Principal Program Manager

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HDR is seeking an exceptional Principal Program Manager to serve as a trusted, executive-level advisor to public agency clients.  The role is expected to provide strategic leadership to state DOTs and regional partners on a once‑in‑a‑generation, multi‑billion‑dollar investment replacing a critical interstate infrastructure. This leader should be prepared to direct one of the most visible and complex infrastructure programs in North America, requiring seamless coordination across states, multiple federal agencies, tribal governments, and regional stakeholders, while delivering a resilient, multimodal crossing over a sensitive and highly regulated waterbody.

This role demands a globally recognized leader in mega‑program delivery who brings demonstrated success overseeing large‑scale bridge, interstate, and corridor programs of national significance, integrating engineering excellence with environmental stewardship, political acumen, and innovative delivery strategies. The successful candidate will operate at the highest levels of technical, strategic, and executive leadership—shaping outcomes that will define regional mobility and economic vitality for decades.

Program Leadership and Interstate Governance

• Provide executive leadership for a multi‑billion‑dollar infrastructure effort involving complex governance across states
• Work in partnership with state DOTs to guide a program governance framework, aligning decision authority, accountability, and escalation across state DOTs, FHWA, FTA, USCG, and other regulatory bodies
• Lead and integrate large, multidisciplinary teams across agencies, consultants, and contractors, aligning approaches in a high‑visibility, politically complex environment

• Serve as a senior advisor to agency executives, elected officials, partner agencies, and consultants, helping navigate interjurisdictional priorities and maintaining program momentum.

   

   

Strategic Advisory, Risk, and Regulatory Leadership

• Provide expert guidance on federal permitting, NEPA processes, ESA compliance, Section 404/401, navigation requirements, and environmental stewardship for a major infrastructure project
• Anticipate and manage risks unique to mega projects such as bridge delivery over sensitive waterways, including constructability, marine navigation, seismic resilience, supply chain volatility, and climate impacts
• Lead integrated risk management and decision‑making processes across agencies, driving timely, defensible actions in a highly scrutinized environment.
• Apply global best practices from major bridge and corridor programs to optimize delivery, minimize disruption, and enhance long‑term system performance.
• Contribute to the advancement of HDR’s leadership in nationally significant bridge and corridor programs, mentoring staff and strengthening technical excellence.

Program Planning, Systems, and Delivery Integration

• Develop and operationalize a comprehensive Program Management Plan tailored to a multi‑agency structure, establishing industry‑leading processes, controls, and governance tools
• Stand up and lead integrated program functions including environmental planning and permitting; bridge and corridor design management; marine and in‑water construction coordination; cost, schedule, and risk analytics; QA/QC and technical oversight; right‑of‑way and community impact mitigation; and other core program functions
• Implement advanced PMIS, digital engineering, and data‑driven decision frameworks to deliver transparency and accountability at program scale.

Execution of a Landmark Bridge and Corridor Program

• Direct all phases of delivery, smoothly transitioning from planning and environmental clearance into design, procurement, and construction of a major interstate bridge crossing and associated major corridor improvement projects
• Lead alternative delivery strategies, including progressive design‑build, design‑build, and other innovative procurement models, suitable for mega programs
• Coordinate complex marine construction staging, navigation impacts, and river system considerations, minimizing disruption to commerce and ecosystems

• Deliver seamless integration of multimodal elements, including highway, transit, active transportation, and intelligent transportation system.

   

   

Quality, Financial Stewardship, and Accountability

• Manage a rigorous program‑wide QA/QC framework delivering technical excellence and regulatory compliance across all disciplines
• Oversee financial performance for a multi‑billion‑dollar capital program, including funding alignment across federal and state sources
• Track and drive performance across cost, schedule, safety, quality, environmental compliance, and community outcomes

• Oversee full compliance with federal oversight requirements and grant conditions.

   

   

Stakeholder, Public, and Multijurisdictional Engagement

• Serve as a lead representative for the program in engagements with federal agencies, state leadership, tribal nations, local governments, port authorities, and the public
• Shape and execute engagement strategies that address the unique sensitivities of a bi‑state river crossing with significant community, environmental, and economic impacts

• Communicate complex technical and regulatory issues clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences, building trust and maintaining public confidence.

   

   

Funding Strategy and Program Advancement

• Advise on and advance federal funding strategies, including discretionary grants and multi‑agency funding coordination

• Support long‑term financial planning and innovative funding approaches necessary for large interstate infrastructure programs

   

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in engineering, Construction Management, Planning, Business Administration, or related field
• DBIA certification or equivalent in alternative delivery leadership
• Demonstrated leadership of mega‑programs ($1B ) involving major bridge or water crossings
• Extensive experience navigating federal permitting and environmental approvals for large infrastructure over waterways
• Proven success leading multi‑jurisdictional infrastructure programs of national or regional significance
• Deep expertise in innovative delivery models (PDB, DB, P3, DBFOM, EPC) for complex transportation systems
• Current Professional Engineering Licenses (or ability to obtain in applicable jurisdictions within six months)
• Willingness to travel regularly, and if needed, commute to a client’s site