Area Highway Digital Design Lead

HDR, Inc.; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR, Inc. is seeking an Area Highway Digital Design Lead to guide digital design, BIM, and 3D modeling for highway projects. You will promote scalable workflows, coordinate with transportation leaders, and lead model-based reviews to ensure quality outcomes.

The role requires 5+ years in digital design and a strong track record in highway projects, with BIM coordination and client-facing responsibilities. A hybrid work approach may be used where applicable.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and a minimum of 5 years digital design (BIM) experience.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams on major transportation projects.
• Proficiency with BIM standards, common data environments, and model-management platforms.

Responsibilities

• Lead BIM Manager on highway projects, ensuring quality and consistency across teams.
• Drive area highway digital design strategy and coordinate with leadership.
• Guide projects through the full digital delivery lifecycle from pursuit to construction support.
• Develop client-specific digital delivery standards and workflows.
• Lead model-based quality reviews and resolve coordination issues.
• Mentor staff and expand regional capabilities through training and knowledge sharing.
• Advise on budgets, scopes, and schedules to align resources.

Skills

BIM coordination

Highway design

Model management

3D modeling

Client engagement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or related field

Tools

Bentley OpenRoads Designer

Civil 3D

Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
Watch Our Story: ' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story'

We believe transportation is more than movement, it’s the foundation of connected, thriving communities. As part of HDR’s Transportation Business Group, you’ll help shape the systems that move people and goods safely, efficiently, and sustainably. From designing resilient highways and iconic bridges to advancing transit, passenger and freight rail, aviation, federal transportation ports and marine infrastructure, your work will directly support economic vitality, public safety, sustainable and resilient communities and quality of life. We bring together planners, engineers, architects, construction management staff, environmental, strategic communications, economists, management consultants and specialists across disciplines to solve complex mobility challenges with innovation, technical excellence, and a deep understanding of community needs. Whether you're modernizing aging infrastructure or pioneering next-generation transportation solutions, your contributions will help define the future of mobility. This isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to lead progress, drive meaningful impact, and leave a legacy of smarter, more connected transportation networks. We are all employee-owners at HDR, which is the foundation of our collaborative culture that connects employees around the world.

Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.

Help shape how highway infrastructure is designed and delivered. As the Area Highway Digital Design Lead, you will lead digital design, BIM, and 3D modeling initiatives for highway and local roads projects while helping teams adopt consistent, scalable ways of working. This highly visible role blends strategy, hands‑on project delivery, client engagement, innovation, and staff development.

You will collaborate with multidisciplinary project teams, the Highways Business Class, and Transportation Digital Delivery leadership. Your work will improve project coordination and quality, strengthen local capabilities, and expand the use of model-based delivery throughout the area.

In the role of Area Highway Digital Design Lead, we'll count on you to:

• Serve as BIM Manager or Highway Modeling Lead on selected projects and provide oversight to highway model authors and discipline teams on area highway projects to promote quality, consistency, and compliance.
• Lead the area’s highway digital design and delivery strategy, serving as the primary point of contact for local needs and coordinating regularly with Transportation and Highways Digital Delivery leadership.
• Guide project teams through the full digital delivery lifecycle—from pursuit planning, risk assessment, scope and fee development, and project setup through design execution and construction‑phase support.
• Develop and maintain client‑specific digital delivery standards, workspaces, protocols, and project requirements in collaboration with client BIM, CAD, and digital delivery teams.
• Lead model‑based quality reviews, including reviews of 3D model deliverables, and help teams resolve coordination and delivery issues.
• Build area capability through practical training, standardized workflows, best practices, mentoring, and regional worksharing.
• Advise project teams on digital delivery budgets, fees, scopes, and schedules so expectations and resources remain aligned.
• Support marketing, pursuits, and client engagement by demonstrating how HDR’s digital delivery capabilities improve project outcomes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related field.
• 10 or more years of highway design experience, including at least five years as a BIM/Model Manager on major multidisciplinary transportation projects.
• Advanced proficiency in related digital delivery software, BIM coordination, and model‑management platforms; Bentley OpenRoads Designer or Civil 3D certification is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience implementing CAD/BIM standards, common data environments, and model-based quality processes on transportation projects.
• Experience applying advanced BIM and data practices, such as clash detection, 4D construction phasing, model health assessments, reality capture, GIS integration, digital twins, extended reality, or digital asset management.
• Working knowledge of highway design criteria and methodologies.
• Demonstrated success leading multidisciplinary teams, developing staff, and building productive client relationships.
• Experience managing digital delivery scopes and budgets and supporting transportation pursuits or business development.
• Preference given to candidates currently residing in the Mid-Atlantic (VA/MD/DC) Area
• #LI-MJ1

Required Qualifications

• Technical degree or a combination of education and relevant experience
• A minimum of 5 years digital design (BIM element authoring) and 3 years digital delivery (model management) experience
• Comprehensive understanding of all discipline relations and operations of building systems
• Advanced skillset of 3D design software and document management infrastructure
• Advanced skillset of 3D Coordination tools
• Advanced skillset of Microsoft Office products and communication tools
• Familiar with industry standards and practices, along with discipline codes and specifications
• Familiar with basic automation and programming applications for efficiencies
• Familiar with 3D design software add‑ins and supporting applications
• Familiar with content creation and management concepts
• Superior client service, communication, and presentation skills are essential
• Demonstrate strong analytical and problem‑solving skills to effectively serve as a first line of technical support

What We Believe

HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other’s life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment

As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

What We Believe

HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other’s life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment

As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

Other Locations

United States-District of Columbia-Washington DC, United States-Virginia-Glen Allen, United States-Maryland-Baltimore, United States-Virginia-Roanoke, United States-Virginia-Virginia Beach, United States-Maryland-Fulton

Industry

Highway + Road

Schedule

Full-time

Employee Status

Regular

BusinessClass : Highways

Job Posting

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity.

We are an affirmative action and equal opportunity Employee.

We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.