Noise Specialist 2

HDR, Inc.; Vienna (VA); On-site; USD 73,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR's Vienna, VA office is seeking a Traffic Noise Specialist 2 to support transportation acoustics projects across the United States. You will model and analyze traffic noise, prepare reports, and contribute to environmental and architectural acoustics work with GIS and TNM tools.

Preferred candidates have 5+ years in acoustics, strong writing skills, and experience leading projects. The role requires travel to project sites and a commitment to HDR's employee-owned culture.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Acoustics, Math, Physics, Engineering, or closely related field.
• Minimum of 5 years related experience.
• Demonstrated leadership and teamwork abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and GIS.
• Familiar with ISO/U.S. acoustical standards and guidance documents (FHWA, FTA, FRA, USIBC).
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Commitment to HDR employee-owned culture.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a Traffic Noise Analyst focusing on Traffic Noise Reports with strong analytical and writing skills.
• Perform acoustical assignments using standard and non-standard techniques.
• Complete projects with defined objectives and limited variables.
• Work independently or assist senior staff on larger projects.
• Function as Technical Specialist or Project Manager when needed.
• Direct clerical and technical staff as required.
• Prepare and review studies for NEPA compliance and public outreach.

Skills

Leadership

Teamwork

Communication

Microsoft Office

GIS

Education

Bachelor's degree in Acoustics/Math/Physics/Engineering

Master's degree in Acoustics/Engineering/Math/Physics (preferred)

PE or INCE certification (preferred)

Tools

FHWA Traffic Noise Model (TNM)

Field noise measurement software

GIS software

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.

HDR is seeking a Traffic Noise Specialist 2 to join our team and support transportation, environmental, and architectural acoustics projects throughout the United States. Our Acoustics Practice offers award-winning subject-matter expertise in six technical areas: traffic noise, aviation, architectural acoustics, environmental acoustics, rail noise, and vibration. Our acoustics team specializes in acoustical modeling, measurements, consulting, and expert witness services.

In the role of Noise Specialist 2, we'll count on you to:

• Serve as an experienced Traffic Noise Analyst focused on preparing Traffic Noise Reports with proven strong analytical and writing skills
• Perform acoustical assignments requiring application of standard and non-standard techniques and procedures
• Complete projects with clear, specified objectives and limited variables
• Work independently on projects or assist more senior staff on larger projects
• Function as a Technical Specialist, Task Lead or Project Manager on projects as needed. Project management is not the sole focus of this position
• Give direction to clerical, technical and lower-level professional personnel as needed
• Focus on tasks including transportation noise, environmental noise and vibration-related analyses
• Preparing and reviewing technical studies for NEPA compliance and do public outreach as necessary
• Utilize GIS and the FHWA Traffic Noise Model (TNM) to perform traffic noise analyses around the United States.
• Perform other related duties as necessary
• Willingness to travel to project locations as needed, including occasional overnight stays

Preferred Qualifications

• PE or INCE Board certification
• Master's degree in Acoustics, Math, Physics, Engineering, or closely related field
• Bachelor's degree in Acoustics, Math, Physics, Engineering, Biology, Geology or closely related field
• A minimum of 4 years related experience
• Demonstrated leadership skills and ability to work in a team environment
• Proficient with Microsoft Office
• Proficient with GIS and the FHWA Traffic Noise Model (TNM)
• Proficient with field noise measurements and software used to process and analyze measurement data
• Must be familiar with relevant ISO and related U.S. acoustical standards
• Familiar with current guidance documents for acoustical analyses (FHWA, FTA, FRA, USIBC, etc)
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must
• Actively participates in professional organizations
• Work Flexibility
• Preference given to local candidates

*LI-MJ1

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Acoustics, Math, Physics, Engineering, or closely related field
• A minimum of 5 years related experience
• Demonstrated leadership skills and ability to work in a team environment
• Proficient with Microsoft Office
• Proficiency with GIS
• Proficiency with state-of-the-art software used to process and analyze measurement data
• Must be familiar with relevant ISO and related U.S. acoustical standards
• Familiar with current guidance documents for acoustical analyses (FHWA, FTA, FRA, USIBC, etc)
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

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.

We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, employee health, performance, and success, which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time away, parental leave, paid holidays, a retirement savings plan with employer match, employee referral bonus and tuition reimbursement. The expected compensation range for this position depends upon skills, experience, education and geographical location. (Stated benefits are for full-time regular positions. Temporary and part-time roles eligible for limited benefits.) Washington, DC: $84,000 - $120,000. Baltimore, MD: $73,500 - $105,000. Fulton, MD: $77,000 - $110,000. Virginia: $72,870-$124,920.

Primary Location: United States-Virginia-Vienna

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

Industry: Highway + Road

Schedule: Full-time

Employee Status: Regular

BusinessClass: Environmental Planning

Job Posting: Jan 12, 2026