Sr. Project Engineer, Traffic

What You Will Do

GFT is seeking a Sr. Project Engineer, Traffic to join our Transportation Team in Chicago, IL
. This role follows a hybrid work model
, requiring regular attendance at one of our office locations.

Working on the Transportation team at GFT offers the opportunity to engage in transformative projects that enhance transportation infrastructure and improve community connectivity. Whether working on highways and bridges or traffic engineering, our team excels in resilient, sustainable design and construction, delivering innovative solutions that address the complexities of modern, multimodal roadway systems and ensure safe, efficient, and reliable travel for all.

The successful candidate will become part of a unique team of traffic engineers and work on various Phase 1 and Phase 2 traffic–related tasks for complex roadway projects. This role combines knowledge in traffic operations, traffic safety, signal systems, lighting systems, and ITS. The candidate will collaborate with other disciplines to deliver innovative, high-quality transportation solutions for state DOTs, counties, municipalities, and private agencies.

• Work on traffic analyses and studies, including traffic impact studies, traffic operations analysis, and safety studies.
• Design and review traffic signals, interconnects, railroad preemption, roadway lighting, ramp management systems, and maintenance‑of‑traffic (MOT) plans. Prepare reports, plans, specifications, and technical drawings in compliance with engineering standards, client requirements, and MUTCD guidance.
• Develop innovative ITS applications.
• Perform intersection design studies.
• Collaborate closely with highway, bridge, stormwater, and utility design teams to deliver integrated transportation solutions.
• Lead the development of project design concepts and criteria and research large or complex project elements.
• Interpret, organize, execute, and coordinate large or complex engineering assignments.
• Act as technical specialist in the development of proposals.
• Develop basic to moderate scopes of work and cost estimates independently.
• Provide management of roadway personnel for a project.
• Provide QA/QC reviews.
• Supervise a staff of engineers and other technical specialists.
• Work closely with clients to develop technically sound solutions and ensure client satisfaction.
• Manage multiple concurrent assignments and maintain time management.
• Execute the project scope of work and manage the technical development while maintaining the budget and schedule.
• Obtain necessary permits and interact with permitting agencies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from an ABET‑accredited university.
• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in Illinois.
• Minimum of 10 years of professional experience with traffic analysis.
• Knowledge of the MUTCD and Highway Capacity Manual.
• Proficiency with Micro Station CAD, Microsoft Excel, and Word.
• Experience designing traffic control elements such as plans, specifications, and estimates for traffic signals, roadway lighting, and work‑zone maintenance‑of‑traffic plans is preferred.
• Experience with traffic simulation software such as Synchro, HCS, Sidra, VISSIM is preferred.
• Experience working with IDOT, CDOT, and other local transportation agencies is preferred.
• Experience with maintenance‑of‑traffic analysis is preferred.

The salary range for this role is $115,000 - $150,000. 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.
• 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.

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