Transportation Principal Project Manager

HDR • Austin, TX

13d

About The Position

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?

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.

Requirements

• 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
• A minimum of ten (10) years of program management experience, with at least four (4) years as a Senior Program Manager
• 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

Nice To Haves

• 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

Responsibilities

• 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.

Benefits

• 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 employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to engage and contribute.
• Eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, 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 This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal