025

Closing Date: 11/30/2025

Job Grade: SAM 42

Starting Salary: $117,832 

Additional $5,000 salary increase for having a Pennsylvania PE License.

OVERALL DESCRIPTION

We are seeking to hire a Project Manager for the Trolley Modernization Program. The Project Manager position requires an extensive background in Engineering/Architecture and construction, as well as knowledge of business practices.


Manages all aspects of 3rd party and in-house projects, as assigned by the Program Manager/Senior Program Manager, to ensure that project planning, design, implementation, and completion meet the requirements and needs of SEPTA and the requirements of all the agencies, governments, specialinterest groups and the general public to which SEPTA is responsible.


The Project Manager must come in contact with many people at higher organizational levels, both within SEPTA and outside the Authority. His/Hercontacts include Department Managers and General Superintendents within SEPTA, as well as consultant/contractor firms' Assistant Vice Presidents,and Federal, State, City, and local government officials. He/She must possess the ability to communicate effectively in a professional manner.


The Project Manager will support Trolley Modernization - SEPTA's program to transform the nation's largest trolley network into an accessible, fast,and easy-to-use system. Trolley Modernization features new, accessible vehicles that hold more passengers; new on-street stations that are fullyaccessible; and infrastructure and operational improvements to make service faster and more reliable. The Project Manager will be leading the design and construction of the Route T5 Improvements Project, in addition to other projects in the program. The T5 Improvements project is under design and will include new, accessible on-street stations, passenger amenities and modernized infrastructure.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Consults with senior management in developing on-going railway improvement programs, by formulating conceptual project plans and specifications so as to best allow for simultaneous multi-discipline improvements and conformance to applicable funding agency requirements.
  • Prepares budgets, schedules, program and force account plans for proposed projects.
  • Prepares Requests for Proposals, manages consultant contracts, and coordinates design concepts and reviews with Operations Departments.
  • Provides liaison with appropriate Federal, State, City and local government agencies and SEPTA to coordinate design requirements with consultant design.
  • May represent the Authority with Special Interest Groups or local committees, and present designs at public meetings.
  • Has responsibility for maintaining, forecasting, and maintaining budgets and manpower requirements.
  • Directs the project management team during the design construction and/or procurement stages of a project. This includes project management, construction management, and coordination with government agencies and SEPTA Operations Departments.
  • Monitors progress, performance of consultants and contractors.
  • Consults with supervision concerning unusual problems and developments on administrative and policy matters.
  • Supervises, coordinates and reviews the work of a team of engineers/architects and construction inspectors. Estimates manpower needs and schedules, and assigns work to meet schedules.
  • The Project Manager applies intensive and diversified knowledge of principals and practices in broad areas of engineering and construction assignments. He/She must make decisions independently in resolving engineering problems and construction issues. He/She may act as an individual researcher on specific issues.
  • Responsible for the development and review of project management training and seminars within his/her discipline.
  • Complies with all Authority and departmental safety and security policies and procedures as well as all applicable job safety responsibilities. Reports any safety concerns, compromises or hazards affecting operations, the public, self and/or other employees. Responsible for personal safety and is encouraged to promote the safety of others.
  • Performs other duties as assigned/required.

DISCIPLINE SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

 

  • Under the direction of the Program Manager, directs all phases of major, multiple-project, multiple­ contracts Capital Programs so as to complete the work within the established budget and schedule. 
  • Establishes goals, procedures, and objectives for assigned personnel and projects including the development of resource budgets and including the scheduling, planning and organizing of the work load for subordinates. 
  • Responsible for approval of design engineering and consultant management contracts, procedures, and design contract modifications. 
  • Ensures that all project plans, studies and technical analyses, are complete, correct, and conform to SEPTA and industry standards. 
  • Manages and directs the activities of the program management consultants. 
  • Directs the preparation of final design plans and specifications. 
  • Prepares information required to solicit construction proposals. 
  • Evaluates construction contract bids and recommends award. 
  • Coordinates, directs, resolves conflicts, and approves the construction-related activities of contractors, vendors and consultants. 
  • Coordinates extensive inspection of projects to assure compliance to plans, schedules, and project budgets. In this capacity, the Project Manager is also responsible for the review and approval of changes to the project while assuring conformity with previously established goals and objectives. 
  • Establishes design and construction criteria, standard specifications, general plans, standard plans, and management procedures to effect consistency and assure compliance with industry standards. 
  • Consults with management at all levels on problem identification and solutions of same on issues of engineering and construction. 

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

  • Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management or related discipline and eight (8) years of progressive engineering/architectural employment experience, or an equivalent combination of engineering and project management, or related experience in construction is required. Experience in Civil Engineering, or Architecture, is preferred.
  • OR Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Architecture, or EIT with either Master's Degree in Engineering or MBA with six (6) years responsible experience. 
  • Excellent writing, communication, interpersonal, analytical, and logical reasoning skills required.
  • Effective coaching skills required. 
  • Excellent computer skills required.
  • Must have a valid Driver’s License.
  • PA registered Professional Engineer/Registered Architect (PE/RA) preferred.
  • Experience in public transit project management preferred.

Why Join Our Team? Enjoy Outstanding Benefits!

✅ Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage – Medical, prescription, dental, and vision plans with little to no employee premiums.

✅ Retirement Security – Participate in a Defined Benefit Pension Plan and a 457B Deferred Compensation Plan to build your financial future.

✅ Work-Life Balance – Enjoy paid parental leave, generous vacation time, and paid holidays to recharge and spend time with loved ones.

✅ Employee Wellness – Access wellness programs and resources to support your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

✅ Invest in Your Growth – We offer tuition reimbursement to support your education and career advancement.

✅ Student Loan Assistance – Our positions qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, helping you manage and reduce student debt.

✅ Free Travel Perks – Receive a FREE SEPTA Transportation Pass, giving you unlimited access to all SEPTA services!

 

Join us and take advantage of these incredible benefits while making a difference in your community!

 

Join the Best in Transit! Apply Today

📢 Click Apply Now and take the next step in your engineering career with SEPTA!

📍 Have Questions? For more information, please visit How We Hire Careers Page.

🚆 SEPTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

 

SEPTA is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.             


Nearest Major Market: Philadelphia