Rail Bridge CAD Manager

HDR; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 89,040 - 127,200; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement savings plan with employer match

Employee stock ownership plan

Paid time away and holidays

Job summary

HDR is seeking a detail-oriented CAD/BIM designer based in Cincinnati, Ohio. This full-time role focuses on engineering tasks related to rail projects, including design, modeling, and project delivery. The ideal candidate will lead CAD staff, support engineers, and ensure adherence to client-specific CAD standards.

Qualifications include an Associates degree in Engineering Technology and at least 5 years of digital design experience. The position offers a competitive salary ranging from $89,040 to $127,200 and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years digital design experience.
• Comprehensive understanding of building systems.
• Advanced skillset of Microsoft Office products.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor existing CAD staff.
• Support Rail Bridge Engineers with drawings and layouts.
• Create 3D models and maintain CAD standards.

Skills

Experience in rail bridge and/or rail civil design drafting

Experience with OpenRail Designer

Strong computer skills using Microsoft Office

Experience working with BIM and 3D CAD software platforms

Excellent communication skills

Education

Associates degree in Engineering Technology / CAD

Technical degree or relevant experience

Tools

OpenRail Designer

OpenRoad Designer

OpenBridge Designer

3D design software

Job description

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