Project Manager II-Rail & Transit-Signals, Communications & Train Control

About this role

About Burns:

Burns Engineering provides professional engineering design and project management services for transportation, facilities, and infrastructure projects. We help our clients attain their strategic goals and initiatives through successful large-scale infrastructure projects. Burns’ full-service capabilities include mechanical, electrical, civil, structural, transportation, and energy consulting engineering.

Recently voted a Top Workplace by Philly.com, we credit our strength as an organization to our talented, driven, vibrant team. Burns is an ENR Top 500 Firm, and has been named an MEP Giant by Consulting-Specifying Engineer Magazine, as well as a Hot Firm by Zweig. We are industry experts, proven leaders, innovative thinkers, and team players. We put our clients’ successes and best interests first, because their success is our success. We have fun at work because we love making a difference in the world. We are looking for high-energy, bright, collaborative individuals who want the opportunity to “write their own story” with us.

Burns is currently seeking a Project Manager II to join our TEAM team in LOCATION

SUMMARY

The Project Manager II is responsible for the successful delivery of mid-scale engineering projects of moderate complexity. This role leads the day-to-day execution, financial performance, client coordination, and delivery outcomes of assigned projects, ensuring work is completed on time, on budget, and within scope while meeting contractual requirements and client expectations.

The Project Manager II serves as the primary operational contact for clients and is accountable for managing project execution, including planning, staffing coordination, scope management, and schedule adherence. This role ensures projects are delivered safely, profitably, and in alignment with Burns’ quality standards.

In alignment with Business Unit priorities, the Project Manager II supports business development primarily through expanding relationships with existing clients, contributing to repeat work, and supporting proposal development efforts.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Project Management

• Execute and deliver mid-scale engineering projects, ensuring successful completion aligned with scope, schedule, budget, and quality expectations.

• Ensure projects are consistently delivered on time, on budget, and within scope, proactively managing risks, issues, and changes.

• Work closely with Technical Delivery Lead and Discipline Leads to align technical execution with project scope, fee, and schedule commitments.

• Review contracts and scope of work to establish clear delivery plans and avoid scope creep, delays, and write-downs (target ≤ 3% of net revenue).

• Develop and implement the Burns Unique Client Experience (BUCE) plan to guide project execution and client engagement.

• Create and manage resource plans, ensuring appropriate staffing and efficient utilization of project resources.

• Delegate work effectively to technical staff and project engineers to ensure quality and efficiency.

• Ensure adherence to QA/QC procedures and internal delivery standards.

• Identify and communicate out-of-scope work early and secure approved change orders.

• Collaborate with technical leads to coordinate multidisciplinary teams and ensure high-quality deliverables.

• Manage project financials, including accounts receivable targets (≤ 60 days) and multiplier performance.

Client Relationship Management

• Serve as the primary day-to-day operational contact for clients.

• Build and maintain strong client relationships through proactive communication and delivery excellence.

• Address client feedback and resolve issues to maintain satisfaction and repeat business.

• Secure approvals for scope changes to protect project profitability and delivery performance.

Financial & Performance Management

• Manage project budgets, forecasts, and financial performance to meet profitability targets.

• Monitor project progress against schedule and budget, proactively addressing variances.

• Maintain control over scope, schedule, and resources to prevent cost overruns.

• Drive achievement of project financial metrics, including margin and utilization targets.

Business Development

• Support business development efforts focused primarily on expanding existing client relationships and generating repeat work.

• Build and maintain a strong client network (3x3 relationships) to identify opportunities.

• Execute assigned annual business plan initiatives related to existing client growth.

• Support proposal development, including scopes, budgets, fee schedules, and resource planning.

• Evaluate teaming partners and contribute to pursuit strategy to improve win probability.

• Leverage professional network to enhance Burns’ visibility and support growth within existing accounts.

Team Coordination & Development

• Coordinate project teams across technical disciplines to ensure alignment and efficient execution.

• Provide direction and support to technical staff and engineers on project tasks.

• Contribute to development of team members through mentoring and knowledge sharing.

Compliance

• Perform all tasks in compliance with Burns (and, when applicable, a client’s) standards, policies, procedures, and engineering codes.

• Perform all tasks efficiently, accurately, within the allotted project hours, and complete tasks on or before the due date.

• Adhere to all Human Resources policies and procedures.

• Partner with Human Resources Business Partner to ensure adherence to all federal, state, and local employment regulations.

• Adhere to all Burns operational and quality policies and procedures.

• Complete special duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

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The Project Manager II does not have formal supervisory responsibilities but provides day-to-day leadership and coordination of project teams.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's (B.S.) Degree, preferably in…