Job Summary
HDR seeks a detail-oriented CAD/BIM designer for rail projects to perform engineering tasks including design, modeling, calculations, and project delivery. The role will lead CAD staff and collaborate with engineers and project managers.
Primary Responsibilities
- Lead and mentor existing Rail Bridge CAD staff.
- Support Rail Bridge Engineers and Rail Bridge Project Managers with the production of drawings, layouts, sketches, maps, and graphic representations of engineering designs using CAD software.
- Maintain client specific CAD standards and workspaces.
- Develop basic construction quantities from designs.
- Create 3D models of freight railroad track/civil projects and other Building Information Modeling (BIM) tasks to support the development of railroad projects.
- Typical projects will be for railway, transit, and highway projects.
- Perform other duties as needed.
Preferred Qualifications
- Associates degree in Engineering Technology / CAD.
- Experience in rail bridge and/or rail civil design drafting or related projects.
- Experience with OpenRail Designer, OpenRoad Designer, and/or OpenBridge Designer.
- Experience working with BIM and 3D CAD software platforms.
- Strong computer skills using Microsoft Office, including the ability to use Excel to calculate quantities for cost estimating purposes.
- Experience and/or interest in the railroad industry.
Required Qualifications
- Technical degree or a combination of education and relevant experience.
- A minimum of 5 years digital design (BIM element authoring) and 5 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.
- Excellent communication skills, attention to detail and leadership traits are essential.
- Must have strong organizational skills to establish priorities between technical support requests and project work.
- Must be enthusiastic, energetic, and an excellent work ethic.
Benefits
HDR offers a comprehensive benefits package that 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. Additional benefits include tuition assistance, a 401(k) plan and an employee stock ownership plan.
Compensation and Location
The expected compensation range for this position is $89,040 – $127,200. Primary location: Cincinnati, OH. Other locations: Philadelphia, PA; Cleveland, OH; Pittsburgh, PA; Mechanicsburg, PA; Plymouth Meeting, PA; Charleston, WV; Columbus, OH; Bethlehem, PA.
Industry
Freight Rail
Schedule
Full‑time
EEO Statement
HDR is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.
Job Posting
Posted: May 19, 2026