Railroad Project Manager

HDR; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm is seeking a Project Manager for railway design in Ames, Iowa. You will lead project development for track and civil design, ensuring effective communication between clients and teams. Preferred qualifications include a Professional Engineer license and experience with MicroStation and OpenRoads. Strong organizational and communication skills are essential. This full-time role offers an opportunity to shape sustainable transportation systems.

Qualifications

• 7 years related experience required.
• Minimum of 2 years project management experience.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Project Manager for railway design projects.
• Develop client relationships to identify project opportunities.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary project delivery.

Skills

Project management

Communication skills

Client management

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

MicroStation

OpenRoads/OpenRail

AutoCAD

Job description

About the Role

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 work to weave diversity, equity, and inclusion into our work and foster a sense of belonging throughout the 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 believe transportation is more than movement, it’s the foundation of connected, thriving communities. As part of HDR’s Transportation Business Group, you’ll help shape the systems that move people and goods safely, efficiently, and sustainably.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Project Manager or lead the development of track and civil design plans, specifications, and cost estimates for a variety of main line, industrial, yard and terminal projects with Class I railroads, short line railroads, industrial clients, and agencies.
• Develop client relationships to identify project opportunities.
• Effectively communicate between client and project team.
• Participate in proposal development and other marketing activities.
• Direct and mentor junior staff.
• Plan, organize, and coordinate with other technical and clerical professionals on multidisciplinary teams.
• Coordinate the delivery of multidisciplinary projects including the planning and environmental process.
• Perform detailed QC reviews of railroad projects.
• Manage scope, budget, schedule, and development of design criteria, specifications, project guides, project meeting notes, and project controls. This position may require periodic client and stakeholder visits, site visits, field assessments, and construction reviews as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (PE) license
• Experience using MicroStation and OpenRoads/OpenRail, or other BIM Software (AutoCAD, Civil3D, InRoads, Geopak, etc.)
• Experience in technical writing, communicating, and presenting to clients and the public
• Local client experience
• Construction inspection or construction management experience
• Experience in developing project scopes, programming, and fee proposals strongly preferred
• Experience with client management

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related field
• 7 years related experience
• Minimum of 2 years project management experience
• Ability to interact with various design teams, excellent organizational, project management and communication (written and verbal) skills
• Commitment to being an active participant of our employee‑owned culture is a must

Location

Primary Location: United States – Nebraska – Omaha
Other Locations: United States – Iowa – Des Moines, United States – Iowa – Ames, United States – Iowa – Davenport, United States – Nebraska – Lincoln

Schedule & Employment Status

Full‑time, Regular, Business Class: Railway Design, Job Posting: Apr 8, 2026

Equal Opportunity Statement

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.