Railroad Project Manager

HDR; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR is seeking a Railroad Project Manager in Des Moines, Iowa, to oversee the development of track and civil design plans. This role demands a Bachelor’s degree and 7 years of related experience, including 2 years managing projects. You will build client relationships, direct junior staff, and coordinate multidisciplinary teams to drive project success. Proficiency in MicroStation and BIM software is preferred. Join HDR to lead impactful transportation projects that benefit communities.

Qualifications

• 7 years of related experience.
• A minimum of 2 years project management experience.
• Must have excellent organizational and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Project Manager for rail design plans.
• Develop client relationships to identify project opportunities.
• Manage scope, budget, and schedule of projects.

Skills

Project management

Communication skills

Client relationship management

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

MicroStation

OpenRoads/OpenRail

AutoCAD

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. 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. From designing resilient highways and iconic bridges to advancing transit, passenger and freight rail, aviation, federal transportation ports and marine infrastructure, your work will directly support economic vitality, public safety, sustainable and resilient communities and quality of life. We bring together planners, engineers, architects, construction management staff, environmental, strategic communications, economists, management consultants and specialists across disciplines to solve complex mobility challenges with innovation, technical excellence, and a deep understanding of community needs. Whether you're modernizing aging infrastructure or pioneering next-generation transportation solutions, your contributions will help define the future of mobility. This isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to lead progress, drive meaningful impact, and leave a legacy of smarter, more connected transportation networks. We are all employee‑owners at HDR, which is the foundation of our collaborative culture that connects employees around the world.

In the role of Railroad Project Manager, we'll count on you to:

• 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.
• Be able to direct and mentor junior staff.
• Be able to plan, organize, and coordinate with other technical and clerical professionals on multi-disciplinary teams.
• Coordinate the delivery of multi-disciplinary projects including the planning and environmental process.
• Perform detailed QC reviews of railroad projects.
• Project management responsibilities may include managing scope, budget, and schedule, as well as 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.
• A minimum of 2 years project management experience.
• Must have the ability to interact with various design teams, have excellent organizational, project management and communication (both written and verbal) skills.
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee‑owned culture is a must.

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 Industry: Freight Rail Schedule: Full‑time Employee Status: Regular BusinessClass: Railway Design Job Posting: Apr 8, 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.