Principal Project Manager, Bridges

Principal Project Manager - Bridge

GFT, a privately held AEC firm, seeks a Principal Project Manager – Bridge to join our Transportation team in Texas. This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at our Texas office located in Austin.

This role includes structural inspections, design and rehabilitation of bridges and other structures, preparation of load ratings, construction documents, specifications, and estimates. Duties may also include construction inspection services. Applicants must possess strong technical skills, excellent verbal and written communication skills, ability to travel for projects, and ability to work in the field conducting bridge inspections. Must work well in a team environment on multi‑disciplinary projects.

• Candidates will be responsible for overall project management, inspection or design of projects, monitoring and adhering to budgets and schedules, performing QC or QA reviews, mentoring junior engineers, and working with other staff to complete projects.
• Plan, lead, and coordinate complex and routine bridge inspection and assessment project teams with Professional Engineers, Engineers‑In‑Training, and bridge inspectors in Texas and nationwide.
• Develop and present proposals to clients in association with the Client Managers.
• Assist with business development initiatives for Texas Transportation and nationwide.
• Contribute to client marketing meetings and interviews.
• Plan and execute project meetings. Negotiate a difficult project issue with the client, such as scope changes or schedule acceleration.
• Ensure the project meets GFT quality control and quality assurance guidelines.
• Interpret changes in the contract and advise management on required changes.
• Perform detailed checking of calculations and reports produced by others.
• May perform bridge inspections and load ratings for highway and railway bridges.
• May participate in non‑design engineering activities such as construction inspection and field data collection.
• Responsible for accuracy of inspection reports, load ratings, designs and plans, quality presentation, thoroughness and follow‑through, and efficient conformance to budgets, schedules, and company standards.
• Keep senior management informed of workload and any changes in project schedule or scope or additional services.
• Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks, and participating in professional societies.
• Be willing to travel within the continental United States.

• Bachelor's degree in civil or structural engineering with an emphasis in structures from an ABET‑accredited university or college.
• Minimum of 25 years’ experience in inspection, design and/or management of highway bridges.
• Registration as a licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) in Texas.
• National Highway Institute certifications in Inspection of In‑Service Bridges, NSTM Bridges and Tunnels.
• Experience with LFD, LRFD & LRFR of highway bridges.
• Structural engineering background, knowledge of Micro Station and experience with structural engineering design drawings, TxDOT specifications and cost estimates.
• Team‑oriented engineer with strong communication skills.
• Working knowledge of MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, etc.) and experience with engineering design packages such as Micro Station, Bluebeam Revu, LEAP Bridge Concrete, LPILE, or CSiBridge.
• Physically capable of performing field work, including working at heights, carrying ladders and gear, and working in adverse weather conditions.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Actively engages multiple perspectives when solving problems, seeks to learn from peers, and encourages reciprocal learning among team members.

Salary range: $130,000 – $140,000, dependent upon experience.

• Hybrid (in‑person and remote) work environment.
• Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, pet insurance, medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Tax‑deferred 401(k) savings plan.
• Competitive paid‑time‑off (PTO) accrual.
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
• Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations.
• Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

Location:

Austin, TX.
Core Business

Hours:

8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Employment Status:
Full‑Time.

GFT is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans' status, or other characteristics protected by law.