Bridge & Structures Technology Leader

Bridge and Structures Technology Leader – HDR Transportation Business Group HDR has an outstanding career opportunity for an experienced professional to serve in a senior leadership position in the Bridges and Structures Business Class (BSBC). The Bridge and Structures Technology Leader is responsible for driving the strategic vision, governance, and implementation of technology, hardware, software, and computational workflows specific to bridge and structural engineering delivery. The role collaborates closely with the Bridge and Structures Director and works in partnership with the Transportation Technology Director to ensure bridge and structures technology priorities remain aligned with the Transportation Business Group (TBG) Technology Vision and broader HDR technology strategy. The position serves as the bridge between bridge engineering practice, TBG technology strategy, and corporate technology capabilities. This includes coordination with corporate technology groups such as the Applied Technology Office (ATO), Global Technology Group (GTG), ERP, Digital Design & Delivery (Autodesk, Bentley, Esri), Data Architecture, Enterprise Data Services, Technology Investment Review Committee (TIRC) processes, and Software Development. The position also coordinates closely with TBG technology service teams to deliver project-level value through standardized, high-impact delivery approaches including Visualization and Interactive Design, Geospatial, Digital Delivery, Project Controls, Data and AI, Digital Advisory, Enterprise Digital Delivery, and Geomatics and Remote Sensing. The role works in close coordination with the Bridges and Structures AI Practice Lead to align bridge-focused AI efforts with governance, validation, and adoption frameworks. Success in this role includes building a strong technology culture within Bridges and Structures by creating clarity on how teams engage with tools and workflows, supporting change management and adoption, and strengthening technology-focused career pathways that develop and retain digital and computational talent. Primary Focus Establish and execute a Bridge and Structures technology vision, roadmap, and standards aligned to the TBG Technology Vision Oversee bridge-specific software governance and validation programs across the bridge design software stack Advance model‑centric, parametric, computational, and digital delivery workflows for Bridges and Structures projects Integrate analysis, design, BIM, Architecture, data, and visualization tools into cohesive delivery pipelines Grow and champion a technology‑first culture across the business class through communication, training, and structured adoption support Support development of bridge technology‑focused career paths (e.g., digital delivery, computational design, automation, data/AI enablement), including role definitions and progression models for technology‑enabled bridge delivery roles Enable training, talent development, and defined career paths for technology‑enabled bridge engineers in offices worldwide Facilitate technology‑related knowledge sharing between offices in different regions and countries Coordinate bridge technology priorities across TBG technology service teams and corporate technology groups Primary Responsibilities Develop and maintain the Bridge and Structures technology roadmap in alignment with the TBG Technology Vision and execution plan, including measurable initiatives that elevate project delivery through technology. This roadmap will include improvements to the existing workflows used throughout the Business Class through the use of technology and oversee software validation, version control, and governance for bridge and structural engineering tools, including analysis, design, and computational platforms. Partner with the Transportation Technology Director and corporate technology groups to integrate bridge needs into enterprise initiatives, including data, platforms, governance, and software lifecycle efforts. Coordinate with TBG technology service teams (Visualization and Interactive Design, Geospatial, Digital Delivery, Project Controls, Data and AI, Digital Advisory, Enterprise Digital Delivery, Asset Management and Performance, and Geomatics and Remote Sensing) to deliver integrated, project‑ready solutions. Serve as a subject‑matter expert for technology‑focused areas supporting bridge engineering delivery (e.g., computational design, digital design and delivery, parametric modeling, automation, data capture, and model‑centric workflows), ensuring tools and workflows are production‑ready and appropriately validated. Collaborate with the Bridges and Structures AI Practice Lead to identify and scale bridge‑focused AI use cases with appropriate controls, validation, and change management. Grow and champion a Bridges and Structures technology culture by establishing clear engagement paths, sharing success stories, and supporting consistent adoption of validated workflows across regions. Support development of technology‑focused career paths within the business class, including role definitions, skills and competency expectations, and progression models for emerging digital, computational, and technology leadership roles. Coordinate with business class leadership and HR partners to strengthen talent development mechanisms, including mentoring, upskilling opportunities, and alignment to broader digital delivery career path initiatives. Identify programmatic hardware, cloud, and software needs supporting bridge engineering workflows, and work with GTG and corporate partners to implement solutions. Establish standardized best practices and delivery playbooks connecting analysis, calculation, BIM, data, and visualization tools across the bridge project lifecycle. Support and guide technology‑related training initiatives and practice groups within Bridges and Structures. Translate bridge engineering needs into actionable technology initiatives and clearly communicate technical concepts to non‑technical stakeholders, supporting consistent adoption across regions. Additional Responsibilities The position has a utilization goal of approximately 50%. The successful candidate is expected to remain actively engaged in project delivery, demonstrating hands‑on application of technology‑enabled bridge engineering workflows while advancing business class initiatives. Desired Experience & Qualifications Participation on complex bridge and structures projects utilizing advanced analysis, modeling, data, or computational tools Leading or supporting implementation of new software, workflows, automation, or AI‑enabled processes on active projects Maintaining a successful history of significant project‑based utilization while supporting business class technology programs Experience coordinating across business classes and business groups technology capabilities, including Structural Engineering teams within BES, Water, and Resources, and partnering with Geotechnical Business Class leadership on structure‑geotechnical interface needs Preferred Qualifications Demonstrated experience in bridge analysis, design, and delivery workflows, including use of industry‑standard bridge software Proven ability to develop, validate, and implement technology‑enabled engineering workflows within a consulting engineering environment Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams to find solutions that advance projects and initiatives Master’s degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a closely related field Experience with computational design, parametric modeling, or low‑code engineering platforms applied to bridge and structural engineering Familiarity with bridge analysis and design software ecosystems such as MathCAD, LARSA, CSiBridge, SAP2000, sPColumn, LEAP Bridge, MIDAS, AASHTOWare, LUSAS, or similar tools Experience integrating analysis, BIM, and data workflows across platforms such as OpenBridge, Revit, Rhino, Grasshopper, or similar environments Demonstrated leadership in technology governance, validation processes, or practice‑wide software programs Familiarity with AI concepts and practical industry applications within transportation and bridge delivery, including automation, computer vision, and decision support analytics Experience partnering with AI, data, and software teams to move prototypes into validated, production‑ready workflows with appropriate governance and risk controls Experience mentoring engineers and helping define technology‑focused career paths within bridge engineering Experience with programming languages such as Matlab, Python, or Visual Basic for Applications Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree A minimum of 10 years bridge design experience Professional engineering license recognized by the licensing board for the location of the position offered (e.g., PE or P.Eng) Proven hands‑on experience in all aspects of bridge design projects Familiarity with Bluebeam Revu and engineering software packages such as LEAP Bridge Enterprise, FB‑MultiPier, LPile, AASHTOWare BrR, midas Civil, MDX, SAP2000, CSiBridge, RM Bridge, spColumn, STLBridgeLRFD, or STLBridge Knowledge of ADINA, LUSAS, Bentley OpenBridge Designer and OpenBridge Modeler and/or Autodesk Infraworks and Civil3D Experience using Microsoft Office Suite, MicroStation, AutoCAD, MathCAD, LARSA, Prestress Concrete Design Demonstrated leadership skills, communication skills and ability to work with various teams Project management skills desirable Strong communication skills and willingness to work in a team environment Ability to serve as a technical expert in engineering analysis and design with proven background of technical leadership on these types of projects Commitment to actively participate in our employee‑owned culture Benefits We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, employee health, performance, and success. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, short‑ and long‑term disability, life insurance, employee assistance program, paid time away, parental leave, paid holidays, a retirement savings plan with employer match, employee referral bonus, and tuition reimbursement. The expected compensation range for this position depends upon skills, experience, education and geographical location. (Stated benefits are for full‑time regular positions. Temporary and part‑time roles eligible for limited benefits.) US: $109,326‑$236,325. Locations United States – Minnesota – Saint Louis Park United States – Illinois – Rosemont United States – Washington – Bellevue United States – Virginia – Virginia Beach United States – California – Walnut Creek United States – Missouri – Kansas City United States – Massachusetts – Boston United States – Nebraska – Omaha United States – Colorado – Denver United States – Oregon – Portland United States – Florida – Orlando United States – Missouri – St Louis United States – New York – New York United States – Oregon – Salem United States – Pennsylvania – Pittsburgh United States – Florida – Tampa United States – Texas – Dallas United States – Texas – Houston United States – California – Irvine EEO Statement At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records. #J-18808-Ljbffr