Lead Programmer

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?

About the role

HDR is a Top 10 Architectural & Engineering (A&E) firm in the United States and one of the largest employee-owned A&E companies. HDR has been selected to run the Installation Engineering and Installation Management functions of the Civil Engineer Squadron for the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA). We will be placing a multi-disciplinary A&E team of 50+ professionals at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. The contract begins in early 2026 and covers an eight-year period from 2026 through 2034.

The U.S. Air Force Academy is one of the premier universities in the country and one of the most widely visited locations in Colorado. HDR will perform wide-ranging facility management services including planning, programming, design, asset management, construction inspection, energy management, real estate, environmental, cultural resources, space planning, CAD, GIS, cost estimating, and other functions.

Ideal candidates will have knowledge and/or experience with federal contracts and/or the Air Force Civil Engineering Squadron. This position is full-time and located on-site at the USAFA.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Facility AMP and coordinate project authorizations independently, reflecting a leadership role within the installation planning team.
• Apply deep technical knowledge of AFI 32-1032 and AFI 32-1023 for planning and programming appropriated fund maintenance, repair, and construction projects to garner funding from higher headquarters.
• Articulate the requirements and benefits of each project to the Air Force, including adverse impacts of not approving a project.
• Identify project requirements to satisfy current and future mission needs.
• Provide advice and assistance to the Engineering Flight in writing, coordinating, and processing DOD Form 1391s in support of Facility Sustainment Restoration Modernization (FSRM) and Military Construction (MILCON) projects.
• Manage the development of 1391s, threshold reporting, and compliance with AFIs.
• Develop rough order of magnitude (ROM) construction cost estimates using government-provided software (similar to RS Means).
• Prepare detailed deliverables including justifications, space requirement calculations, site plans, coordination with HHQ authorization tools, and integration of funding timelines with construction schedules.
• Provide advice in development of the Base Comprehensive Asset Management Plan (BCAMP).
• Assist with documenting requirements and acquiring authority and resources to accomplish the work.
• Support obtaining and verifying information to justify and gain Congressional funding approval.
• Collaborate with Civil Engineering Operations Flight and other USAFA mission partners through asset management to develop requirements.
• Support generating documentation in pre-acquisition efforts for FSRM and MILCON projects.
• Develop and submit project lists (e.g., BCAMP, MILCON, Unspecified Minor Military Construction (UMMC), Energy Resilience and Conservation Investment Program (ERCIP), etc.).
• Perform other duties as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in related fields (preferably engineering, architecture, or construction).
• A minimum of 10 years experience in the Architecture/Engineering/Construction industry.
• Ability to interact and work alongside daily with various stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to pass a background check.
• Commitment to being an active participant in our employee-owned culture.
• US Citizenship (US Naturalized citizen) is required due to client contract requirements.
• This position is subject to a governmental background check.
• Ability to work in person and on-site at the United States Air Force Academy.

Preferred Qualifications

• A minimum of 3 years Air Force Civil Engineering Squadron programming experience.
• Knowledge of the Unified Facilities Criteria.
• Completion of AFIT training courses WMGT 331, 417 & 423, WENG 400 & 500.

Benefits

We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, health, performance, and success, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Short and long-term disability, life insurance.
• Employee assistance program.
• Paid time away, parental leave, paid holidays.
• Retirement savings plan with employer match.
• Employee referral bonus and tuition reimbursement.

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.

Pay

Colorado: $90,000.00 - $130,000.00 (depends upon skills, experience, education, and geographical location).

Schedule

Full-time, regular employee status.