HDR is seeking a Senior Digital Designer to lead model-based design delivery for transportation and linear infrastructure projects. This role focuses on establishing repeatable digital workflows, coordinating multidisciplinary model information, and producing consistent 2D and 3D outputs that align with project and client requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as digital design and/or modeling lead for small to large projects, major disciplines, corridors, facilities, or segments of megaprojects.
- Lead the development, coordination, and delivery of complex 2D and 3D design models and related design data from project setup through final delivery and closeout.
- Translate engineering direction, survey and existing-conditions information, calculations, design criteria, and multidisciplinary requirements into consistent model-based design solutions.
- Convert project requirements into model breakdown structures, file architecture, naming conventions, model responsibilities, information exchanges, expectations for level-of-development and level-of-information, and delivery milestones.
- Lead or coordinate the implementation of the Digital Delivery and BIM Execution Plan, including BIM uses, model responsibilities, information requirements, model production and delivery tables, and milestone tracking.
- Lead federated model and multidisciplinary coordination reviews, including issue-management processes, assignment of resolution responsibilities, and verification of closure for clashes, gaps, data issues, and workflow constraints.
- Lead model-based quality reviews, model health assessments, and audits to confirm compliance with client, project, and HDR requirements.
- Oversee model-derived plans, sheets, quantities, visualizations, data exchanges, and construction-support information to maintain alignment between approved design intent, models, and published deliverables.
- Evaluate and apply managed workspaces, common data environments, automation, interoperability methods, and emerging technologies that improve quality and efficiency.
- Collaborate with project managers and technical leads to define and manage digital design scope, fee, schedule, staffing, quality, risk, and delivery expectations.
- Provide technical guidance and mentoring to digital designers and model authors, supporting repeatable practices and resolution of complex modeling and coordination issues.
Required Qualifications
- Technical degree, or a combination of education and related industry experience.
- Minimum of 5 years of related industry experience.
- Advanced proficiency in 3D design software and document management infrastructure.
- Advanced proficiency with a 3D coordination tool.
- Competency with Microsoft Office products and communication tools.
- Advanced understanding of engineering or architectural concepts.
- Knowledge of industry standards and practices, including discipline codes and specifications.
- Excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and strong organizational traits.
Technologies
Bentley, Autodesk, ProjectWise, Autodesk Forma, CAD/BIM, GIS, reality capture, clash detection, 4D sequencing, model-based quantities, visualization, digital twins, digital asset information, Microsoft Office, CAD, BIM, document-control platforms
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision
- Short- and long-term disability
- Life insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Paid time away
- Parental leave
- Paid holidays
- Retirement savings plan with employer match
- Employee referral bonus
- Tuition reimbursement
Preferred Qualifications
- Associate or bachelor’s degree, technical degree, or certificate in civil engineering technology, engineering, geomatics, digital design, CAD/BIM, or a related field, or an equivalent education and experience combination.
- Advanced experience delivering model-based roadway, rail, transit, aviation, bridge, utility, site, or other linear infrastructure design.
- Understanding of transportation design concepts, engineering drawings, spatial relationships, file organization, model standards, and document-management practices.
- Advanced proficiency or certification in relevant Bentley, Autodesk, or other transportation design and coordination platforms.
- Experience working in common data environments such as ProjectWise or Autodesk Forma, implementing CAD/BIM standards, model-based quality processes, and multidisciplinary coordination workflows.
- Experience exchanging information across CAD, BIM, GIS, analysis, visualization, and document-control platforms, including reality capture, GIS integration, clash detection, 4D sequencing, model-based quantities, visualization, digital twins, and/or digital asset information.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and communication tools, including strong attention to detail, organization, collaboration, and written and verbal communication skills.
- Preference for candidates in the Mid-Atlantic (VA/MD/DC) Area.
Location, Schedule, and Employment Details
- Location: Washington, DC (onsite)
- Primary location: United States-Virginia-Vienna
- Other locations: United States-District of Columbia-Washington DC; United States-Virginia-Glen Allen; United States-Maryland-Baltimore; United States-Maryland-Fulton
- Schedule: Full-time
- Employee status: Regular
- Posting date: Nov 2, 2026
- Industry: Freight Rail
- Business class: Railway Design
- Job posting code: #LI-MJ1
Compensation
USD 60,638 to 99,000 per year
