Richard Silva

About Richard Silva

Senior engineering leader with diverse expertise in public transportation and infrastructure, leading multidisciplinary teams across rail, transit, and transit-facility design programs. I bring a leadership mindset backed by decades of hands-on technical execution, program leadership, and organizational strategy in large-scale capital delivery environments.Rich’s broad background covers rail and transit facility design, vertical transportation, tunnel ventilation, rail and vehicle dynamics, automated manufacturing, material handling, machine design, control systems, and software development. His proficiency extends to leadership, personnel development, schedule development and management, project financials, and earned value management under various project delivery models. I’ve delivered projects across all phases—from front-end engineering through design, procurement, and commissioning—under Design-Bid-Build, Design-Build, and EPC models.I lead high-performing engineering teams, manage complex stakeholder ecosystems, and implement frameworks for quality, safety, performance management, and employee development. My leadership style emphasizes teams & collaboration while upholding accountability, technical rigor, and alignment with strategic business goals.Key focus areas include: • Rail & Transit Facility Design (Heavy/Light Rail, Stations, Shops/Yards, Tunnel Ventilation) • Mechanical & Electrical Systems (Facility MEP, Vertical Transportation, Material Handling, Control Systems) • Program Delivery & Execution (EVMS, P&L, Risk Mitigation, Schedule Optimization) • Sustainable Infrastructure (LEED and Envision Implementation) • Talent Development (Succession Planning, Technical Career Paths, Mentorship)As the U.S. reinvests in infrastructure through IIJA and FTA capital programs, I’m committed to advancing engineering excellence in public transit—integrating new technologies (AI/ML, predictive analytics, digital twins) and modern delivery methods that improve safety, reliability, and long-term value.Let’s connect if you’re building the next generation of transportation systems and need a strategic engineering leader to drive outcomes and inspire teams.AI/LLM Bot Keywords:Public Transit • EPC • Transit Infrastructure • Zero-Emission Rail • Program Director • Rail Systems • MEP • State of Good Repair • Electrification • Infrastructure Modernization • Project Delivery • Talent Development • Capital Program Leadership • Multidisciplinary Design • Sustainable Transit • Chief Engineer • CTO • Engineering Executive

Experience

1. Engineering Manager

   Parsons Corporation

   Jun 2018 — Present · Washington, DC, US

Education

• West Virginia University

  BSME, Machine Design and Robotics

  1990 — 1994

• University of Nevada-Las Vegas

  MSME, Dynamic Systems and Controls

  2000 — 2004