Program Mgr - Testing & Commissioning - 90415077 - Chicago

Program Manager - Testing & Commissioning - Chicago

Date: Sep 23, 2026 Location: Chicago, IL, US, 60661 Company: Amtrak Your success is a train ride away! As we move America's workforce toward the future, Amtrak connects businesses and communities across the country. We employ more than 20,000 diverse, energetic professionals in a variety of career fields throughout the United States. The safety of our passengers, our employees, the public and our operating environment is our priority, and the success of our railroad is due to our employees. Are you ready to join our team? Our values of 'Do the Right Thing, Excel Together and Put Customers First' are at the heart of what matters most to us, and our Core Capabilities, 'Building Trust, Accountability, Effective Communication, Customer Focus, and Proactive Safety & Security' are what every employee needs to know and do to be most impactful at Amtrak. By living the Amtrak values, focusing on our capabilities, and actively embracing and fostering diverse ideas, backgrounds, and perspectives, together we will honor our past and make Amtrak a company of the future.

Job Summary The Program Manager - Testing & Commissioning, is responsible for leading Amtrak's oversight of all testing, commissioning, acceptance, and operational readiness activities for the new Chicago Maintenance Facility, delivered by a third-party developer under a Public-Private Partnership (P3). Serving as Amtrak's primary representative for facility startup and turnover, the Program Manager ensures that all systems, infrastructure, equipment, and operational capabilities are delivered in accordance with contractual requirements, safety standards, and performance objectives. This position provides strategic leadership and coordination among the developer, contractors, consultants, and Amtrak stakeholders to plan and execute integrated testing, commissioning, and acceptance activities. The Program Manager is responsible for establishing acceptance criteria, monitoring compliance with P3 obligations, managing risks and deficiencies, overseeing documentation and training requirements, and assuring the facility is ready to support safe and reliable operations. The role works closely with engineering, construction, operations, maintenance, and executive leadership teams to manage the transition from project delivery to operational service. The Program Manager evaluates facility readiness, facilitates milestone approvals, and safeguards Amtrak's interests throughout the commissioning and turnover process to ensure the successful delivery and long-term performance of this critical maintenance asset.

Essential Functions Lead Amtrak's testing, commissioning, acceptance, and operational readiness program for the Chicago Maintenance Facility, ensuring compliance with contractual, safety, operational, and performance requirements. Serve as Amtrak's primary representative with the P3 developer, contractors, consultants, and internal stakeholders, coordinating all commissioning, turnover, and facility acceptance activities. Develop and manage testing, commissioning, and transition-to-operations plans; oversee integrated system testing; and monitor progress toward key project milestones and acceptance criteria. Direct the identification, tracking, and resolution of commissioning deficiencies, punch-list items, risks, and warranty-related issues to support successful facility startup and long-term operational performance. Lead cross-functional readiness efforts, including stakeholder coordination, training, documentation turnover, and executive reporting, to ensure a safe and seamless transition from construction completion to full facility operations.

Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's Degree required or equivalent combination of training, education and relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree. Plus, 7 years of prior experience required 9+ years of relevant experience preferred

Preferred Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, Architecture, Transportation, or related field Demonstrated construction experience in a railroad environment Significant experience in construction management of multiple construction projects and / or programs in an active railroad environment. Current PMP certification Strong process improvement skills Familiarity with quality management systems Master's degree in engineering, construction, or project management

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Demonstrated knowledge of testing, commissioning, acceptance, and operational readiness processes for large-scale transportation, rail, industrial, or infrastructure facilities. Strong program and project management skills, including planning, scheduling, risk management, stakeholder coordination, and oversight of complex, multi-party capital projects. Ability to interpret and apply engineering, construction, operational, contractual, and regulatory requirements, including those associated with Public-Private Partnership (P3) project delivery. Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to influence decisions and build consensus among diverse stakeholders. Ability to manage facility turnover activities, evaluate operational readiness, resolve deficiencies and risks, and ensure the successful transition of new assets into safe and reliable service.

Work Environment Combination of office and field environment. Sit at computer to complete assignments, projects, and majority of tasks. Ability to work under pressure. Regular travel to the project site field office is required. Occasional travel, as needed. The salary/hourly range is $113,200.00 $146,664.00. Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to education, work experience, certifications, etc. Depending on an employee's assigned worksite or location, Amtrak may consider a geo-pay differential to be applied to the employee's base salary. Amtrak may offer additional incentive and pay programs to recognize and reward our employees, including a short-term incentive bonus based upon factors such as individual and company performance that is commensurate with the level of the position.

Health and Wellbeing Financial and Retirement Work and Family Life Support Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance 401K with Employer Match Generous Paid Time Off Wellness Programs Railroad Retirement Benefits Paid Caregiving Days and Backup Care Health Savings Account Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Fertility and Family Building Benefits No-cost Personal Health Advocate Student Loan Assistance Adoption and Surrogacy Assistance Medical Plan Opt-out Credit Tuition and Education Reimbursement Paid Family Leave Life Insurance Rail Pass Privileges Short- and Long-term Disability Insurance Employee Assistance Program No-cost Financial Advisor Sessions Commuter and Flexible Spending Accounts