Transit and Rail Design Engineer​/Assistant Project Manager

Overview

What You Will Do
GFT is seeking a Transit and Rail Engineer / Assistant Project Manager to join our Public Transit Practice in Newark, NJ. This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at our Newark office. Our public transit team shapes the future of transportation by delivering projects that improve mobility, safety, and accessibility for millions of passengers nationwide. We specialize in rail systems, bus rapid transit, and zero-emission mobility solutions, combining deep technical knowledge with innovative thinking to enhance efficiency and sustainability of transit networks.

Explore some of our signature public transit projects here.

What You’ll Be Challenged To Do
The Project Manager will be a dynamic problem solver who thrives in a fast-paced environment, effectively managing conflicting demands. This individual will be a member of GFT’s team, supporting work on a large-scale transportation project and interfacing between the design and project controls teams.

In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following:

• Assist Project Management team and key project staff in a variety of tasks including project coordination and project controls support.
• Support project managers and perform other duties as assigned by project managers.
• Support change management activities on projects as they arise.
• Interact and communicate (written/verbal) with co-workers, customers/clients, and contractors; establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Maintain and monitor the project schedule and progress of the work; track monthly updates.
• Monitor project budget and control costs through preparing and maintaining cost management reports, Earned Value Analysis (EVA) or other techniques, by reviewing project inquiries and reports.
• Prepare and archive weekly and monthly project status and progress reports, project records, and correspondences.
• Track submittals and document control and distribute between stakeholders; maintain active involvement in collecting inputs from various disciplines on the project.
• Coordinate multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and perform effectively under tight schedules.
• Prepare project execution and management plan.
• Coordinate and manage the QC process in accordance with the GFT Quality Management System.

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Electrical, Industrial, or Mechanical Engineering.
• 5+ years’ progressive experience in the planning, design, management and implementation of rail and transit related projects.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a focus on working with diverse and cross-cultural teams.
• Demonstrated leadership in leading large-scale projects from planning through commissioning.

• EIT or Professional Engineering License (preferable in New York and New Jersey).
• Experience with rail agencies (NJ TRANSIT, Amtrak, MTA, MBTA, etc.).
• PMI Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, AutoCAD, and/or Micro Station.

• Resume-level experience preferred; details per role may vary.

• 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.
• Tui tion 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.

At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships. We’re the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry’s brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more. Our clients choose us for our expertise, nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch.

Backed by over a century of experience, we’re building a…