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 tech