About Us

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.

Primary Responsibilities

HDR is actively seeking a creative, highly talented, and motivated Senior Freight Rail/Civil Engineer for immediate employment in the Southern California Region. The appropriately qualified applicant will be able to demonstrate an established career in the freight railroad/transportation industry including demonstrated experience through all levels of design and project management services. Direct experience in the freight rail industry along with experience on Public Improvement Projects and in construction management/resident engineering-level services is a strong plus. The Civil Engineer's primary role will include all aspects of client and design team management from feasibility and concept development through final design and into construction procurement/management services. The candidate would ideally have extensive knowledge of and prior working experience with railroad/transit clients in the planning, development, and hands-on delivery of multi-disciplinary large-scale projects involving vertical/horizontal rail alignment design, special track work, grading, culvert modifications, bridges, grade crossing design and public agency coordination, grade separations, and other general engineering design elements.

This person will be viewed as a key individual to serve as a high-level point of contact between the client and HDR. Also, this individual will be a key player in the continued growth of HDR's Freight Rail Market Sector (including design, project managements, and construction management services); wherein, travel to specific SoCal areas for client and stakeholder visits, site visits, or field assessments may be required to support project design coordination and/or Construction Management and Resident Engineering level services.

The ideal candidate should be comfortable being viewed as a technical expert, alongside demonstrated civil engineering design experience, with recognized authority that resolves problems of great scope and complexity whilst planning and developing projects which have significant impact on major company programs. You must also be able to plan, organize, and supervise work of medium- to large- numbers of professional staff and technicians both in the office and in the field. More specific duties include coordinating the planning and assembly of plans, specifications, project scheduling, proposal writing, exhibit development, client resolution, design/drafting, cost estimate/feasibility analysis packages, quality control of project deliveries, and overall project/construction management related services.

In the role of Senior Freight Rail/Civil Engineer, we'll count on you to:

• Coordinate with clients/owners, project team, other consultants, and others involved with the project.
• Support HDR and the Freight Rail Market by leading or participating in marketing and contracting activities.
• Support Rail Project Managers and Engineers to develop track and civil design plans and specifications.
• Complete track design engineering and inroads modeling alongside construction cost estimating.
• Work closely with the project's associated design task leads.
• Serve as a cross-disciplinary resource to best serve the needs of HDR.
• Serve as a Discipline Lead or provide technical expertise on railroad or civil engineering/design projects to support HDR's Freight Rail Market Sector and other market sectors as needed.
• Work across team-driven environments, across regions, and with a variety of clients that include rail, industrial, terminal, utility, agency, DOT, port, transit, and other industry clients.
• Be involved in project activities ranging from feasibility analysis to final design, and through to construction phase activities (including procurement, bid support, and construction submittals).
• Support Rail Project Managers by participating in client and stakeholder visits, site visits, field assessments, and construction inspections as needed.
• Manage scope, budget, and schedule, as well as development of design criteria, specifications, project guides, project meeting notes, and project controls.
• Lead and/or perform detailed quality control reviews of project deliverables.
• Assist with other duties assigned by Project Engineers and/or Project Managers.
• Support the transit and rail business line on other projects.
• Review or check design calculations, estimates, and specifications produced by other staff.
• Supervise junior staff performance of engineering tasks.
• Provide leadership across technical disciplines.
• Perform work independently on small projects and/or assist senior engineering on large-scale projects.
• Perform work assignments in accordance with established schedules and within prescribed budget.
• Mentor younger staff and support technical development.
• Perform other duties as needed

Keywords: Senior Freight Rail/Civil Engineer, Microstation, InRoads, AutoCAD Civil3D, railroad, industrial, transit, Bentley OpenRail, OpenRoads, SWPPP QSP

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering or rail engineering related field
• 10+ years experience in engineering and managing small- and large-scale multi-disciplinary design and/or field teams of increasing project budgets and varying project complexities
• Professional Engineer (PE) licensure
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Skilled in technical writing, communicating, and presenting to clients and the public
• Highly motivated to successfully interact with clients, the public, and team members
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with Microstation, InRoads, and AutoCAD Civil3D drafting and design
• Demonstrated ability to lead an engineering team and to provide design or construction management services
• Must be able to effectively work independently and in a team setting
• Must be able to pass a background check
• Must be legally able to work in the United States of America
• Must have a valid Driver's License and ability to operate a vehicle day or night
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with railroad, industrial, or transit clients
• Experience within the railroad engineering industry and familiarity with railroad design guidelines, specifications, and design criteria
• Professional Engineering licensure in the State of California (or ability to obtain within 12 months)
• Previously demonstrated design project experience with freight railroads and/or commuter railroads
• Hands-on experience with Bentley OpenRail and OpenRoads drafting and design
• Ability to travel periodically for client visits, site visits, field assessments, and construction inspections
• Experience in Construction Administrations and construction technology (a plus)
• California SWPPP QSP Certificate (QSD a plus)

Why HDR

At HDR, we know work isn't only about who you work for it's also about what you do and how you do it. Led by the strength of our values and a culture shaped by employee ownership, we network with each other, build on each other's contributions, and collaborate together to make great things possible. When you join HDR, we give you license to do the same. We help you take charge of your career, giving you multiple growth opportunities along the way.

HDR is an employee-owned company with more than 100-years of making great things possible, together with our clients. Our pride is in our people - smart, hardworking team members who take their employee ownership seriously and will have your back at every turn. Their expertise will inspire you to be your best and develop new and better solutions. We invite you to build your transportation career at HDR. Our global team is looking for a success-oriented engineer that will be a key player in HDR's freight rail program. The freight rail network is a vital link in our national and global supply chain markets. Your work at HDR results in critical infrastructure for the sustainable movement of goods and people. Whether it is a traditional railroad structure across a major river, or an engineering marvel that redefines freight mobility at historic bottlenecks, you will have created something that matters. If that sounds good to you, please apply!