Project Engineer, Highway

What You Will Do

The Project Engineer, Highway will work on the Transportation Team in Downtown Chicago or Schaumburg, IL in a hybrid model. The role includes designing and managing roadway, bridge, aviation, transit, and rail projects across all project phases. The engineer will prepare plans, perform quantity calculations, geometric design, pavement markings/signing, drainage design, traffic studies, traffic signal design, public involvement, report writing, specifications, cost estimates, and other related tasks.

The engineer will assist in preliminary engineering and development of detailed plans and specifications, support multidisciplinary projects, and manage other engineers and technicians. Depending on experience, the engineer may assume responsibilities of project manager or deputy project manager. Open Roads Designer, Microstation, Geopak, and MS Office will be used.

• Analyze information and data to perform routine design tasks and ensure accuracy of engineering design and plans.
• Develop design options, document findings for Senior Project Engineer, and maintain quality presentation and thoroughness.
• Make independent decisions on engineering problems and methods, represent the organization in meetings to resolve questions, plan, and coordinate work.
• Receive instructions from Project Manager or Senior Project Engineer and seek technical guidance for unusual or complex problems.
• Keep Project Manager informed of workload, schedule changes, scope changes, or additional services.
• Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending workshops, reviewing publications, and participating in professional societies.

• Minimum 6 years of related in‑field experience, including consulting for Illinois DOT, Illinois Tollway, Chicago DOT, local counties, municipalities, and federally funded projects.
• Illinois Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering.
• Strong technical skills, excellent verbal and written communication skills, and ability to work well in a team on multidisciplinary projects.
• Previous experience with highway, drainage, construction inspection, traffic signal, and/or lighting projects.
• Experience with CADD/Design Software (Open Roads Designer, Microstation, Geopak) preferred.

• Hybrid (in‑person and remote) work environment.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, wellness programs, parental leave, pet insurance, tuition reimbursement, and 401(k) plan.
• Competitive paid‑time‑off (PTO) accrual and incentive compensation for eligible positions.
• Commitment to professional development with internal and external training programs and support for professional societies.

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.