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 seeking a creative, highly talented, and motivated Freight Rail/Civil Engineer for immediate employment in the HDR Irvine or Riverside offices. The appropriately qualified applicant will be able to demonstrate a knowledge of and a keen interest in civil engineering design and the freight railroad/transportation industry. Candidates are required to have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Direct experience in the freight rail industry along with experience on Public Improvement Projects is a strong plus. The Civil Engineer's primary role will be to grow into the task lead role for the project design team focused primarily on vertical/horizontal rail alignments, special track work, grading, culvert modifications, bridges, grade crossings, grade separations, and other general engineering design/drafting projects.

In the role of 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 Rail Project Managers and Engineers to develop track and civil design plans and specifications
• Develop design criteria, project guides, project meeting notes, and project controls
• Complete track design engineering and inroads modeling alongside construction cost estimating
• Works closely with the project's associated design task leads
• Serve as a cross-disciplinary resource to best serve the needs of HDR
• Assist with other duties assigned by Project Engineers and/or Project Managers
• Serve in a technical role 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 client
• 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
• Review or check design plans, calculations, estimates, and specifications produced by other staff
• 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.
• Perform other duties as needed

Keywords: Freight Rail/ Civil Engineer, Microstation, InRoads, AutoCAD, Civil3D, OpenRail, OpenRoads, freight railroad, commuter railroad, transit, SWPPP

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or rail engineering related field
• 5+ years experience in engineering complex multidisciplinary projects
• Professional Engineer (PE) license
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Highly motivated to successfully interact with clients, the public, and team members
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with MicroStation, InRoads and AutoCAD Civil 3D drafting and design
• 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
• California Professional Engineer (PE) license
• Experience within the railroad engineering industry and familiarity with railroad design guidelines, specifications, and design criteria
• 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!