Project Director

About us

Network Rail Consulting (NRC) is the international consultancy arm of Network Rail – the owner and operator of Britain’s mainline rail system. We have been active in the North American, Australian and the Middle East markets since 2013 and have successfully delivered more than 150 consultancy contracts for government, public and privately owned organizations.

Through our consulting services in the United States (US), we are assisting both public agencies and private clients in the transportation sector to accelerate transformation efforts, make step-changes in major program delivery, and achieve leaps forward in areas such as asset management & maintenance, major projects, railway operations, strategic planning and advisory.

Our work is driven forward by our values: agile, always safe, care about people, collaborative, impartial and passionate.

The opportunity with NRC

Building on our continued success, we are looking for an experienced rail professional to join our team as a Project Director in New York.

You will provide subject matter expertise and support to the clients Construction & Development (C&D) Program Executive, Signals & Train Control Business Unit on the subject of project and program management and act as a Project Director for the client.

Key Accountabilities

• Provide executive leadership and direction for major capital projects.
• Align program execution with the clients Capital Program priorities, including system modernization, reliability improvements, capacity increases, and accessibility goals.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams involved in design, engineering, construction, operations, and systems integration.
• Oversee the development of engineering deliverables, including design documents, system specifications, technical studies, and construction plans.
• Ensure system design and installation adhere to signaling standards, including interface specification requirements.
• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, as well as the client internal engineering standards.
• Manage installation scheduling amid limited track access windows and operational constraints unique to the client.
• Oversee contract development, negotiation, and administration for design‑build contracts.
• Review contractor submittals, shop drawings, and design deliverables.
• Coordinate program activities with major engineering contractors and subcontractors.
• Manage program‑level budgeting, forecasting, resource allocation, and financial performance.
• Monitor schedule milestones, risk exposure, performance metrics, and capital program reporting requirements.
• Ensure adherence to the client Capital Program governance, project controls, and reporting processes.
• Ensure all project activities comply with relevant regulations, codes, and standards.
• Lead oversight for engineering and construction activities associated with CBTC deployment.
• Identify and mitigate program risks related to technical design, construction, schedule, budget, and operations.
• Oversee testing, integration, and system validation across program lines.
• Coordinate with the client operations to ensure seamless system integration and readiness for revenue service.
• Support post‑commissioning optimization to achieve reliability and performance benchmarks.
• Provide regular program updates to senior stakeholder leadership, board committees, and government oversight bodies.
• Communicate risks, mitigation strategies, milestones, and performance status with clarity and transparency.
• Maintain stakeholder trust by ensuring project decisions support safety, service reliability, and public benefit.

Experience, skills, knowledge, and competencies.

• A master’s degree in engineering or related field. In lieu of a master’s or advanced degree in System Engineering, or related field.
• Significant experience working with system design for major modernization programs.
• Demonstrated experience in a managerial/leadership role.
• Demonstrated experience leading and managing contractors, subcontractors, or vendors.
• Direct management experience in transit.
• Strong understanding of CBTC systems, signal modernization, wayside/vehicle integration, and transit communication systems.
• Expertise in reviewing and approving engineering designs, drawings, and specifications for complex transit systems.
• Proficiency in oversight, technical coordination, and field safety management.
• Executive‑level communication and stakeholder management.
• Demonstrated ability to lead multi‑disciplinary teams and complex programs.
• Strong risk management, problem‑solving, and strategic planning skills.
• Must possess strong business administrative skills (i.e., presentations, report and letter writing, time management, etc.).
• Experience with budgeting, resource allocation, scheduling, and progress monitoring.

For the right person, this role presents a fantastic opportunity to develop their career, joining an established and passionate team, with ambitious plans to grow.

We offer benefits such as:

• Competitive compensation packages
• Healthcare insurance premiums (100% paid for by us)
• Generous vacation leave entitlement (25 days)
• 401K with employer matching contributions
• Access to Employee Discount Program via LifeMart

NRC supports flexible working practices, and we understand that life balance is an important part of our employees' lives. We offer a wide range of flexible work/life balance options such as hybrid (home/office) working, flexible working hours where appropriate.

Apply

Sound interesting? Apply to this vacancy today and our Talent Acquisition team will review your application in due course.

NRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of age, race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, or veteran status.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.