Senior Project Manager Engineer (Freight Rail)

HDR, Inc.; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 137,445 - 223,125; Full time

Job summary

HDR, Inc. is seeking a Senior Project Manager to support the Freight Rail Market Sector in California.

The role provides project management and technical services to freight rail and public agency clients across a thriving region, with emphasis on leadership across complex projects and multidisciplinary teams. The ideal candidate has extensive freight rail and public agency experience, knowledge of applicable standards, and the ability to drive project delivery from planning through CM.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related field.
• 10 years related experience.
• A minimum of 5 years of project management experience.
• Familiar with Microsoft Office, estimating and scheduling software and project management software.
• Must have the ability to interact with various design teams, have excellent organizational, project management and communication skills.
• An attitude and commitment to be an active participant in our employee‑owned culture is a must.

Responsibilities

• Take responsibility for all aspects of client and design‑team management of Class I railroad, freight, short line, commuter and rail transit projects.
• Plan, direct, supervise and monitor all aspects of multidisciplinary projects with a high degree of technical complexity and involving a large project staff of professionals and technicians; manage the assembly of design, plans, specifications, construction estimate packages and other deliverables.
• Produce and coordinate several projects concurrently.
• Serve as Project Manager on small, medium and large transportation projects.
• Serve as a point of contact between the client and HDR and help to enhance client relationships and be involved in contractual, design and production meetings.
• Participate in proposal development and other marketing activities as a seller‑doer pursuit champion or support role, as appropriate.
• Implement QA/QC procedures and perform detailed QC reviews of railway projects.
• Work with Freight Rail Market Sector Leader and other area managers to coordinate staffing and workload through the entire project development to complete deliverables on schedule.
• Work with Freight Rail Market Sector Leader and other area managers to supervise project staff, act as mentor for less‑experienced Project Managers and execute training for personnel as established by strategic plans.
• Perform other duties as needed.

Skills

MS Office

Engineering software

AutoCAD

MicroStation

OpenRoads/OpenRail

SureTrak

Primavera P3

Prolog

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Estimating software

Scheduling software

Job description

Overview

At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well‑known for adding beauty and structure to communities through high‑performance buildings and smart infrastructure, we provide much more than that. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include scientists, economists, builders, analysts, and artists. That is why we believe diversity is our greatest strength. HDR is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and an affirmative action employer.

We believe transportation is more than movement; it is the foundation of connected, thriving communities. As part of HDR's Transportation Business Group, you will 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, sustainability and quality of life. We bring together planners, engineers, architects, construction managers, environmental experts, strategic communicators, 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 are 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.

HDR is seeking a highly motivated Senior Project Manager to support HDR’s Freight Rail Market Sector. This position will provide project management and technical services to freight rail and public agency clients in a thriving region. Please note that this role requires strong management skills and the ability to work with various facets of freight rail and public agency staff and capital projects.

The ideal candidate will have broad experience working with freight railroads and public agencies, preferably in California and the Western US. The successful candidate must demonstrate knowledge of applicable federal, state and local standards and requirements associated with railway projects, design, operations and maintenance, and an understanding of project delivery processes for various phases of project development such as planning, conceptual design and feasibility, environmental documentation, preparation of plans, specifications and estimates (PS&E), and providing design support during construction (DSDC) and construction management (CM). The ideal candidate will also act as a seller‑doer project manager that leads project pursuits and helps grow market share through cooperation with the Freight Rail Market Sector Leader and the business development and marketing team.

The position may require travel to participate in client projects, marketing pursuits and internal meetings and events. Occasional in‑office presence is also required for meetings and collaboration with other team members.

Responsibilities

• Take responsibility for all aspects of client and design‑team management of Class I railroad, freight, short line, commuter and rail transit projects.
• Plan, direct, supervise and monitor all aspects of multidisciplinary projects with a high degree of technical complexity and involving a large project staff of professionals and technicians; manage the assembly of design, plans, specifications, construction estimate packages and other deliverables.
• Produce and coordinate several projects concurrently.
• Serve as Project Manager on small, medium and large transportation projects.
• Serve as a point of contact between the client and HDR and help to enhance client relationships and be involved in contractual, design and production meetings.
• Participate in proposal development and other marketing activities as a seller‑doer pursuit champion or support role, as appropriate.
• Implement QA/QC procedures and perform detailed QC reviews of railway projects.
• Work with Freight Rail Market Sector Leader and other area managers to coordinate staffing and workload through the entire project development to complete deliverables on schedule.
• Work with Freight Rail Market Sector Leader and other area managers to supervise project staff, act as mentor for less‑experienced Project Managers and execute training for personnel as established by strategic plans.
• Perform other duties as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years of experience within the railroad engineering industry and managing multidisciplinary railway projects and teams in office and field environments.
• Construction inspection or construction management experience.
• Professional Engineering (PE) license.
• Knowledge of Class I railroad public projects and engineering requirements.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
• Ability to handle multiple assignments.
• Ability to travel for client meetings, site visits, field assessments and construction management, as required.
• Demonstrated experience using Microsoft Office software (i.e., Word, Excel, Project), engineering software (e.g., AutoCAD, MicroStation, OpenRoads/OpenRail), estimating and scheduling software (e.g., Primavera P3 or SureTrak) and project management software (e.g., Prolog).
• Must be able to pass a background check.
• Must be legally able to work in the United States and have a valid U.S. Driver’s License.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related field.
• 10 years related experience.
• A minimum of 5 years of project management experience.
• Familiar with Microsoft Office, estimating and scheduling software and project management software.
• 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 be an active participant in our employee‑owned culture is a must.

Benefits

We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, health, performance and success, including 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. The expected compensation range for this position depends upon skills, experience, education and geographical location: $137,445 - $223,125.

Location

Primary Location: United States-California-Sacramento
Other Locations: United States-California-Walnut Creek, United States-California-Folsom

Job Details

Schedule: Full‑time
Employee Status: Regular
Business Class: Rail and Transit Systems
Job Posting Date: Dec 23, 2025