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Principal Program Manager Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

Managing Principal Department: Client Engagement Employment Type: Full Time Location: Austin, Texas ... program opportunities, consistently positioning Pfluger as a top-performing firm within key ...

... management and project delivery training programs that are available. • The Principal will build an office that promotes team communication, delegation, accountability and efficiency. • The ...

Managing Principal

Austin, TX · On-site

$180K - $289K/yr

... program opportunities, consistently positioning Pfluger as a top-performing firm within key ... The Managing Principal is expected to commute 3 days per week to Pfluger's local office and travel ...

Principal Consultant Today, every organization needs to be digital, powered by data, running in a ... Professional Services Organization Technical Program Management Office (PMO) that helps ...

Principal Consultant

Round Rock, TX · On-site

$197K - $255K/yr

Principal Consultant Today, every organization needs to be digital, powered by data, running in a ... Professional Services Organization Technical Program Management Office (PMO) that helps ...

The Managing Principal champions client relationships, driving business development, and ensuring ... program opportunities, consistently positioning Pfluger as a top-performing firm within key ...

Responsible for supporting the management of the cross-functional team resources and support areas ... Shift: 8:00am-5:00pm (Monday-Friday) Principal Accountabilities: * Supports the PM on the ...

... and program manager level within the Diversified Industries arena. * 2+ years direct experience with a cloud-native HR or Finance software (such as Workday, SuccessFactors, NetSuite, or a similar ...

Showing results 41-60

Principal Program Manager information

See Austin, TX salary details

$36.2K

$108.4K

$180.4K

How much do principal program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal program manager in Austin, TX is $108,431.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,300.00 and $123,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a principal program manager?

A Principal Program Manager is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing large, complex projects or programs within an organization. They set strategic direction, coordinate cross-functional teams, and ensure that projects align with business goals. Principal Program Managers often manage budgets, timelines, and stakeholder communications, leveraging their experience to resolve issues and drive successful outcomes. Their work is critical in guiding both the execution and vision of major initiatives.

How does a principal program manager typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive complex projects forward?

A Principal Program Manager regularly partners with engineering, product, design, and business stakeholders to ensure alignment on project goals, timelines, and deliverables. They facilitate communication between teams, identify and mitigate roadblocks, and help set clear priorities, often acting as a bridge between technical and non-technical groups. This role also involves influencing decision-making at higher organizational levels and mentoring junior program managers to build a cohesive and effective team environment. Strong collaboration and leadership skills are essential, as Principal Program Managers are responsible for orchestrating the efforts of diverse teams to achieve strategic objectives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a principal program manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Principal Program Manager, you need expertise in program management methodologies, strong leadership abilities, and typically a degree in business, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Project, Jira, Agile frameworks, and certifications such as PMP or PgMP are highly valuable. Exceptional communication, stakeholder management, and strategic thinking are essential soft skills that set top performers apart. These competencies are crucial for delivering complex programs successfully, aligning teams, and achieving organizational goals.

What is the difference between Principal Program Manager vs Program Manager?

AspectPrincipal Program ManagerProgram Manager
CredentialsTypically requires 8+ years of experience, PMP or similar certifications often preferredUsually 3-7 years of experience, often with relevant project management certifications
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, cross-functional leadership, high-level project oversightProject execution, team coordination, day-to-day management
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in tech, manufacturing, and large corporations for senior project rolesCommon across various industries for managing individual projects

The Principal Program Manager typically handles strategic, high-impact projects and leads multiple teams, requiring extensive experience and advanced certifications. In contrast, the Program Manager focuses on executing specific projects, managing teams, and ensuring project delivery. Both roles are vital but differ mainly in scope, responsibility, and seniority.

What job categories do people searching Principal Program Manager jobs in Austin, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Principal Program Manager jobs in Austin, TX are:

What cities near Austin, TX are hiring for Principal Program Manager jobs?

Cities near Austin, TX with the most Principal Program Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Principal Program Manager job openings in Austin, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,145 per year, or $52.5 per hour.

Transportation Principal Project Manager

HDR

Austin, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


HDR rating

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 60 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 452 rated engineering


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 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' 
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.

Principal Project Manager roles at HDR are considered to be the very top echelon of Project Managers in our business group, delivering the largest/most complex programs facing our clients. Additionally, the Principal Project Managers are part of our Transportation Leadership team and have a seat at the table to discuss ways to improve program delivery at the top of our organization. Ontario Line Program, SR 520 Floating Bridge,  South Mountain Freeway in Arizona and Oregon Bridge Delivery Partners Program are just some of the past examples of iconic programs that HDR has delivered through the work of dedicated program teams well led by a Principal Project Manager. Come join us to work on the next generation of legendary Transportation projects.

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

Assume leadership responsibilities for the management of multidisciplinary infrastructure programs with a high degree of technical complexity and non-technical intricacies.

Advise clients on the technical, regulatory, financial, and community facets of infrastructure programs, which are all critical to program success. Leverage lessons learned from other programs and industry best management practices to address the specific needs of each client.

Plan, direct, and monitor all aspects of program execution. This may involve overseeing a broad range of disciplines including, but not limited to: capital planning, change management, commissioning/asset onboarding, communications, construction management, cost control/estimating, document management, environmental planning/compliance, engineering, equity, financial support, organizational strengthening, permitting, planning/design management, program governance, procurement, project management, quality management, real estate, regulatory support, risk management, scheduling, strategic planning, sustainability and resiliency.

Anticipate and identify potential issues and risks that may impact program implementation, and assist the client with problem-solving, issues resolution, risk mitigation, and timely decision-making. Provide strategic advice and thought leadership. Deploy the required resources to address various program challenges and unanticipated events.

Develop and implement various plans (program management plans, startup plans and work plans), business processes, and tools to drive efficiencies, emphasize accountability, bring team alignment, and promote transparency.

Direct the services provided by multiple large program teams or provide day-to-day leadership on a single mega-project.

Promote alignment within the team through effective and regular communications.

Secure the resources required to deliver services specified in the contract scope with a focus on contract compliance.

Monitor team performance and establish a robust QA/QC program to meet client expectations.

Monitor the financial performance of the program against pre-established financial metrics and adjust as necessary to meet earnings and profitability targets, and control losses.

Contribute to the growth of HDR's program management services by (1) building a long-term trusted advisory relationship with clients; (2) looking for opportunities to expand our services to address the needs of existing clients; (3) supporting the pursuit of new program contract opportunities; (4) mentoring and training staff working on programs; and (5) supporting practice-wide initiatives.

Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Sciences, Planning, Business Administration or closely related field

DBIA certification

Experience leading the consultant or owner program management team of at least one [transportation/water/resources]  infrastructure program(s) with a capital value of $1 billion

Knowledgeable of other alternative delivery/contract models, such as public-private partnership (P3), design-build-finance-operate-maintain (DBFOM), and engineering procurement construction (EPC)Willingness to travel regularly, and if needed, commute to a client's site temporarily

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Sciences, Planning, Business Administration or a closely related field
  • At least one of the following licenses/certifications recognized by the licensing board for the location of the position offered: Professional Engineering License (PE or P.Eng), PMI Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, PMI Program Management Professional (PgMP) certification, AICP Certification, or CMAA Certified Construction Manager (CCM) Certification
  • Program management experience consistent with the following requirements:  A minimum of ten (10) years of program management experience, with at least four (4) years as a Senior Program Manager, and Experience leading as a Senior Program Manager or serving in a similar role on delivery of three or more programs, each with a capital value of $500 million or more, and. Experience delivering concurrent programs with a total value of $500 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.


What HDR employees say

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About HDR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

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.

Industry

Specialized design services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Omaha, NE, US

Year founded

1917