Principal Project Manager

HDR, Inc.; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR, Inc. seeks a Principal Project Manager to lead multidisciplinary infrastructure programs with high technical complexity.

You will advise clients on technical, regulatory, financial, and community facets, direct program execution across multiple disciplines, and develop plans to drive efficiencies while promoting accountability and transparency. This role requires strong leadership and strategic thinking.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering required.
• 15 years related experience and minimum 7 years PM experience.
• PE/P.Eng license required.

Responsibilities

• Lead multidisciplinary infrastructure programs with high technical complexity.
• Advise clients on technical, regulatory, financial, and community facets.
• Direct program execution across multiple disciplines.
• Develop program management plans and processes to drive efficiency.
• Ensure QA/QC and monitor financial performance.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Business development

Team leadership

Education

Master's degree

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

MS Office

MS Project

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

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.

In the role of Principal Project Manager, we'll count on you to:

• Assume leadership responsibilities for the management of multidisciplinary infrastructure programs with a high degree of technical complexity and non-technical intricacies
• Advise clients on the technical, regulatory, financial, and community facets of infrastructure programs, which are all critical to program success. Leverage lessons learned from other programs and industry best management practices to address the specific needs of each client
• Plan, direct, and monitor all aspects of program execution. This may involve overseeing a broad range of disciplines including, but not limited to: capital planning, change management, commissioning/asset onboarding, communications, construction management, cost control/estimating, document management, environmental planning/compliance, engineering, equity, financial support, organizational strengthening, permitting, planning/design management, program governance, procurement, project management, quality management, real estate, regulatory support, risk management, scheduling, strategic planning, sustainability and resiliency
• Anticipate and identify potential issues and risks that may impact program implementation, and assist the client with problem-solving, issues resolution, risk mitigation, and timely decision-making. Provide strategic advice and thought leadership. Deploy the required resources to address various program challenges and unanticipated events
• Develop and implement various plans (program management plans, startup plans and work plans), business processes, and tools to drive efficiencies, emphasize accountability, bring team alignment, and promote transparency
• Direct the services provided by multiple large program teams or provide day-to-day leadership on a single mega-project
• Promote alignment within the team through effective and regular communications.
• Secure the resources required to deliver services specified in the contract scope with a focus on contract compliance
• Monitor team performance and establish a robust QA/QC program to meet client expectations
• Monitor the financial performance of the program against pre-established financial metrics and adjust as necessary to meet earnings and profitability targets, and control losses
• Contribute to the growth of HDR's program management services by (1) building a long-term trusted advisory relationship with clients; (2) looking for opportunities to expand our services to address the needs of existing clients; (3) supporting the pursuit of new program contract opportunities; (4) mentoring and training staff working on programs; and (5) supporting practice-wide initiatives

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Sciences, Planning, Business Administration or closely related field
• DBIA certification
• Experience leading the consultant or owner program management team of at least one [transportation/water/resources] infrastructure program(s) with a capital value of $1 billion
• Knowledgeable of other alternative delivery/contract models, such as public-private partnership (P3), design-build-finance-operate-maintain (DBFOM), and engineering procurement construction (EPC)
• Willingness to travel regularly, and if needed, commute to a client's site temporarily

#LI-JC8

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering
• 15 years related experience
• A minimum 7 years project management experience
• Requires professional engineering license recognized by the licensing board for the location of the position offered. Example: Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng) license.
• MS Office and MS Project experience is required (Access experience would be plus)
• Demonstrated leadership, business development and strategic planning 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.

Primary Location: United States-Arizona-Phoenix

Other Locations: United States-Arizona-Tucson

Industry: Highway + Road

Schedule: Full-time

Employee Status: Regular

BusinessClass: Program Management

Job Posting: Sep 8, 2026