Project Manager (Water)

HDR; Portland (ME); On-site; USD 103,000 - 205,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR is seeking a Project Manager in the Water Business Group to lead delivery of multi-disciplinary design projects. You’ll manage scope, budgets, and schedules while building strong client relationships and guiding talented engineers through complex tasks.

The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor’s in Engineering, a PE license, 7+ years of related experience and at least 2 years in project management, with proficiency in MS Office and MS Project.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering required.
• PE license required or active licensure.
• At least 7 years related experience.
• Minimum 2 years project management experience.
• Proficiency with MS Office and MS Project.

Responsibilities

• Plan, direct, and manage multi-disciplinary engineering projects.
• Coordinate work across planning and design teams throughout the project lifecycle.
• Build and maintain client relationships and participate in negotiations.
• Lead internal and external meetings, reviews, and design discussions.
• Interface with agencies during reviews and permitting processes.
• Monitor budgets and resources to keep deliverables on time and within scope.
• Provide regular status updates with project controllers and leadership.
• Mentor junior engineers to develop technical skills in water/wastewater.
• Support firm-wide initiatives as needed.

Skills

Leadership

Client relationships

Project management

Mentoring engineers

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

PE license

Tools

MS Office

MS Project

Access (optional)

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. We foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, constantly asking ourselves: What is our impact on the world?

What You’ll Do

As a Project Manager in our Water Business Group, you’ll be the cornerstone of our project delivery. You’ll oversee both small‑scale single‑discipline planning efforts and large, multi‑disciplinary design projects. This role is perfect for someone who thrives on managing details, building strong client relationships, and leading talented technical teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, direct, and manage small to medium‑sized single‑discipline projects and large‑scale, complex, multi‑disciplinary engineering projects.
• Coordinate and balance work across planning and design teams to ensure seamless project execution throughout the project lifecycle.
• Build and maintain lasting client relationships, taking part in marketing, contract negotiations, and design and production meetings.
• Lead internal and external meetings, workshops, and technical discussions to align stakeholders and drive progress.
• Interface with governing agencies during project reviews and permitting processes.
• Conduct and facilitate work sessions focused on design development and contract documentation.
• Track project budgets, monitor financial performance, and align resources to keep deliverables on time and within scope.
• Partner with project controllers, business group leaders, and accounting teams to provide regular project status updates and financial reviews.
• Perform technical analyses and prepare clear, concise engineering reports.
• Mentor and provide leadership to junior engineers, with a focus on developing strong technical skills in water/wastewater engineering.
• Support firm‑wide initiatives and perform additional responsibilities as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering
• 7 years related experience
• Minimum 2 years project management experience
• Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng) license
• MS Office and MS Project experience is required (Access experience would be a plus)
• Demonstrated leadership skills
• Attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee‑owned culture is a must

Primary Location: United States - Nebraska - Omaha

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 is $103,000 - $205,000 depending upon skills, experience, education and geographical location. (Stated benefits are for full‑time regular positions. Temporary and part‑time roles eligible for limited benefits.)

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.