Lead Consultant, Transit & Rail Data Science

This Opportunity

Be involved in transforming communities with our Critical & Emerging Technology Team within the national transit & rail business line and be a part of a growing organization that meets our client’s objectives and solves complex challenges.  At WSP, we are driven by inspiring the right people to be part of our future-focused business objectives. Our devotion to teamwork has allowed us to build communities and expand our skylines. Here at WSP, anything is within our reach and yours as a WSP employee. Come join us and help shape the future!

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Lead Consultant, Transit & Rail Data Science for our Seattle, WA location.

The successful candidate will be responsible for supporting the growth and recruitment for WSP’s dedicated transit & rail data science team. This position requires a deep understanding of both transit operations and ITS technologies, with a strong focus on leveraging data, understanding complex systems, and real-time passenger information to improve service delivery, fleet management, and overall passenger experience. The ideal candidate will have 7-10 years of experience, preferably with a transit agency, architecture & engineering consulting, or ITS vendor, and will be able to manage large-scale technology projects, foster innovation, and ensure the successful integration of new technologies into existing transit systems. The successful candidate will be a “seller-doer” with an entrepreneurial approach to win and grow this important offering for our clients. Additionally, the Critical & Emerging Technology team includes a market-leading group of intelligent, high-performing consultants and this role will be responsible for serving as a leader and mentor to continue the sustainable growth of the team.   

Your Impact

• Areas of focus ​​include fleet and yard management, vehicle tracking, charge management, real-time passenger information systems, integrated fare collection, transit signal prioritization, real-time passenger arrival systems, data analytics and systems integration.
• Develop and maintain long-term roadmaps for ITS technology solutions.
• Identify new solutions to improve efficiencies within the team and have the drive to successfully execute and implement change.  
• Serve as a leader and mentor for junior staff and clearly articulate the short and long​-term goals of the ​​team.​
• Support the recruitment of new team members to expand the capabilities of the team.
• Oversee the successful delivery of complex, large-scale ITS projects for bus systems, managing timelines, budgets, and performance expectations.
• Lead cross-functional teams including IT professionals, engineers, data analysts, and transit operations staff to ensure smooth project execution.
• Champion innovation in ITS, advocating for new technologies that can further optimize operations, improve customer experience, and enhance safety.
• Support and negotiate contracts and manage relationships with external stakeholders to ensure timely delivery and quality of ITS products and services.
• Support business development initiatives by contributing to proposal writing, identifying new opportunities, and building relationships with potential clients and partners.
• Represent WSP at industry conferences, workshops, and seminars, sharing knowledge and contributing to thought leadership on ITS technologies.
• Travel as required to meet with vendors, partners, and stakeholders, and to deliver projects at various locations. 

Who You Are

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Transportation Technology, Computer Science, or a transportation related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in the ITS field, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven experience working with transit agencies and ITS vendors, with in-depth knowledge of bus operations and ITS technologies.
• Existing market and client connections to identify future talent to support sustainable growth.
• Strong understanding of ITS technologies, including fleet and yard management systems, real-time passenger information, fare collection solutions, transit signal priority, charge management systems, real-time passenger arrival systems (vehicle and wayside).
• Expertise with system integration, design, commissioning, and specifications  
• Software development & architecture background, very familiar with network requirements, API development (yard management systems as an example)
• Experience with data analytics, IoT technologies, and system integration within a transit environment.
• Experience with zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) integration and related ITS solutions.
• Proven ability to manage large-scale technology projects, including planning, budgeting, and delivering results on time and within budget.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think critically and strategically. 

Additional Information:

• This position will require travel to different client facilities, vendors, and conferences.
• Flexible work arrangements or remote work options may be available depending on project needs. 

WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career. These benefits include coverage related to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation (or other personal time); paid parental leave; and paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings.

Compensation:
Expected Salary (all locations): $160,000 - $175,000

WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and offer for this position, based on the successful applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities in addition to internal equity and specific geographic location. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant’s sex or other status protected by local, state, and/or federal law.

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