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Freight Rail Section Manager

HDR, Inc.
United States, Florida, Jacksonville
200 W Forsyth St Ste 800 (Show on map)
May 19, 2026

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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'

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.

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. They must have a knowledge of, and experience with, rail studies planning and NEPA and/or design of projects/programs with high degree of technical complexity. HDR offers a complementary suite of consulting services across a wide range of disciplines and involve a large project staff. The candidate will also leverage experience and knowledge of the railroad industry to grow and expand our track design and construction management services for railroad and railroad related agency and third-party projects.

Responsibilities include the following:

  • 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\

The individual will effectively manage the work program of a staff of professionals and technicians, in the Jacksonville, FL office, to complete quality project deliverables on schedule and budget. They must provide meaningful growth opportunities and training opportunities for key staff, handle performance reviews and goal setting and recognize the importance of an engaged/fulfilled staff that likes their workplace and their company. They must be comfortable with being viewed as a technical expert with recognized authority in an area of specialization that resolves problems of greater scope and complexity. while planning and developing projects or design activities which have significant impact on major company operations.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience using MicroStation and OpenRoads/OpenRail, or other BIM Software (AutoCAD, Civil3D, InRoads, Geopak, etc.).
  • Experience in technical writing, communicating, and presenting to clients and the public.
  • Local client experience.
  • Project management experience
  • Experience in developing project scopes, programming, and fee proposals strongly preferred.
  • Experience with client management.
Required Qualifications
  • 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

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-Florida-Jacksonville
Industry : Freight Rail
Schedule : Full-time
Employee Status : Regular
BusinessClass : Railway Design
Job Posting : May 18, 2026
Applied = 0

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