Freight Rail Section Manager

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.

HDR Engineering has an outstanding leadership opportunity for a Freight Rail Section Manager to become a part of HDR’s expanding Freight Rail Design and Construction Management practices. The successful candidate will be client-focused and have the ability to proactively market and manage railroad-related industry and public projects. Leaders will be expected to grow and diversify our established freight rail practices and develop/manage staff involved with the planning, design, and field services for rail operations and infrastructure.

They must have the ability to serve as a project manager for major rail projects and at the same time be responsible for the coordination of the rail program with area, regional, and national rail leadership.

• Project management (including planning, directing, and monitoring) of railroad projects from concept through construction
• Coordinate project staffing and workload through development of the project to complete quality deliverables on schedule
• Coordinate workshare and workloads with other rail section managers
• Implement QA/QC procedures and exceed client expectations for quality, schedule, and budget
• Develop and execute training for personnel as established by strategic plans
• Develop and maintain close relationships with existing and potential clients
• Business development for the Freight Rail Market Sector
• Tracking upcoming project opportunities and collaborating on project pursuits
• Work closely with HDR’s Transportation Market Sector Directors, Transportation Client Managers, and Field Services leadership in the pursuit and execution of major railroad projects.
• Participate in proposal development and other marketing activities.
• Track major railroad design and construction project prospects and develop and implement capture plans for new projects/programs
• Coach and mentor staff in the pursuit and execution of railroad Public Projects and Construction Management services and effectively communicate between client and project team.
• Increase HDR’s visibility in the Railroad Design and Construction Management services space by actively participating in strategic state and national organizations.

• Experience using Micro Station and Open Roads/Open Rail, or other BIM Software (AutoCAD, Civil3D, InRoads, Geopak, etc.).
• Experience in technical writing, communicating, and presenting to clients and the public.
• Local client experience.
• Experience in developing project scopes, programming, and fee proposals strongly preferred.
• Experience with client management.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• A minimum of 10 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

Jacksonville, FL

Full-time

Regular

May 18, 2026

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.