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Principal Project Manager Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

The Principal Project manager is Messer's most senior project management position, implementing our largest, most complex, and most critical projects. Why Messer? Messer is the world's largest ...

Principal Project Engineer This Principal Project Engineer will be a Project Manager responsible for all aspects of planning and executing projects/programs from ideation to project closure. The ...

Principal Project Engineer The Principal Project Engineer will be a project manager for the larger and more complex projects executed by the Processing or Packaging team. This position will be ...

Collaborate closely with project management, engineering, procurement, construction, and customer representatives to ensure integrated planning approaches and alignment across project functions.

As a Principal Marketing Project Manager, you will be an integral part of the Marketing Operations department supporting cross-functional teams. The ideal candidate will demonstrate excellent ...

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This role manages project controls across schedule, cost, risk, procurement readiness, logistics visibility, and delivery performance. The Principal Project Controls Lead will partner with delivery ...

This role manages project controls across schedule, cost, risk, procurement readiness, logistics visibility, and delivery performance. The Principal Project Controls Lead will partner with delivery ...

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Showing results 1-20

Principal Project Manager information

See Texas salary details

$41.9K

$97.8K

$157.9K

How much do principal project manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal project manager in Texas is $97,848.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,300.00 and $119,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Principal Project Manager vs Senior Project Manager?

AspectPrincipal Project ManagerSenior Project Manager
CredentialsPMI PMP, PgMP, or equivalent; extensive experiencePMP or similar; significant project management experience
Work EnvironmentStrategic leadership, cross-departmental projectsManaging complex projects, team oversight
Employer & Industry UsageLarge corporations, consulting firms, tech companiesVaried industries, mid to large organizations

The Principal Project Manager typically holds higher-level certifications and leads strategic initiatives across departments, whereas the Senior Project Manager focuses on managing complex projects and teams within specific domains. Both roles require extensive project management experience, but the Principal often has broader responsibilities and influence.

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

To thrive as a Principal Project Manager, you need advanced project management expertise, strategic planning abilities, and a track record of leading large, complex projects, often backed by a bachelor's or master's degree and PMP or similar certification. Familiarity with project management tools like Microsoft Project, Jira, or Primavera, as well as experience with budget and resource management systems, is essential. Outstanding leadership, stakeholder communication, and problem-solving skills set top performers apart in this role. These competencies ensure effective project delivery, risk mitigation, and alignment with organizational goals on high-stakes initiatives.

Is a principal project manager a high position?

A principal project manager is a senior-level role responsible for overseeing large or complex projects, often involving strategic planning and leadership. It is considered a high position within project management, typically requiring extensive experience, certifications like PMP, and strong leadership skills.

What is a principal project manager?

Principal Project Managers are senior professionals responsible for overseeing large, complex projects or multiple project teams within an organization. They provide strategic direction, manage key stakeholders, and ensure successful project delivery within scope, time, and budget constraints. In addition to managing projects, they mentor junior project managers, establish best practices, and contribute to organizational goals through leadership and expertise.

How does a principal project manager typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure project success?

A Principal Project Manager works closely with diverse teams—such as engineering, finance, marketing, and operations—to align project objectives and timelines. They facilitate regular meetings, establish clear communication channels, and proactively resolve conflicts or bottlenecks. By leveraging their leadership and organizational skills, they ensure that all stakeholders are informed, engaged, and contributing toward common goals. This collaborative approach is essential for navigating complex projects and delivering successful outcomes.
What job categories do people searching Principal Project Manager jobs in Texas look for? The top searched job categories for Principal Project Manager jobs in Texas are:
What cities in Texas are hiring for Principal Project Manager jobs? Cities in Texas with the most Principal Project Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Principal Project Manager job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,848 per year, or $47 per hour.

Transportation Principal Project Manager

HDR

Austin, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


HDR rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 57 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 441 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
Qualifications
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