Rail Systems Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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?

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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.

Primary Responsibilities

The primary duties of the Senior Rail Systems Manager include design production and technical leadership for rail systems projects pertaining to traction electrification overhead contact systems (OCS) distribution. This position is a key role within the Rail and Transit Systems Business Class. This person will have involvement in electrified rail and transit projects throughout North America and Internationally. The Manager will have specific responsibilities managing staff, planning and scheduling work, performing design, providing leadership of specific design packages for multiple projects, as well as coordinating the assembly of plans and specifications, and construction support. This position supports various rail and transit projects throughout North America to serve the contract requirements and respond to client needs.

The successful candidate will have experience in developing technical specifications, criteria and drawings for AC and DC overhead contact systems, and the interfaces to traction power systems, structures and rail and bus vehicles. As such, the candidate will have the ability to pro-actively lead tasks between technical groups and be innovative in solving complex challenges.

Position Description

Project work will include overhead contact wire distribution design for Streetcar, Electrified Bus, Light Rail, Heavy Rail, Commuter Rail and High Speed Rail Projects operating on Overhead Contact systems.

Design work would include overhead contact system components, layouts and calculations needed for equipment sizing and allocation, general arrangements, typicals, and allocation drawings.

Project management work will include client needs coordination, scoping, fee preparation, scheduling, budget tracking, and delivery of work products.

Work location would include both Home Office and short term travel to cities installing or planning to install Electrified Transit Systems. Long term field assignments may also be available.

Skills and Additional Attributes

Individual must be technically competent, with recognized rail specialization that resolves problems of significant scope and complexity. The individual should have industry standing in technical committees in the electrification field, and have established relationships with rail and transit clients throughout North America. In addition to performing design work by themselves, the Individual will be required to plan, organize, and coordinate work of small to medium group of professionals and technicians. Past experience with direct client interface and complete project life-cycle (design to commissioning) is highly desirable. Preference given to candidates with experience in the NY/NJ Transit Market.

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Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
• A minimum of 7 years experience
• Professional registration, license or certification may be required based on role
• Strong communication and listening skills
• Ability to handle multiple assignments
• Good leadership and organizational 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.

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.

Primary Location

United States-New York-New York

Industry

Transit

Schedule

Full-time

Employee Status

Regular

BusinessClass : Rail and Transit Systems

Job Posting

Aug 7, 2026

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity.

We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.

Ready to learn more? Let's work together to make great thingspossible.

We design solutions to the world's greatest challenges. We'realways looking for great talent to join our global teams.