Program Construction Engineer

What You Will Do

GFT is seeking a Program Construction Engineer to join our Construction Management Team in Chicago, IL! This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at our Chicago office. At GFT, we’re not just engineering the future; we’re meticulously building it. Our comprehensive suite of construction and program management services reflects our unwavering commitment to excellence, safety, innovation, and sustainability.

Our construction management services are the cornerstone of our commitment to transforming communities and enhancing lives. We oversee every construction phase to help ensure projects are completed on schedule, within budget, and to the highest safety and quality standards.

The Program Construction Engineer will be responsible for providing construction coordination and materials quality oversight for Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) projects as part of the agency’s Quality Program Management Consultant (QPMC) contract. The Program Construction Engineer will act as a liaison between CDOT Quality Assurance, CDOT Construction, Resident Engineers, Consultant Construction Engineers (CCE), and Contractors to ensure compliance with plans, specifications, and material requirements across all phases of construction.

The Engineer will support and coordinate activities including pre‑construction meetings, construction review meetings, and field activities, while ensuring consistent communication across project teams and agencies. Responsibilities include facilitation of CMQA database usage and resolution of field or documentation issues. The position will work closely with CDOT divisions, external agencies, and project stakeholders to track construction progress, resolve material non‑compliance issues, and ensure project delivery aligns with program goals.

The role will also support project setup, scheduling, budgeting coordination, and project closeout activities while contributing to improved construction quality, communication, and program efficiency.

• Serve as liaison between CDOT QA, Construction, Resident Engineers, CCEs, and Contractors
• Attend pre‑construction meetings and present materials coordination and documentation requirements
• Participate in construction review meetings, field meetings, and critical construction activities
• Perform field visits as necessary to resolve material and construction‑related issues
• Coordinate across CDOT, Department of Water Management, permit restoration, and private development projects
• Identify material non‑compliance issues and coordinate corrective actions
• Review design plans for constructability and potential field issues
• Facilitate proper use of the CMQA database and troubleshoot issues for Resident Engineers
• Coordinate with program controls teams to integrate projects into master schedules and budgets
• Support project setup including Haul Hub e‑ticketing coordination
• Assist with project closeout activities including documentation and digital job box submittals
• Coordinate with CDOT divisions, IDOT, Chicago Park District, and other agencies as required
• Support updates to construction manuals, training initiatives, and continuous improvement efforts
• Develop and maintain tracking tools to monitor construction progress, issues, and key milestones
• Build working relationships with project teams, agency staff, and stakeholders
• Support delivery of construction projects within scope, schedule, and budget

• Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related field
• Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience
• Experience in construction coordination, materials management, or quality control /quality assurance
• Familiarity with CDOT and/or IDOT Standard Specifications and construction practices
• Ability to effectively communicate with contractors, engineers, and agency staff
• Self‑motivated, detail‑oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities
• Proficient with Microsoft Office suite

• 10+ years of progressive experience in construction management
• Profe…