Freight Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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.
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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.

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. Specifically, this individual will work to pursue, manage, and deliver projects and respond to client needs related to rail projects. This position requires strong management skills and the ability to work with different 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 CA & 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 Estimate (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. This position also requires occasional in-office presence to participate in required meetings and for collaboration with other team members.

The primary duties of the Senior Rail Project Manager are to:

• 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.

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