Program Director - High Speed Rail

Transportation At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your impact

We are seeking an accomplished Program Director with deep expertise in transit and rail systems—particularly high-speed rail (HSR)—to lead and manage a mega-scale infrastructure program of significant strategic value. This role demands exceptional leadership, technical proficiency in rail systems, and the ability to navigate complexity while driving innovation in program management practices.

When you join us as a Program Director, you’ll be responsible for:

•Providing strategic direction and technical leadership for program delivery, with a strong focus on rail and transit infrastructure.

•Overseeing program scope, schedule, and budget adherence for all key tasks and assignments related to rail systems and HSR.

•Advocating for ethical and safe working practices across all program activities.

•Driving innovation in program management methodologies tailored to large-scale rail and transit projects.

•Identifying high-risk areas in rail program execution and proactively implement measures to ensure successful outcomes.

•Contributing to talent development strategies, including workforce planning and resourcing for critical rail program components.

•Assessing long-term trends and disruptive forces in rail and transportation infrastructure, addressing emerging challenges and opportunities.

•Leading initiatives for skill development and capability building to support rail program execution.

•Attracting, retaining, and developing top-tier talent within the rail-focused program management team.

The final candidate can work out of any Jacobs U.S. office including but not limited to: New York, New York, Boston, Massachusetts, Morristown, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Baltimore, Maryland, Washington DC, Reston Virginia, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale or Miami Florida, Dallas, Texas, Atlanta, Georgia, Chicago, Illinois, St. Louis, Missouri, Indianapolis, Indiana, Mendota Heights, Minnesota, Las Vegas, Nevada, Seattle, Washington, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Los Angeles or San Francisco, California and Tempe, Arizona.

Here's what you'll need

•Bachelor's Degree in engineering, architecture, or project management preferred; equivalent diplomas with substantial rail experience considered.

•20+ years of professional experience in rail and transit, including at least 15 years in senior leadership roles overseeing major or mega-capital rail infrastructure programs, particularly high-speed rail.

•Proven track record of delivering complex, high-value rail projects and achieving strategic objectives.

•Expertise in navigating complexity and driving innovation in program management for mega-capital rail projects.

•Recognized industry leader with a strong professional network and influence in rail and transit infrastructure project management.

•Ability to foster a collaborative, high-performance culture that empowers teams to excel.

•Deep familiarity with HSR and/or passenger rail alignments, tracks, facilities, and system design.

•Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Posted Salary Range: Minimum

275,000.00

Posted Salary Range: Upper

350,000.00

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to invest in you, and in the things you care about. Your health. Your well-being. Your security. Your future. Employees have access to medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance, a 401(k) plan, and the ability to purchase company stock at a discount. Eligible employees may also enroll in a deferred compensation plan or the Executive Deferral Plan. Jacobs has an unlimited U.S. Personalized Paid Time Off (PPTO) policy for full-time salaried/exempt employees, seven paid holidays, and caregiver leave. And certain roles may be eligible for additional rewards, including merit increases, performance discretionary bonus, and stock.

The base salary range for this position is $275,000.00 to $350,000.00. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. Job posted on January 07, 2026. This position will be open for at least 3 days.

Qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment

We value collaboration and believe that in-person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.

Your application experience is important to us, and we’re keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support .

Locations

City State Country
Boston	Massachusetts	United States
Morristown	New Jersey	United States
Philadelphia	Pennsylvania	United States
Baltimore	Maryland	United States
Washington	District of Columbia	United States
Reston	Virginia	United States
Tampa	Florida	United States
Fort Lauderdale	Florida	United States
Miami	Florida	United States
Dallas	Texas	United States
Atlanta	Georgia	United States
Chicago	Illinois	United States
St. Louis	Missouri	United States
Indianapolis	Indiana	United States
Mendota Heights	Minnesota	United States
Las Vegas	Nevada	United States
Seattle	Washington	United States
Milwaukee	Wisconsin	United States
Los Angeles	California	United States
San Francisco	California	United States
Tempe	Arizona	United States
New York	New York	United States