Principal Program Manager

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. 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.

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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. 

HDR is seeking a seasoned Principal Program Manager to serve as a trusted advisor to WSDOT and regional partners—leading complex, multi‑year transportation programs from strategy through delivery. This leader will guide planning, environmental, design, construction, and specialty support services; advise on policy, regulatory, financial, and community dimensions; and steer large, multidisciplinary teams to deliver resilient, equitable outcomes for the Pacific Northwest. The ideal candidate is a proactive, executive‑caliber communicator with a proven record leading major corridor programs and alternative delivery. A strategic thinker, this leader integrates highways with innovative technology and emerging mobility to maximize network performance, safety, equity, and long‑term value.

Program Leadership and Governance

• Assume leadership for multi‑disciplinary infrastructure programs characterized by significant technical complexity and non‑technical intricacies (policy, funding, community, and interagency coordination)
• Guide and support program governance, clarifying roles, decision rights, escalation paths, and reporting cadence; ensure transparent, defensible decisions
• Direct services provided by multiple large program teams (HDR and subconsultants) or provide day‑to‑day leadership, achieving alignment and promoting accountability

Strategic Advisory and Risk

• Advise WSDOT on the technical, regulatory, financial, and community facets of complex programs; tailor guidance to client needs and political context
• Anticipate and identify risks (e.g., technical, supply chain, permitting, community impacts, cost escalation), and lead issue resolution, risk mitigation, and timely decision‑making
• Leverage lessons learned and industry best practices to accelerate outcomes and avoid rework; provide thought leadership on delivery strategy, innovation, and resiliency

Program Planning, Processes, and Tools

• Develop and implement Program Management Plans, startup plans, work plans, and business processes and toolsets that drive efficiency, accountability, and transparency
• Stand up and optimize core functions including program governance, planning/design management, permitting, environmental planning/compliance, QA/QC, cost control/estimating, scheduling, document management, procurement, project management, risk management, construction management, commissioning/asset onboarding, communications, change management, equity, sustainability and resiliency, strategic planning, financial support, regulatory support, real estate, organizational strengthening, and capital planning

Execution and Delivery

• Plan, direct, and monitor all aspects of program execution from early planning through design and construction, including alternative delivery and non‑traditional procurement models
• Secure and deploy resources to address program challenges and unanticipated events; recalibrate delivery strategies as conditions evolve
• Promote team alignment through regular, effective communications and clear performance expectations; foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement

Quality, Financials, and Compliance

• Establish and oversee a robust QA/QC program to ensure technical excellence and maintain client confidence
• Monitor financial performance against pre‑established metrics; manage earnings and profitability, control losses, and ensure contract compliance
• Track KPIs across scope, schedule, cost, quality, safety, equity, and risk; drive corrective actions and course corrections as needed

Stakeholder, Agency, and Public Engagement

• Shape and inform public and agency engagement strategies in collaboration with client leadership, aligning messaging, timing, and outcomes
• Present to and coordinate with federal, state, and local officials, regional partners, advocacy groups, and the public; translate technical content into clear, actionable narratives

Funding and Growth

• Guide grant strategy and support funding pursuits to secure sustainable, long‑term program financing
• Grow HDR’s program management practice by building trusted relationships, expanding services for existing clients, supporting new pursuits, mentoring and training staff, and contributing to practice‑wide initiatives

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Sciences, Planning, Business Administration or closely related field
• DBIA certification
• Experience leading the consultant or owner program management team of at least one transportation infrastructure program(s) with a capital value of $1 billion
• Knowledgeable of other alternative delivery/contract models, such as public-private partnership (P3), design-build-finance-operate-maintain (DBFOM), and engineering procurement construction (EPC)
• Willingness to travel regularly, and if needed, commute to a client’s site