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Transit Manager Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Manage subconsultants and internal design teams, ensuring timely, coordinated, and technically ... Proven experience working with major transit or transportation agencies (e.g., CTA, Metra, Amtrak ...

Analyze operational performance using Power BI, Transit Management Software (TMS), Excel, CSV data, and other reporting tools to identify trends, performance gaps, and enterprise-wide improvement ...

... transit services across the United States. With more than 5,500 team members operating over 4,000 ... This role is responsible for the hands-on execution, management, and coordination of maintenance ...

Analyze operational performance using Power BI, Transit Management Software (TMS), Excel, CSV data, and other reporting tools to identify trends, performance gaps, and enterprise-wide improvement ...

... transit services across the United States. With more than 5,500 team members operating over 4,000 ... This role is responsible for the hands-on execution, management, and coordination of maintenance ...

Road Supervisor Para Transit

Dekalb, IL · On-site

$19.25 - $24/hr

... local management. • Conduct on-the-scene accident investigations; assist drivers in preparing ... transit supervisory experience preferred • Computer literate - basic knowledge of Microsoft ...

Showing results 21-40

Transit Manager information

See Illinois salary details

$26.6K

$79.1K

$133.2K

How much do transit manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for transit manager in Illinois is $79,147.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $112,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a transit manager?

Transit Managers are professionals responsible for overseeing the daily operations of public transportation systems, such as buses, subways, or light rail. They coordinate schedules, manage staff, handle budgets, and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards. Transit Managers also work to improve service efficiency, address rider concerns, and implement new policies or technologies to enhance transportation services. Their role is crucial for ensuring that public transit runs smoothly and meets the needs of the community.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a transit manager?

To thrive as a Transit Manager, you need expertise in transportation operations, planning, and regulatory compliance, often supported by a bachelor's degree in transportation, public administration, or a related field. Familiarity with transit scheduling software, fleet management systems, and safety regulations is typically required. Exceptional leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help manage teams and coordinate with various stakeholders. These competencies are crucial for ensuring efficient transit operations, rider safety, and effective service delivery.

What are some common challenges faced by transit managers, and how do teams typically address them?

Transit Managers often face challenges such as coordinating complex schedules, managing budget constraints, and ensuring service reliability amidst unexpected events like vehicle breakdowns or staff shortages. To address these, teams use real-time data systems for tracking and adjusting routes, collaborate closely with maintenance and operations staff, and implement contingency plans to maintain service levels. Regular communication and cross-departmental teamwork are key to quickly resolving issues and maintaining a high standard of public service.

What is the difference between Transit Manager vs Transit Supervisor?

AspectTransit Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees entire transit operations, manages staff, develops policies, and ensures safety compliance.
CredentialsBachelor's degree in transportation, logistics, or related field; often requires transit-specific certifications.
Work EnvironmentOffice-based with field oversight, managing multiple transit routes and teams.
Employer & Industry UsagePublic transit agencies, private transportation companies, government agencies.

While both roles focus on transit operations, the Transit Manager has broader responsibilities, strategic oversight, and higher-level decision-making compared to the Transit Supervisor, who typically manages daily operations and staff at a more localized level.

What are the most commonly searched types of Transit jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Transit jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Transit Manager jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Transit Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Transit Manager job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,147 per year, or $38.1 per hour.

Transit Facility Structural Design Lead

CDM Smith

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


CDM Smith rating

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 450 rated engineering


Job description

Company Overview

Check out this video and find out why our team loves to work here!
Join Us! CDM Smith – where amazing career journeys unfold.
Imagine a place committed to offering an unmatched employee experience. Where you work on projects that are meaningful to you. Where you play an active part in shaping your career journey. Where your co-workers are invested in you and your success. Where you are encouraged and supported to do your very best and given the tools and resources to do so. Where it’s a priority that the company takes good care of you and your family.
Our employees are the heart of our company. As an employer of choice, our goal is to provide a challenging, progressive and inclusive work environment which fosters personal leadership, career growth and development for every employee. We value passionate individuals who challenge the norm, deliver world-class solutions and bring diverse perspectives. Join our team, and together we will make a difference and change the world.


Job Description

We are seeking a Transit Facility Structural Design Lead to serve as the senior technical authority for the structural design of transit infrastructure projects in the Chicago area. This position is intended for an experienced structural engineer with deep expertise in transit facilities and the ability to lead complex projects from concept through construction. The successful candidate will take full ownership of structural design delivery, provide technical leadership across multidisciplinary teams, and ensure the development of permit- and construction-ready contract documents for projects in active urban transit environments. Key Responsibilities Structural Design Leadership Lead the structural design of transit infrastructure projects, including passenger stations, maintenance and storage facilities, and other transit-support structures. Serve as the technical authority for structural systems, guiding design decisions from early planning through final design and construction support. Act as Engineer of Record when required, including signing and sealing structural calculations, drawings, and specifications. Ensure designs meet applicable codes, agency standards, and industry best practices, while managing technical risk and constructability. Technical Oversight & Quality Control Review and approve structural calculations, drawings, and specifications. Establish and enforce quality control procedures and consistent technical standards across projects. Support construction activities, including responses to RFIs and coordination during work in active operating transit environments. Multidisciplinary Coordination Coordinate closely with architectural, civil, systems, construction, and operations teams. Manage structural scope on projects with multiple interfaces, phased construction, and ongoing transit operations. Apply sound engineering judgment related to constructability, staging, durability, and maintenance considerations in dense urban settings. Mentorship & Team Development Provide technical guidance, direction, and mentorship to junior engineers and emerging technical leaders. Assign work, oversee day-to-day technical efforts, and support staff development within the structural discipline. Project Strategy & Client Engagement Serve as Project Technical Leader for structural design on transit facility projects and pursuits, with a regional focus and national collaboration. Support proposal development, scope definition, and fee proposals. Participate in client meetings and presentations; communicate technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences. Coordinate with project managers on staffing, budgets, schedules, and overall technical execution.


Skills & Abilities

Expert Knowledge of computer assisted design and drafting (CADD) 3D and 4D software and practices. Expert Knowledge of engineer principles of design. Expert Knowledge of Microsoft business software (excel, word, etc.). Excellent verbal and written communications skills. Strong knowledge of federal, state and local regulations. Ability to arrange/layout structural systems and elements for strength, stability, constructability, and construction economy. Expert knowledge of engineering analysis/design software (e.g. Revit, STAAD, RISA).


Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Civil, Architectural or Structural Engineering or related discipline. Professional engineering (PE) license. 10 years of related experience. Domestic and/or international travel may be required. The frequency of travel is contingent on specific duties, responsibilities, and the essential functions of the position, which may vary depending on workload and project demands. Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.


Preferred Qualifications

Strong background in Transit Facility Design, preferably with clients like CTA, Metra, and/or Illinois Municipalities. Leadership experience on projects involving active operations, constrained sites, and phased construction. Experience developing: Project scopes of work and fee proposals. Design criteria, construction plans, specifications, and cost estimates. Technical reports and design justification documentation. Experience managing task- or project-level budgets and schedules. Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and mentor technical staff. SE license. 

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Amount of Travel Required
10% or less
EEO Statement
We attract the best people in the industry, supporting their efforts to learn and grow. We strive to create a challenging and progressive work environment. We provide career opportunities that span a variety of disciplines and geographic locations, with projects that our employees plan, design, build and operate as diverse as the needs of our clients. CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, pregnancy related conditions, childbirth and related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression), national origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Background Check and Drug Testing Information
CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries (hereafter collectively referred to as "CDM Smith") reserves the right to require background checks including criminal, employment, education, licensure, etc. as well as credit and motor vehicle when applicable for certain positions. In addition, CDM Smith may conduct drug testing for designated positions. Background checks are conducted after an offer of employment has been made in the United States. The timing of when background checks will be conducted on candidates for positions outside the United States will vary based on country statutory law but in no case, will the background check precede an interview. CDM Smith will conduct interviews of qualified individuals prior to requesting a criminal background check, and no job application submitted prior to such interview shall inquire into an applicant's criminal history. If this position is subject to a background check for any convictions related to its responsibilities and requirements, employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history. Criminal history will not automatically disqualify a candidate. In addition, during employment individuals may be required by CDM Smith or a CDM Smith client to successfully complete additional background checks, including motor vehicle record as well as drug testing.
Massachusetts Applicants
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Additional Pay Range Information
CDM Smith is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. This pay range is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels for the geographic location assigned to the position. In addition to geographic location, a candidate's salary is determined by several other factors including, but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, relevant work experience, skills, required certifications, and education/training.
Additional Compensation
All bonuses at CDM Smith are discretionary and may or may not apply to this position.
Visa Sponsorship Available
No-We will not support sponsorship in the United States, i.e. H-1B or TN Visas for this position
Agency Disclaimer
All vendors must have a signed CDM Smith Placement Agreement from the CDM Smith Talent Acquisition Manager to receive payment for your placement. Verbal or written commitments from any other member of the CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries staff will not be considered binding terms. All unsolicited resumes sent to CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries and any resume submitted to any employee outside of CDM Smith Talent Acquisition Team will be considered property of CDM Smith. CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries will not be held liable to pay a placement fee.
Pay Range Max
USD $192,899.00
Pay Range Min
USD $110,240.00Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Civil, Architectural or Structural Engineering or related discipline. Professional engineering (PE) license. 10 years of related experience. Domestic and/or international travel may be required. The frequency of travel is contingent on specific duties, responsibilities, and the essential functions of the position, which may vary depending on workload and project demands. Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: UNAVAILABLE

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About CDM Smith

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

CDM Smith is a distinguished name in the engineering and construction industry, providing insightful consulting, designing, and execution services. Based in Boston, Massachusetts, US, this full-service engineering and construction firm was founded in 1947 and has been contributing to the national and global infrastructure ever since. Serving across diverse sectors like transportation, environment, water, energy, and facilities, they have built a reputation for excellence. The company firmly stands on its mission of delivering lasting, superior solutions to the world's complex challenges, thereby ensuring their clients create a transformative impact.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Cambridge, MA, US

Year founded

1947