Principal, NY Metro Transportation Chief Architect

AECOM seeks a Principal, Transportation Chief Architect to join our NY Metro Buildings + Places leadership team to grow and lead our Buildings + Places (B+P) transportation architecture practice across the New York Metro region, advancing design excellence for airports, rail/transit stations, and bus facilities.  We are the world’s trusted infrastructure consulting firm, and this role drives our purpose: delivering a better world through resilient, people-centered, and future-ready transportation environments. This position will be part of one of the largest multidisciplinary Transportation design teams in the country offering the opportunity to shape the future of transportation architecture in one of the world’s most complex and dynamic markets. It is a platform to deliver transformative, resilient, and equitable mobility infrastructure that improves everyday life. We offer a collaborative, high-performance culture that values innovation, inclusion, and professional growth. The ideal candidate will be an architect with deep technical knowledge of building technology and expertise in the design and delivery of innovative transportation facilities, including aviation, rail, light rail, and bus rapid transit. Additionally, the candidate will nurture a local multi-disciplinary team of architects, engineers, urban strategists, and specialty sub-consultants, while also engaging with national and global experts to ensure the delivery of efficient, equitable, and inspiring transportation facilities. AECOM’s Buildings + Places practice includes architecture, interiors, building engineering, workplace strategy, business transformation, asset advisory, economics and development planning, master planning, urban planning, and landscape architecture.  With a range of expertise from strategy and design through project realization, we create better outcomes to grow economies, protect natural systems, conserve natural resources, make societies more equitable, and connect and engage people through innovative, sustainable design solutions.  Our teams have worked on signature projects such as the London 2012 Olympic Park and Legacy Framework, to the new plan for the LA2028 Olympics, to industrial facilities for GE and Rolls-Royce, to headquarters and workplaces for NASA, Unilever, Sony Music, DirecTV, Box, Inc., and many Fortune 500 companies. Minimum Requirements • Bachelors Degree in Architecture + 12 years of progressive experience, including +4 years of leadership, in the planning, design, and delivery of complex transportation facilities in the New York Metro transportation market, with experience in at least one of the following: Airports (passenger terminals, support/operations, landside/airside interfaces).Transit/Rail (stations, intermodal hubs, concourses, platform environments).Bus Facilities (depots, maintenance facilities, BRT infrastructure and stations) • Licensed Architect (RA) • Demonstrated leadership of large, multi-disciplinary teams on fast-paced programs with multiple stakeholders and delivery models (DB, PDB, CM/GC, CMAR) • Proven success in client development, capture leadership, and winning major pursuits • Strong command of applicable codes/standards and agency processes (e.g., IBC, ADA, NFPA 130; familiarity with FAA/FTA guidance and regional agency requirements) • Track record of delivering projects with high design quality, operational performance, safety, and user experience • Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills at the executive and public forum levels • Must have experience working with NY Metro Agency Clients Preferred Qualifications: • Masters of Architecture • 20 years of progressive experience leading planning, design, and delivery of complex transportation facilities in the New York Metro market • Recent experience working with PANYNJ, MTA, AMTRAK, NJT and/or LIRR agencies • New York State and New Jersey State RA (or ability to obtain either via reciprocity); NCARB certification preferred • LEED AP, ENV SP, or equivalent sustainability credential • Experience collaborating with major New York Metro transportation and aviation stakeholders and navigating complex stakeholder environments • Expertise in digital delivery (BIM/Revit, AutoCAD, Navisworks, Bentley/MicroStation family of BIM and 3D modeling software, parametric tools) and advanced coordination workflows • Background in progressive delivery preconstruction, bridging documents, and performance-based design criteria • Experience with wayfinding, passenger experience design, and terminal/station operational planning • Design/Build experience, DBIA certification is a plus • PMP Certification is a plus • Relocation is not available for this opportunity • Sponsorship for US employment authorization is not available now or in the future for this position • THIS POSTING IS FOR A CURRENT VACANCY, AND AECOM INTENDS TO FILL THIS POSITION NO LATER THAN DECEMBER 2, 2026 At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment. About AECOM AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com. What makes AECOM a great place to work You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.