Senior Rail Systems 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? Watch Our Story. Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better.

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.

Responsibilities

• Design production and technical leadership for rail systems projects pertaining to traction electrification overhead contact systems (OCS) distribution.
• Manage staff, planning, and scheduling of work, including design leadership for specific design packages across multiple projects.
• Coordinate the assembly of plans, specifications, and construction support for electrified rail and transit projects throughout North America and internationally.
• Develop technical specifications, criteria, and drawings for AC and DC overhead contact systems, including interfaces to traction power systems, structures, and rail and bus vehicles.
• Proactively lead tasks between technical groups and innovate solutions for complex challenges.
• Overhead contact wire distribution design for Streetcar, Electrified Bus, Light Rail, Heavy Rail, Commuter Rail, and High-Speed Rail projects operating on Overhead Contact Systems.
• Design overhead contact system components, layouts, calculations for equipment sizing and allocation, general arrangements, typicals, and allocation drawings.
• Project management, including client needs coordination, scoping, fee preparation, scheduling, budget tracking, and delivery of work products.
• Work location includes both home office and short-term travel to cities installing or planning to install Electrified Transit Systems. Long-term field assignments may also be available.
• Plan, organize, and coordinate the work of small to medium groups of professionals and technicians.
• Direct client interface and complete project lifecycle management (design to commissioning).

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in rail systems, specifically traction electrification and overhead contact systems.
• Professional registration, license, or certification may be required based on role.
• Strong communication and listening skills.
• Ability to handle multiple assignments.
• Leadership and organizational skills.
• Commitment to being an active participant in our employee-owned culture.
• Technical competence with recognized rail specialization in resolving problems of significant scope and complexity.
• Industry standing in technical committees in the electrification field.
• Established relationships with rail and transit clients throughout North America.

Preference given to candidates with experience in the NY/NJ Transit Market.

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.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package promoting employee ownership, health, performance, and success.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Short- and long-term disability and life insurance.
• Employee assistance program.
• Paid time away, parental leave, and paid holidays.
• Retirement savings plan with employer match.
• Employee referral bonus and tuition reimbursement.
• Eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) to foster inclusion and belonging.

Pay

Expected compensation range for this position depends on skills, experience, education, and geographical location. For New York City: $137,463–$196,375.

Schedule

Full-time, regular position.