Dams, Levees and Civil Works Construction Business Class Lead

About the Role

The Dams, Levees and Civil Works (DLCW) Construction Business Class Lead provides technical and programmatic leadership for planning, design integration, and construction delivery of HDR’s dam and levee projects, as well as third‑party construction‑manager projects. Reporting to the DLCW Business Class Director, the lead drives strategic planning, risk management, and oversees all construction‑phase activities while collaborating with design teams to ensure constructability and cost‑effective solutions. The role also ensures design intent is met, evaluates QC/QA data, manages claims, and mentors engineers to bridge design and field execution. • Lead strategic planning, risk management, and construction delivery for dam and levee projects. • Ensure design intent is met during construction and provide engineering support on site. • Oversee constructability reviews, QC/QA evaluation, and claim management processes. • Mentor mid‑ and junior‑level engineers on constructability and field engineering practices. • Build and maintain strong client relationships with owners, contractors, and oversight boards. • Represent HDR in professional organizations to enhance the DLCW program’s reputation.

Key Responsibilities

• ▸strategic planning
• ▸risk management
• ▸construction delivery
• ▸constructability review
• ▸qc/qa
• ▸client relations

What You Bring

The position is not tied to a specific geographic location, though a site with a strong HDR presence is preferred. Travel is expected to average 50 % or greater, with monthly fluctuations ranging from 0 % to 100 %. The anticipated utilization range for the role is 70 %–80 %. Preferred qualifications include at least 15 years of experience in dam design, construction support, inspection, or related fields, and demonstrated leadership on flood‑control projects that require close integration of design and construction. Candidates should have experience with large, multidisciplinary heavy‑civil projects, construction cost estimating, various contract delivery methods, and identifying or resolving construction claims. Additional expertise in roller‑compacted concrete and earthen dams, foundation treatment, and high‑hazard dam oversight, as well as a master’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline and CCM certification, is highly valued. Required qualifications are a bachelor’s degree in engineering, architecture, or a closely related field, and a minimum of 10 years of professional experience. Applicants must maintain a professional engineering registration, demonstrate strong technical writing, presentation, and teamwork skills, and show commitment to HDR’s values and employee‑owned culture. Experience in leading diverse teams and collaborating with other business‑class leaders is essential. • Minimum 15 years of dam/levee design, construction support, or inspection experience. • Proven leadership on flood‑control projects requiring design‑construction integration. • Expertise in contract delivery methods, construction cost estimating, and claim resolution. • Experience with roller‑compacted concrete, earthen dams, and foundation treatment techniques. • Master’s degree in civil, mechanical, geotechnical, or structural engineering; CCM certification preferred. • Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field and 10+ years of professional experience. • Strong technical writing, presentation, and teamwork skills aligned with HDR’s values.

Requirements

• ▸dam design
• ▸flood control
• ▸cost estimating
• ▸ccm certification
• ▸master’s degree
• ▸15+ years

Work Environment

Office Full-Time