Senior Transportation Program Manager

Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm is seeking a Senior Transportation Program Manager in Irvine, California. You will oversee transportation projects, coordinate with various agencies, and lead a dedicated team. The ideal candidate has over 15 years of project management experience, including managing projects over $350 million. HDR fosters a collaborative culture, and you'll work in a diverse environment, making impactful contributions to the connected communities.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of highway, rail, or grade separation project management experience is required.
• Requires professional engineering license recognized by the licensing board.
• Experience leading programs with a capital value of $350 million or more.

Responsibilities

• Represent the planning, design and construction interests throughout transportation projects.
• Directing and coordinating with multiple consultants and contractors.
• Provide oversight of the design and quality assurance processes.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Communication

Strategic planning

Business development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Planning, Sciences, Business Administration

Tools

PMIS

CMIS

Scheduling tools

Cost control tools

Job description

Senior Transportation Program Manager - ( 188206 )

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 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.

Responsibilities

• Represent the planning, design and construction interests of agencies throughout the delivery of transportation projects
• Directing and coordinating with multiple consultants, contractors and agencies and will help to establish the sequencing of project from financing to completion
• Provide oversight of the design and quality assurance processes
• Plan guidelines and performance specs for bidding
• Identify emerging technologies needed to best serve the interest of the client and project
• Oversee the development, maintenance, and delivery of technologies and services to clients
• Provide direction and be involved with community and public outreach activities related to the development of this project
• Oversee construction management sequence and delivery
• Develop and implement the company’s technology, standards, project delivery practices, facilities, equipment, tools, and associated training programs for the successful execution of all work associated with the project.
• Serve as client manager and Senior Project manager
• Build area technical expertise and production capacity through recruitment and training
• Participate and engage technical experts in support of client development and project pursuits
• Participate and encourage technical expert involvement in industry organizations and functions including presentations and publications

Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications

• 15+ years of highway, rail, or grade separation project management experience is required
• Demonstrated business development and strategic planning skills
• Good communication, leadership, planning and mentoring skills

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Planning, Sciences, Business Administration or a closely related field
• At least one of the following licenses/certifications:
• Requires professional engineering license recognized by the licensing board for the location of the position offered. Example: Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng) license.
• PMI Project Management Professional (PMP) certification;
• PMI Program Management Professional (PgMP) certification;
• AICP Certification
• Program management experience consistent with the following requirements:
• A minimum of six (6) years of program management experience, with at least four (4) years as a Program Manager or similar role with equivalent responsibilities and;
• Experience leading as a Program Manager or serving in a similar role on the delivery of two or more programs, each with a capital value of $350 million or more. Experience delivering concurrent programs with a total value of $350 million or more qualifies as one of the required programs.
• Strong leadership skills with experience building a cohesive team culture and managing team members located in various locations
• Excellent communication skills. Comfortable presenting to client executives and in front of a large audience in a public setting
• Management experience with the implementation of projects or programs using alternative and collaborative delivery methods, including design-build (DB), progressive design-build (PDB), and/or construction management at-risk (CMAR)
• Familiar with the various types of tools used to manage large programs - PMIS, CMIS, scheduling, cost control, document management, risk management, asset management, dashboard analytics, etc.
• Experience working in an integrated fashion within a Program Management Office (PMO) comprised of both consultant and client staff

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.

Locations & Additional Info

Primary Location: United States-California-Irvine

Other Locations: United States

Industry: Transit

Schedule: Full-time

Employee Status: Regular

Job Posting: Oct 17, 2025

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.

Ready to learn more? Let"s work together to make great things possible.

We design solutions to the world"s greatest challenges. We"re always looking for great talent to join our global teams.