Group Leader, Bridge

What You Will Do

GFT is seeking a Group Leader, Bridge to join our Transportation Team in the Chicagoland Area. This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at our Chicago or Schaumburg, IL office.

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.

What you'll be challenged to do:

GFT is hiring an experienced Bridge Team Leader for Schaumburg or Chicago. The ideal candidate will have experience in bridge design, rehabilitation, and inspections, and must have an interest in learning and working on diverse project assignments which may include highway bridges, freight and passenger rail structures, and miscellaneous structural assignments. This person must be able and willing to travel to work in other offices.

Knowledge of bridge engineering requirements (AASHTO LRFD and/or AREMA) is critical. Proven ability to work in a team environment and share experience and expertise with teammates is ideal.

• Lead a Bridge Team in either the Chicago Office or Schaumburg Office, including staffing plans, mentoring staff, and day‑to‑day management of the Bridge Team.
• Perform personnel duties such as setting performance evaluation goals, providing feedback, training, recommending promotions and raises, and general supervisor responsibilities.
• Prepare an annual budget for team and office expenses, including personnel utilization, training, licensing, organization memberships, continuing education, inspection equipment, etc.
• Participate in recruiting and hiring new staff.
• Prepare and direct structural design and plan preparation of structural drawings.
• Plan and develop engineering projects with unique problems, exploring subject areas, defining scope, selecting problems for investigation, and developing novel concepts and approaches.
• Organize and develop project teams for specific phases or aspects such as technical studies, design, specifications, technical plans, and inspection.
• Review design for compliance with engineering principles, company standards, and contractual requirements.
• Coordinate activities concerning technical development, scheduling, and staffing, resolving design problems.
• Evaluate and approve design changes, specifications, and drawing releases.
• Maintain liaison with individuals and units both within and outside the organization for independent technical matters.
• Develop and present proposals to clients.
• Manage workloads and changes in project schedule, scope, or additional services.
• Plan and execute project meetings and negotiate difficult issues such as scope changes or schedule acceleration.
• Ensure projects meet quality control and assurance guidelines.
• Assist with business development strategies for clients, projects, and organizations.
• Maintain professional, technical, and supervisory skills through education, professional publications, and society participation.
• Limited national travel.

• Bachelor's and/or Master's Degree in Civil and/or Structural Engineering with an emphasis in structures from an ABET‑accredited university or college.
• Minimum of 8 years' professional bridge design experience.
• Licensed Professional Engineer in Illinois.
• Experience in new bridge design, bridge rehabilitation, load ratings and/or inspection of bridges.
• Working knowledge of AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications and AREMA Manual for Railway Engineering.
• Experience with MDX, Open Bridge, LARSA (or other design/modeling software), Micro Station, and Mathcad.
• Will have supervisory responsibilities for day‑to‑day activities with staff and report to the Senior Bridge Team Leader.

• Structural Engineer license in Illinois is preferred.
• Master's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering is preferred.
• IDOT/Tollway bridge design experience,…