2025 40 Under 40: Sara Russo, PE, MBA

Sara Russo, systems engineering project manager, AECOM, has managed more than 50 diverse systems engineering task orders, totaling approximately $90 million during the past decade. Starting out as a civil engineer at AECOM, she focused on roadway and stormwater design and obtained her professional engineering license. 

Russo’s primary client, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), designated her as project manager for communications-based systems engineering task orders for the past 12 years. Among her achievements, Russo independently developed a master engineering tracker and schedule for the WMATA radio task order, which became the central resource for the entire project and was adopted and adapted by the radio project management team.  

She also assisted with the design and manual of the innovative Metro Box Enclosure, which is placed in underground fan and vent shafts to enhance the radio system’s reliability and connectivity while providing power and fiber connectivity to other local devices. Russo managed the design of a highly efficient airblown fiber system, successfully converging radio and IT ancillary components in a geographically diverse, redundant routing method, which can accommodate future fiber installations.   

Additionally, her leadership with the patch manager database revolutionized the creation and automation of critical testing documentation for the WMATA fiber network. Ultimately, WMATA awarded her the Wonderful Outstanding Worker award in 2021 for developing the scope-of-work for the fiber optic cable and metro box installation contract. 

By actively engaging in a lunch mentorship group with junior colleagues in AECOM’s Arlington, Va., office, colleagues say Russo has encouraged a supportive platform for knowledge sharing, guidance and professional development. In addition to her technical innovations, she also cultivated a more positive and connected workplace through larger initiatives like organizing office-wide holiday potluck lunches in AECOM’s Baltimore office, creating opportunities for colleagues to connect on a personal level.  

Russo actively contributes to the industry and the community through her involvement in several key organizations. She is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and the American Society of Highway Engineers. Russo also participates in WTS, serving on the Program Logistics Committee and taking part in the mentor program, directly supporting the professional development of other women in transportation.   

Her past volunteer work at Bonnaroo to support Engineers Without Borders highlights a commitment to leveraging her skills and time for global humanitarian efforts. Additionally, Russo volunteers to foster dogs with City Dog Rescue, who provides crucial temporary care and socialization for adoptable animals. 

Is there a specific experience that led you to where you are today?  

A pivotal experience that steered me towards engineering was a post-accepted student visit to Bucknell University. During my tour, I had a serendipitous encounter with the dean of engineering, who compellingly encouraged me to enroll in ENGR 100: Engineering Design Experience. Though I had initially planned on a math major, learning about the exciting and practical challenges engineers tackle daily quickly shifted my focus. That first semester solidified my passion, setting the course for where I am today.  

What do you enjoy most about your job?   

What I love most about my job as an engineering project manager is the challenge of bringing complex systems to life and the satisfaction of seeing them directly benefit the public. It's incredibly rewarding to orchestrate diverse technical teams, tackle unforeseen problems and ultimately deliver solutions that improve daily transit for thousands—even millions—of people. Every day presents a new puzzle and the collaborative effort to solve it and witness the tangible impact of our work is what truly energizes me.  

What’s the most challenging part of your job?   

For me, one of the toughest parts is managing ever-evolving requirements in our long-term projects. Transit systems span years, even decades, and during that time, technology leaps forward or regulations shift, and what users expect can change dramatically. My biggest challenge is ensuring that what we're building today will still be relevant, cutting-edge and highly effective when it finally goes live years down the road. It's a constant battle against scope creep and technological obsolescence, all while rigidly maintaining our crucial safety standards. It demands constant foresight and adaptability.  

What is an accomplishment you would like to work towards in your career?   

An accomplishment I'm deeply passionate about working towards in my career is paying it forward to other female engineers and women in the transit industry. Having navigated this field, I understand the unique challenges and incredible opportunities it presents. I aspire to actively mentor, advocate for and inspire the next generation of women in engineering and transportation, helping them build confidence, navigate their career and ultimately see more female leaders shaping the future of transit.   

What is your best advice/tip/best practice you can share from your area of expertise?  

Always be open to opportunities even if they stray from your initial path. I started as a civil engineer with a clear trajectory but an exciting chance arose to jump onto systems engineering projects. I seized it even though it meant venturing into unfamiliar territory. Don't be afraid to deviate from a set goal or explore new things. The most rewarding growth often comes from unexpected turns, broadening your expertise and leading you to roles you never anticipated, just like it did for me.