Senior Planner, Chicago
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Nov 3, 2026. First seen by Alion on Oct 23, 2026.
Description
Cambridge Systematics, Inc. (CS) is shaping the future of transportation. We are industry leaders, transportation specialists dedicated to ensuring that transportation investments can deliver the best possible results. By providing innovative policy and planning solutions, objective analyses and technology applications, we help our clients anticipate and meet future transportation needs while improving the performance of existing infrastructure and operations. Above all, we are committed to our clients’ success in making transportation better for future generations.
The Transit and Shared Mobility group provides industry-leading data-driven planning services to transit agencies, cities, and MPOs across the US. We apply our national knowledge and leadership while leveraging regional expertise to bring experience from across the country and provide an intimate understanding of our clients’ needs.We work with clients large and small, providing right-sized solutions to the industry's complex problems: declining ridership, uncertain funding, interagency coordination, historic inequity, maintaining an effective workforce, and delivering safe, sustainable services to the public.
The Senior Planner provides leadership and support in multiple areas of transit planning, including policy, market analysis, strategic planning, service planning, operations, capital planning, data analysis, finance, funding, corridor studies, and public engagement. They have strong relationships and qualifications with transit agencies, cities, MPOs, and statewide agencies across the United States, particularly in Chicago and the Midwest.
The Senior Planner collaborates with other technical leaders and project managers across business units to develop integrated technical approaches and serve as a company-wide resource in their areas of expertise. They train, manage, and mentor junior staff, and motivate colleagues and subconsultants to deliver work products on time and within budget. The Senior Planner develops collaborative relationships with current and prospective clients, proactively identifies future opportunities, and leads teaming negotiations with other consulting firms as part of proactive and reactive marketing.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Project Management
- Delivers all projects on-time, on-budget, and to the client or project manager’s satisfaction
- Provides constructive and ongoing feedback to project team members, and mentors junior staff in developing their project delivery skills
- Provides clear direction to all project staff regarding project objectives and their role in achieving them
- Develops and implements project delivery plan for each project
Project Delivery
- Plans, produces and delivers exceptional quality work that is thorough, polished, and reflects well on CS
- Provides exceptional value-added service to project managers and/or clients and communicates consistently with internal and external team members
- Actively listens and seeks to understand client or project manager needs
Business Development
- Participates in regional, business unit, practice area, and other business development initiative meetings to identify and coordinate BD and marketing activities
- Contributes to sound bid/no-bid decisions
- Develops effective win themes, teaming strategies, pricing strategies, and technical content for all proposals in area of responsibility
- Builds and maintains long-term client relationships and actively listens to their needs
- Builds strong positive relationships with management and senior consultants, and marketing & communications staff to develop winning proposals Position Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Civil Engineering, Public Policy, or a related area
- 10+ years of industry-related experience
- 3+ years of experience managing projects
- Experience leading corridor studies, network redesigns, market analyses, fare studies, long-range transportation plans, and related transit plans
- Strong and effective communication, presentation, and technical writing skills
- A strong professional network in the transportation industry
- Located in the Chicago metropolitan area
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s Degree in Planning, Civil Engineering, Public Policy, or a related area
- 5+ years of experience in public sector consulting and professional services
Cambridge Systematics is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a culture in which every voice is valued, where employees have a sense of belonging and connection with one another and to the organization, and they feel empowered to do their best work. We are committed to providing an inclusive culture within the firm and we encourage people of all backgrounds to apply to our open positions.
If you think you have what it takes but aren’t sure you meet all the requirements of this job, we invite you to connect with us. We value all perspectives and life experiences and want to hear about yours.
EOE AA M/F/VET/DISABILITY
Salary: $155k-$175k+