Railroad Construction Manager

HDR; Kentucky; Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR is seeking a Rail Construction Manager in Kentucky to oversee freight rail construction projects, manage teams, and ensure compliance with engineering standards. Candidates should hold a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, possess at least 2 years of relevant experience, and have proficiency in project management software. This role requires significant travel (over 50%). HDR emphasizes an inclusive culture and offers opportunities for mentorship within a diverse team environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in construction planning and management.
• Experience with various construction management software.
• Understanding of relevant engineering guidelines and specifications.

Responsibilities

• Manage delivery of rail construction projects.
• Lead and act as primary client contact.
• Verify construction plans and specifications for compliance.
• Mentor younger staff and foster team development.

Skills

Project Management

Communication Skills

Technical Leadership

Client Relationship Management

Mentorship

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

MicroStation

AutoCAD

Construction Management Software

Job description

Overview

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. We invite you to build your transportation career at HDR. Our global team is looking for a success-oriented Rail Construction Manager who will be a key player in the continued growth of HDR’s freight rail construction management services.

The freight rail network is a vital link in our national and global supply chain markets. Your work at HDR results in critical infrastructure for the sustainable movement of goods and people. Whether it is a traditional railroad structure across a major river, or an engineering marvel that redefines freight mobility at historic bottlenecks, you will have created something that matters.

Responsibilities

• Manage of all aspects of the delivery of rail construction projects with clients, designer, and construction management teams.
• Serve as the internal lead and primary client point of contact for assigned rail construction projects.
• Review and verify rail construction plans, specifications, schedule, and estimate packages.
• Travel to project locations for ongoing and upcoming projects.
• Support Construction Management and Resident Engineering services to grow and develop inspector/coordinator teams.
• Serve as a technical leader in the development and execution of construction activities for major company programs.
• Plan, organize and supervise work of medium to large teams of professionals and technicians both in the office and in the field.
• Lead and/or participate in the development of marketing, contractual, and production documents and meetings, including project scope, budget, and schedule, as well as the development of cost estimates based on design criteria, project guides, and project controls.
• Plan, organize, and coordinate with technical, clerical, and subconsultant professionals on multi-disciplinary teams to manage and/or coordinate workloads throughout the entire project.
• Track financial aspects of projects, coordinate and adjust work effort with the team.
• Monitor Contractor Quality Documents (QC test reports, contractor Quality Management Plan (QMP), material certifications, testing equipment calibrations, material supplier information, etc.).
• Track submittals and requests for information (RFI) including tracking of submission dates, version control, response dates and comment tracking.
• Monitor storm water pollution prevention plans (SWPPP) compliance.
• Understand and monitor for compliance with FRA 49 CFR 214 - Roadway Worker rules, FRA 49 CFR 219 – Control of Alcohol and Drug Use rules, and eRailSafe.
• Work with Business/Accounting/Management teams for project reviews.
• Participate in client and stakeholder visits, site visits, field assessments, and construction inspections as needed.
• Apply industry experience to strengthen the team to deliver excellent technical work.
• Mentor younger staff and support continued development.
• Work across industries with rail, industrial, terminal, utility, agency, DOT, port, transit, and other industry clients.
• Travel more than 50% of the time.

Preferred Qualifications

• Engineering degree
• Software proficiency in MicroStation, Inroads, and AutoCAD.
• Experience with topographic field surveying (GPS and/or Total Station).
• Familiarity with local freight client design manuals for public projects.
• Experience working with AREMA’s Manual for Railway Engineering and/or other railroad design guidelines, specifications, and criteria.
• Expertise with freight rail client guidelines, policies, and practices for construction management services (from pre-construction through close-out).
• SWPPP SP Certificate (QSD preferred).
• Experience with rail, industrial, or transit clients is strongly preferred.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, Construction Science or closely related field or equivalent work experience
• A minimum of 2 years of experience in various aspects of construction planning and management, including field engineering, construction submittals, estimating, scheduling, and site safety
• Experience with Microsoft Office
• Experience with construction management software such as Procore, Prolog, Primavera, Bluebeam, etc.
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must
• Sponsorship (visa) for US employment authorization is not available now or in the future for this position.

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-Tennessee Other Locations: United States-Kentucky-Louisville, United States-Kentucky-Paducah, United States-Kentucky, United States-Tennessee-Chattanooga, United States-Kentucky-Lexington, United States-Tennessee-Nashville, United States-Kentucky-Elizabethtown

Industry: Freight Rail Schedule: Full-time Employee Status: Regular BusinessClass: Railway Design Job Posting: Apr 22, 2026

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer (https://www.hdrinc.com/equal-employment-opportunity-employer). We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.