Senior Project Manager Engineer (Freight Rail)

HDR; Walnut Creek (CA); On-site; USD 137,000 - 223,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee ownership

Comprehensive benefits

Retirement plan with employer match

Paid time away

Job summary

HDR is a leading engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services firm focused on high-performance transportation solutions. As part of HDR's Transportation Business Group, you will lead multidisciplinary teams and manage complex railroad projects from planning through construction to deliver safety, efficiency and resilience for communities.

This full-time role supports HDR's California operations, including Sacramento, Walnut Creek and Folsom, with employee-owned

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years in railroad engineering with multidisciplinary teams.
• Construction inspection or construction management experience.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Knowledge of Class I railroad public projects.
• PMP certification.
• Ability to travel for client meetings and site visits.
• Proficient with MS Office and engineering/scheduling software.

Skills

Project management

Microsoft Office

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Team collaboration

Background check required

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

Word

Project

AutoCAD

MicroStation

OpenRoads/OpenRail

Primavera P3

SureTrak

Prolog

Job description

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's why we believe diversity is our greatest strength. HDR is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and an affirmative action employer.

Watch our ‘About Us’ video

We believe that the way we work can add meaning and value to the world. That ideas inspire positive change. That coloring outside the lines can illuminate fresh perspectives. And that small details yield important realizations. Above all, we believe that collaboration is the best way forward.

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.

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, 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 being an active participant of our employee‑owned culture is a must

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.

We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, employee health, performance, and success, which 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. The expected compensation range for this position depends upon skills, experience, education and geographical location. (Stated benefits are for full-time regular positions. Temporary and part‑time roles eligible for limited benefits.) $137,445 - $223,125 Primary Location:United States-California-Sacramento Other Locations:United States-California-Walnut Creek, United States-California-Folsom Industry:Freight Rail Schedule:Full-time Employee Status:Regular BusinessClass:Rail and Transit Systems Job Posting:Aug 25, 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.