Lea+Elliott is seeking a highly motivated Project Engineer to support oversight activities for Automated People Mover (APM) vehicle manufacturing and testing programs. This position will be based in the Pittsburgh area and will support activities at a major Automated People Mover supplier facility in the South Hills area of Pittsburgh and related local supplier facilities. The role will support major airport transit projects and future transportation programs through a hybrid approach consisting of remote work, work from Lea+Elliott’s Pittsburgh office (near South Hills Village mall), and regular visits to manufacturing and testing facilities as required.

The successful candidate will work closely with vehicle manufacturers, testing personnel, project managers, and client stakeholders to monitor vehicle production progress, witness testing activities, perform inspections and audits, document findings, and support engineering issue resolution throughout the manufacturing and delivery process. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to high-profile transportation projects within a multidisciplinary consulting environment while gaining direct exposure to advanced automated transit vehicle systems and factory operations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Vehicle Manufacturing Oversight

• Make regular visits to the manufacturing facility and associated subcontractor facilities to represent Lea+Elliott and our clients.
• Monitor vehicle production activities and manufacturing progress for new APM vehicle fleets.
• Perform regular walkthroughs and audits of vehicles under assembly, testing, storage, and shipment preparation.
• Coordinate closely with vehicle manufacturing personnel, project management staff, and client representatives regarding production status and issues.
• Observe manufacturing quality, workmanship, configuration control, and general compliance with project requirements.

2. Testing and Inspection Oversight

• Witness and document factory testing activities including:
  • First article inspections
  • Qualification testing
  • Static testing
  • Dynamic testing
  • Vehicle pre-shipment inspections
• Verify that testing activities are conducted in accordance with approved procedures, project requirements, and best practices.
• Identify, document, and communicate deficiencies, failures, non-conformances, or workmanship concerns observed during testing and inspection activities.
• Support follow-up verification of corrective actions and re-testing activities.

3. Reporting and Documentation

• Prepare detailed technical reports documenting factory visits, testing observations, inspection findings, engineering troubleshooting, manufacturing progress, and open issues.
• Develop clear written summaries suitable for client distribution and project records.
• Develop and maintain a photographic record of vehicle manufacturing, assembly, testing, and inspection activities to document production progress, key milestones, observed conditions, and issues for project reporting and future reference.
• Maintain organized records of observations, photographs, test results, and correspondence.
• Track recurring issues, production trends, and status updates across multiple vehicles and projects.

4. Coordination and Technical Support

• Coordinate with Lea+Elliott project managers, technical specialists, and Lea+Elliott’s clients regarding manufacturing progress, risks, and emerging issues.
• Support schedule tracking and production milestone monitoring activities.
• Participate in project meetings, factory coordination meetings, and technical discussions with suppliers and clients.
• Assist with review of technical documentation, testing procedures, punch lists, and issue tracking logs.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Approximately 5 to 10 years of professional experience in the rail transit, automated transit, rolling stock, signaling, or transportation manufacturing industry.
• Experience supporting manufacturing, testing, commissioning, quality assurance, or field engineering activities for transit or transportation systems.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, test procedures, inspection records, and technical documentation.
• Strong technical writing and reporting skills.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work independently in a factory and field environment while coordinating with multiple stakeholders.
• Flexibility to support on-site manufacturing, testing, and inspection activities at supplier facilities in the South Hills area of Pittsburgh based on project schedules and testing activities.

preferred experience

• Experience with Automated People Mover (APM), rail transit, or rolling stock systems.
• Prior experience working for a major transportation system supplier strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with First Article Inspections (FAI), Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), inspection activities, and manufacturing quality processes.
• Experience preparing technical observation reports or inspection documentation.
• Familiarity with transit vehicle subsystems such as propulsion, braking, communications, HVAC, doors, auxiliary power, or train control systems.
• Experience supporting airport transit systems or automated transportation projects.
• Willingness to pursue PE licensure is encouraged as part of long-term professional growth within Lea+Elliott.

working conditions

• Combination of in-office work, work-from-home, and inspection / test witnessing activities at manufacturing and testing facilities.
• Frequent on-site presence required at a major vehicle manufacturing facility in the South Hills area of Pittsburgh and nearby supplier locations.
• Occasional travel to project sites and client locations may be required.
• Exposure to manufacturing, testing, and industrial environments including active shop floors and outdoor test tracks.
• Ability to perform field inspection activities within manufacturing and testing environments, including accessing vehicles, shop floors, platforms, and other industrial work areas.

If you are interested in a long-term, growth-oriented opportunity, we are interested in hearing from you!

Please respond to jobopenings@leaelliott.com with your resume.

Lea+Elliott is a transportation consulting firm that works with owners on the planning, design, procurement, implementation and operation and maintenance of rail, and automated transit systems.

Lea+Elliott is an equal opportunity employer.