Program Director - High Speed Rail at Jacobs in Tempe, AZ | USD275,000-350,000 | Kablio

Role

Description

program management

scope control

risk management

technical leadership

talent development

trend analysis

Driving innovation in program management methodologies tailored to large-scale rail and transit projects.
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.
Attracting, retaining, and developing top-tier talent within the rail-focused program management team.
Identifying high-risk areas in rail program execution and proactively implement measures to ensure successful outcomes.
Providing strategic direction and technical leadership for program delivery, with a strong focus on rail and transit infrastructure.
Contributing to talent development strategies, including workforce planning and resourcing for critical rail program components.
Leading initiatives for skill development and capability building to support rail program execution.
Assessing long-term trends and disruptive forces in rail and transportation infrastructure, addressing emerging challenges and opportunities.

Requirements

hsr

microsoft office

bachelor's

program management

senior leadership

collaboration

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.
Proven track record of delivering complex, high-value rail projects and achieving strategic objectives.
Recognized industry leader with a strong professional network and influence in rail and transit infrastructure project management.
Bachelor's Degree in engineering, architecture, or project management preferred; equivalent diplomas with substantial rail experience considered.
Expertise in navigating complexity and driving innovation in program management for mega-capital rail projects.
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.

Benefits

Information not given or found

Training + Development

Information not given or found

Interview process

Information not given or found

Visa Sponsorship

Information not given or found

Security clearance

Information not given or found

Company

Overview

Founded 1947

Year Established

The firm was established in 1947 by Joseph J. Jacobs as a small engineering venture.

Revenue $14–16B

Annual Revenue Range

The company generates annual revenue between $14 billion and $16 billion.

Backlog $22B

Backlog Value

The firm maintains a robust backlog of approximately $22 billion.

Rank #1 ENR

Top 500 Rank

The company consistently ranks at the top of ENR's Top 500 Design Firms list.

Headquartered in Dallas, it has evolved into a global powerhouse delivering consulting, technical, scientific and project delivery services.
Its portfolio spans transformative projects—clean water systems, data centers, rail expansions, offshore wind roadmaps, and wastewater plants.
Specialising in advanced manufacturing, cities & places, energy, environmental, national security & defense, life sciences, transportation and water sectors.
Jacobs has reshaped itself via key moves—spinning off government services, acquiring CH2M in 2017, and exiting traditional oil & gas units.
Projects often tackle high-stakes, complex challenges: wastewater treatment in Vancouver, LIRR station upgrades, and AI data centres in Portugal.
Unusually, the firm shifted its HQ from California to Dallas in 2016 to align with its expanding national and global reach.

Culture + Values

We do things right. We always act with integrity – taking responsibility for our work, caring for our people and staying focused on safety and sustainability. We make investments in our clients, people and communities, so we can grow together.
We challenge the accepted. We know that to create a better future, we must ask difficult questions. We always stay curious and are not afraid to try new things.
We aim higher. We do not settle – always looking beyond to raise the bar and deliver with excellence. We are committed to our clients by bringing innovative solutions that lead to profitable growth and shared success.
We live inclusion. We put people at the heart of our business. We embrace different perspectives, collaborating to make a positive impact. Through an unparalleled focus on inclusion with a diverse team of visionaries, thinkers and doers, we build trust – in each other and across our company.

Environment + Sustainability

100% Renewable Energy

Sustainability Achievement

Achieved 100% renewable energy and net-zero carbon emissions for operations (Scopes 1, 2, and business travel) in 2020, aligned with the PAS 2060 standard.

61% Emissions Reduction

GHG Reduction Milestone

Reduced total value-chain GHG emissions by 61% by FY 22 (from FY 19 baseline) to 130,232 tCO₂e, maintaining net-zero for Scopes 1, 2, and travel emissions after offsets and certificates.

$50/tonne CO₂e

Carbon Pricing Initiative

Introduced carbon pricing of $50 USD per tonne CO₂e on business travel, with generated revenue funding carbon reduction initiatives.

65% Suppliers Target

Supplier Sustainability Commitment

Committed to ensuring 65% of suppliers by spend have science-based targets by 2025.

Committed to becoming carbon negative for operations and travel by 2030.
Science-based target for full value-chain (Scope 1, 2, and 3) net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.
Joined The Climate Pledge: carbon-neutral by 2040, a decade ahead of Paris Agreement.
Introduced carbon pricing ($50 USD per tonne CO₂e) on business travel with generated revenue funding carbon reduction initiatives.
Launched inaugural sustainability-linked bonds in FY 23 tied to gender equality (UN SDG 5/10) and climate action (UN SDG 13).
Climate Action Plan: ensure every project becomes a climate-response opportunity; maintain carbon neutrality and 100% low-carbon electricity.

Inclusion & Diversity

45%

Female or Ethnically Diverse Representation

45% of the Board of Directors are female or ethnically diverse.

63%

Diverse Executives

The Executive Leadership Team comprises 63% diverse members.

40%

Women in Leadership

40% of the Executive Leadership Team are women.

8 Networks

Employee Networks

Eight employee networks representing diverse groups within the company.

To be the employer of choice and recognized globally for attracting diverse talent where inclusion is our differentiator in bringing innovative thought and solutions to our clients.
Create an environment where diverse employees want to join, feel they belong and will thrive.
Underwent full pay equity review annually, with budget allocated to rectify inequities in like‑for‑like roles.
Instituted inclusion and diversity goals within senior leadership compensation metrics since FY 19.
Committed to launching conscious inclusion training for all employees.
Partnered with external organizations (e.g., NSBE, SHPE, Catalyst) and recognized by HRC, Disability Equality Index, Times Top 50 Employers for Women, Australia WGEA Employer of Choice.

Articles

Careers at Jacobs

Life at Jacobs

Early Careers

Jacobs ‘Leading through our culture’ video

Role

Description

program management

scope control

risk management

technical leadership

talent development

trend analysis

Driving innovation in program management methodologies tailored to large-scale rail and transit projects.
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.
Attracting, retaining, and developing top-tier talent within the rail-focused program management team.
Identifying high-risk areas in rail program execution and proactively implement measures to ensure successful outcomes.
Providing strategic direction and technical leadership for program delivery, with a strong focus on rail and transit infrastructure.
Contributing to talent development strategies, including workforce planning and resourcing for critical rail program components.
Leading initiatives for skill development and capability building to support rail program execution.
Assessing long-term trends and disruptive forces in rail and transportation infrastructure, addressing emerging challenges and opportunities.

Requirements

hsr

microsoft office

bachelor's

program management

senior leadership

collaboration

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.
Proven track record of delivering complex, high-value rail projects and achieving strategic objectives.
Recognized industry leader with a strong professional network and influence in rail and transit infrastructure project management.
Bachelor's Degree in engineering, architecture, or project management preferred; equivalent diplomas with substantial rail experience considered.
Expertise in navigating complexity and driving innovation in program management for mega-capital rail projects.
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.

Benefits

Information not given or found

Training + Development

Information not given or found

Interview process

Information not given or found

Visa Sponsorship

Information not given or found

Security clearance

Information not given or found

Company

Overview

Founded 1947

Year Established

The firm was established in 1947 by Joseph J. Jacobs as a small engineering venture.

Revenue $14–16B

Annual Revenue Range

The company generates annual revenue between $14 billion and $16 billion.

Backlog $22B

Backlog Value

The firm maintains a robust backlog of approximately $22 billion.

Rank #1 ENR

Top 500 Rank

The company consistently ranks at the top of ENR's Top 500 Design Firms list.

Headquartered in Dallas, it has evolved into a global powerhouse delivering consulting, technical, scientific and project delivery services.
Its portfolio spans transformative projects—clean water systems, data centers, rail expansions, offshore wind roadmaps, and wastewater plants.
Specialising in advanced manufacturing, cities & places, energy, environmental, national security & defense, life sciences, transportation and water sectors.
Jacobs has reshaped itself via key moves—spinning off government services, acquiring CH2M in 2017, and exiting traditional oil & gas units.
Projects often tackle high-stakes, complex challenges: wastewater treatment in Vancouver, LIRR station upgrades, and AI data centres in Portugal.
Unusually, the firm shifted its HQ from California to Dallas in 2016 to align with its expanding national and global reach.

Culture + Values

We do things right. We always act with integrity – taking responsibility for our work, caring for our people and staying focused on safety and sustainability. We make investments in our clients, people and communities, so we can grow together.
We challenge the accepted. We know that to create a better future, we must ask difficult questions. We always stay curious and are not afraid to try new things.
We aim higher. We do not settle – always looking beyond to raise the bar and deliver with excellence. We are committed to our clients by bringing innovative solutions that lead to profitable growth and shared success.
We live inclusion. We put people at the heart of our business. We embrace different perspectives, collaborating to make a positive impact. Through an unparalleled focus on inclusion with a diverse team of visionaries, thinkers and doers, we build trust – in each other and across our company.

Environment + Sustainability

100% Renewable Energy

Sustainability Achievement

Achieved 100% renewable energy and net-zero carbon emissions for operations (Scopes 1, 2, and business travel) in 2020, aligned with the PAS 2060 standard.

61% Emissions Reduction

GHG Reduction Milestone

Reduced total value-chain GHG emissions by 61% by FY 22 (from FY 19 baseline) to 130,232 tCO₂e, maintaining net-zero for Scopes 1, 2, and travel emissions after offsets and certificates.

$50/tonne CO₂e

Carbon Pricing Initiative

Introduced carbon pricing of $50 USD per tonne CO₂e on business travel, with generated revenue funding carbon reduction initiatives.

65% Suppliers Target

Supplier Sustainability Commitment

Committed to ensuring 65% of suppliers by spend have science-based targets by 2025.

Committed to becoming carbon negative for operations and travel by 2030.
Science-based target for full value-chain (Scope 1, 2, and 3) net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.
Joined The Climate Pledge: carbon-neutral by 2040, a decade ahead of Paris Agreement.
Introduced carbon pricing ($50 USD per tonne CO₂e) on business travel with generated revenue funding carbon reduction initiatives.
Launched inaugural sustainability-linked bonds in FY 23 tied to gender equality (UN SDG 5/10) and climate action (UN SDG 13).
Climate Action Plan: ensure every project becomes a climate-response opportunity; maintain carbon neutrality and 100% low-carbon electricity.

Inclusion & Diversity

45%

Female or Ethnically Diverse Representation

45% of the Board of Directors are female or ethnically diverse.

63%

Diverse Executives

The Executive Leadership Team comprises 63% diverse members.

40%

Women in Leadership

40% of the Executive Leadership Team are women.

8 Networks

Employee Networks

Eight employee networks representing diverse groups within the company.

To be the employer of choice and recognized globally for attracting diverse talent where inclusion is our differentiator in bringing innovative thought and solutions to our clients.
Create an environment where diverse employees want to join, feel they belong and will thrive.
Underwent full pay equity review annually, with budget allocated to rectify inequities in like‑for‑like roles.
Instituted inclusion and diversity goals within senior leadership compensation metrics since FY 19.
Committed to launching conscious inclusion training for all employees.
Partnered with external organizations (e.g., NSBE, SHPE, Catalyst) and recognized by HRC, Disability Equality Index, Times Top 50 Employers for Women, Australia WGEA Employer of Choice.

Articles

Careers at Jacobs

Life at Jacobs

Early Careers

Jacobs ‘Leading through our culture’ video