About the role

Aplyr's Quick Take

This role is for a Principal Consultant focused on transportation planning for major infrastructure projects, particularly in renewable energy and electric transmission. You'll lead analyses, ensure compliance, and mentor others while driving business development. It's a senior-level individual contributor role with a significant impact on project outcomes.

Good fit

Ideal candidates have over 10 years of experience in transportation planning or engineering, particularly with major capital projects. Strong communication skills and a background in U.S. standards are essential, along with a proactive approach to business development.

Worth noting

The position emphasizes leading global projects and requires expertise in both U.S. and international standards, which may appeal to those looking for diverse project experiences. The salary range is relatively low for a senior role, which could be a red flag for some.

Lead the Future of Sustainable Infrastructure

Join ERM as a Principal Consultant, Planning Engineer / Transportation and shape the way major capital projects move forward. This is more than transportation planning—it’s about enabling renewable energy, electric transmission, and critical infrastructure projects that power a sustainable future. If you’re ready to lead, innovate, and make an impact on global projects, this is your opportunity.

Why This Role Matters

Transportation planning is at the heart of every major development. In this role, you’ll provide strategic guidance and technical expertise for projects that span electric transmission, renewables (wind, solar, hydropower, battery storage), and extractive industries. Your work ensures compliance, safety, and efficiency while supporting ERM’s mission to deliver sustainable solutions worldwide.

What Your Impact Is

Drive transportation analyses for U.S.-based projects aligned with state DOT requirements and international best practices.
Lead IFC-compliant Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA) for global initiatives.
Influence project outcomes by defining methodologies, shaping proposals, and mentoring the next generation of transportation experts.
Expand ERM’s transportation planning practice through business development and thought leadership.

What You’ll Bring

Required

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Transportation Engineering, Urban/Transportation Planning, or related field. Or equivalent experience.
10+ years of progressive experience in transportation planning/engineering for major capital projects.
Expertise in U.S. standards and processes (NEPA, FHWA/FTA guidance, HCM, MUTCD) and state/local requirements.
Strong communication skills for technical reporting and client engagement.
Authorization to work in the U.S.

Preferred

Master’s degree in Transportation Engineering/Planning or related field.
Professional licensure/certification: PE, PTOE, AICP, RSP, or equivalent.
Proficiency in traffic operations and planning tools (Synchro/SimTraffic, HCS, VISSIM/SIDRA, GIS, travel demand modeling).
Experience with international projects and IFI-funded frameworks.
Proven success in business development and industry thought leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Lead multimodal transportation impact assessments (road, rail, vessel, air) for construction and operations of major projects.
Develop methodologies and frameworks aligned with NEPA, FHWA/FTA, state/local, and international standards.
Provide scope and level-of-effort inputs for transportation work in U.S. and global proposals.
Build and strengthen client relationships; lead pursuits for transportation planning projects.
Mentor junior staff and foster an inclusive, collaborative, high-performance culture.

Location & Travel:
Washington, DC office with hybrid flexibility. Occasional travel for client meetings and field reviews.

For the Principal Consultant, Planning Engineer / Transportation position, the anticipated annual base pay is $127,648–$163,088 (USD). Actual pay will depend on factors such as education, experience, skills, location, performance, and business needs. In some cases, pay may fall outside this range. This role may be eligible for bonus pay (casual and fixed term/flex force employees are not bonus eligible).

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, parental leave, medical, dental, vision, life, disability, AD&D insurance, 401(k) or RRSP/DPSP, and other applicable benefits to eligible employees.

Note: Bonuses, commissions, and other forms of additional compensation are not guaranteed and subject to the sole discretion of ERM and its policies and procedures.

Who We Are:
As the largest global pure play sustainability consultancy, we partner with the world’s leading organizations, creating innovative solutions to sustainability challenges and unlocking commercial opportunities that meet the needs of today while preserving opportunity for future generations.

At ERM we know that creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment is an essential part of making our company a great place to build a career. We also see our diversity as a strength that helps us create better solutions for our clients. Our diverse team of world-class experts supports clients across the breadth of their organizations to operationalize sustainability, underpinned by our deep technical expertise in addressing their environmental, health, safety, risk and social issues. We call this capability our “boots to boardroom” approach for its comprehensive service model that allows ERM to develop strategic and technical solutions that advance objectives on the ground or at the executive level.

Please submit your resume and brief cover letter.

ERM does not accept recruiting agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, ERM employees or any other company location. ERM is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

ERM is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

Thank you for your interest in ERM!

#LI-Hybrid

Aplyr's read

ERM is a global leader in environmental consulting, attracting professionals committed to sustainability, risk management, and social impact across diverse industries.
Synthesized from recent postings & public sources

What's promising

•ERM has a strong global presence, offering opportunities for international collaboration.
•The company is deeply involved in sustainability and climate change initiatives.
•ERM provides diverse roles, from technical consulting to social media management.

What to watch

•The consulting industry can be high-pressure, with demanding client expectations.
•Limited public information about ERM's work-life balance policies.
•Potential challenges in navigating a large, complex organizational structure.

Why ERM

•ERM specializes in comprehensive environmental, health, and safety consulting.
•The company integrates social impact assessments into its services.
•ERM offers specialized roles in emerging fields like nature finance and biodiversity consulting.

Aplyr’s read is generated by AI from public sources. Was it useful?