Project Development Engineer​/Architect

What You Will Do

GFT is seeking a Project Development Engineer / Architect to join our transit & rail team in our Chicago, IL office. This is a hybrid role requiring onsite attendance at the client in downtown Chicago on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Working with the transit & rail team at GFT means shaping the future of transportation, delivering projects that improve operations, capacity, and safety for our clients.

Specializing in large‑scale intermodal facilities, capacity improvements, commuter projects, and industrial developments, our experts combine deep technical knowledge with creative thinking to provide innovative solutions for complex problems. Together, we’re transforming rail networks across North America and optimizing how goods and people reach their destinations.

The project development engineer / architect will be responsible for developing project scopes, grant requests, and overall program development for transit rail capital improvements. This role involves collaborating with others to define project scopes, schedules, and budgets based on identified need or available funding. The work requires a blend of technical knowledge, project management skills, and communications to present a cohesive project for advancement into detailed design and construction.

• Lead a team of three reports and collaborate with the client to identify potential projects or programs based on need or funding availability.
• Develop planning analyses or documents in support of transit infrastructure improvements, including major programs such as vertical transportation modernization, sustainability initiatives, zero emission fleet conversion, or complete line reconstructions.
• Manage the process to develop detailed scope, schedule, budget, delivery methods, and risks for specific transit infrastructure improvement projects.
• Oversee the development of NEPA documentation by specialists, including project initiation summaries, checklists, documented categorical exclusions, presentations, or other materials for coordination with the FTA and/or State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO).
• Coordinate with technical disciplines, including historic architects or engineering specialists, to support the development of projects and program goals.
• Assist in the management of a five‑year Capital Improvement Program with an associated database through stakeholder engagement to identify overall capital needs.
• Assist in the development of grant applications for capital projects, including identification of potential applicable projects, development of grant materials, and tracking of grant applications.
• Assist in coordinating reviews for other projects that may affect client assets or projects.
• Work with document control to properly document and store all planning documents.

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Architecture, Urban Planning or a related field.
• 10–15 years of experience in transit/transportation infrastructure planning.
• Knowledge of typical infrastructure project life cycles for traditional project delivery methods.
• Excellent interpersonal, time‑management, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to lead meetings and groups to develop consensus on program or project goals, objectives, and scope.
• Capacity to coordinate and manage tracking systems for planning activities.
• Experience with grant development related to Federal or other discretionary funding programs.
• Excellent working knowledge of computer software such as Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, Bluebeam.

• Professional Engineer/Architect or AICP (American Institute of Certified Planners).
• PMP or similar project management training.
• Advanced degree in a related discipline.

The salary range for this role is $165,000 – $185,000. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location.

• Hybrid (in‑person and remote) work environment.
• Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Tax‑deferred 401(k) savings plan.
• Comp…