Deputy Director of Transit and Rail – Operations

GFT is seeking a Deputy Director, Transit and Rail – Operations to join our Transit & Rail Practice in any of our GFT locations! This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendancein the office. 

Working with the public transit team at GFT means shaping the future of transportation, delivering projects that improve mobility, safety, and accessibility for millions of passengers nationwide. Specializing in rail systems, bus rapid transit, and zero-emission mobility solutions, our experts combine deep technical knowledge with innovative thinking to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of transit networks. Together, we're transforming urban landscapes, reducing environmental impact, and connecting communities through state-of-the-art public transportation infrastructure. Explore some of our signature public transit projects here.

What you’ll be challenged to do:

In this role, you will focus on advancing operational excellence, client delivery, and strategic growth across major transit operations, maintenance, and systems programs. The Deputy Director will provide executive-level leadership and technical guidance on projects involving bus rapid transit (BRT), light rail, commuter rail, and multimodal corridor operations. This position plays a key role in driving operational readiness, safety, and performance-based outcomes for clients nationwide — while mentoring internal teams and advancing GFT’s reputation as a trusted partner to agencies and operators.

In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following:

Operational Leadership & Client Delivery

• Lead GFT’s operational consulting portfolio, including service delivery analysis, operations planning, strategic planning and growth and quality management.
• Serve as a senior advisor to transit agencies on operational readiness for new or expanded BRT, LRT, and commuter rail corridors.
• Work with our T&R team in developing and implementing performance metrics and staffing strategies aligned with delivering our project portfolio.
• Ensure operational integration across planning, design, and startup phases — connecting GFT’s engineering and systems expertise with real-world operating needs.

Program & Project Oversight

• Oversee multidisciplinary project teams delivering transit and rail operations support, ensuring quality, compliance, and schedule performance.
• Act as Deputy Project Manager or Principal-in-Charge on key pursuits and contracts.
• Provide QA/QC review of deliverables, ensuring adherence to GFT’s ISO-aligned Quality Management System.
• Support project risk management, change control, and contract compliance activities.

Strategic Growth & Market Development

• Support the Transit & Rail Director in executing GFT’s North American growth plan, with an emphasis on Transit and Rail Clients.
• Identify and pursue new opportunities with transit agencies, DOTs, and rail operators.
• Develop winning proposal strategies, scope frameworks, and pricing approaches for operations-related pursuits.
• Represent GFT in industry forums, panels, and conferences (e.g., APTA, TRB, Mpact, WTS).

Team Leadership & Mentoring

• Mentor and develop technical and operational staff across GFT’s regional offices.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
• Contribute to internal knowledge-sharing and operational best-practice frameworks.

• Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment.

• Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.

• Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.

• Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual.

• Tuition reimbursement for continued education.

• Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations

• Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships – that’s why we’re the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry’s brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more.

Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century’s experience, together we’re building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives.

GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives™ is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans’ status or other characteristics protected by law.

Unsolicited resumes from third party agencies will be considered the property of GFT.

Location: North America
Core Business Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Employment Status: Full-Time
Salary Range: $270,000 - $365,000 Salary dependent upon experience and geographic location

GFT does require the successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions.

"California Applicants"
Applicants in the County of Los Angeles - Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.
Applicants in the City of San Francisco - Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Applicants in the State of California - Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the California Fair Chance Act.