Chief Technician, Highway

GFT is seeking a Senior Bridge Technologist to join our Transportation Practice in Ottawa! This role follows a hybrid work model requiring regular attendance at our Ottawa 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.

As a Lead/Senior Technologist you will be responsible for the development, coordination, and quality control of detailed design drawings and models for bridge and transportation infrastructure projects. You will play a critical role in developing the initial layout of structures and in translating engineering concepts into accurate construction‑ready drawings, while ensuring compliance with applicable standards, codes, and client requirements. You will provide leadership, mentorship, and technical oversight to junior CAD staff and liaison with technology leads to incorporate best practices, changing technologies, and value‑added technical services into our designs and products.

• Lead the preparation of detailed 2D drawings and 3D models for bridge structures, including general arrangements, structural components, reinforcement details, and construction staging.
• Independently generate initial geometric models from base information (survey, existing drawings) including structural general arrangement.
• Interpret engineering sketches, calculations, and specifications to produce accurate and complete design documentation.
• Ensure all drawings meet project requirements, industry standards, and client specifications (e.g., MTO, AASHTO, CSA standards).
• Develop and manage 3D models using software such as Civil 3D, Revit, Micro Station, or Open Bridge.
• Coordinate models across disciplines (structural, roadway, geotechnical) to avoid conflicts and ensure constructability.
• Support BIM execution, including model integration, clash detection, and data management.
• Perform thorough QA/QC checks on drawings and models to ensure accuracy, consistency, and completeness.
• Maintain and improve CAD standards, templates, and best practices.
• Ensure adherence to company, client, and regulatory drafting standards.
• Collaborate closely with engineers, project managers, and other stakeholders throughout project life cycles.
• Assist in resolving design and drafting issues, including constructability concerns.
• Coordinate drawing submissions and revisions, ensuring deadlines are met.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior/intermediate CAD technologists and drafters.
• Review and oversee the work of team members to ensure quality and consistency.
• Contribute to training initiatives and continuous improvement of CAD processes.
• Prepare drawing packages for various project stages (preliminary, detailed design, tender, and construction).
• Maintain organized drawing records, revisions, and project documentation.
• Support as‑built drawing preparation and project close‑out documentation.
• Attend workflow and resource management meetings (flexible), monthly regional team meetings (in‑person), project kick‑off and progress meetings (hybrid and in person time to time).
• Attend corporate and technical training as needed (varies virtual and in person).

• Diploma or Advanced Diploma in Civil Engineering Technology, Structural Technology, or a related discipline.
• 20+ years of related project experience on municipal roadway projects
• Advanced proficiency in CAD and modeling software (e.g., AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Micro Station, Open Bridge, Revit).
• Strong understanding of bridge design principles, construction methods, and detailing practices.
• Experience in personnel management and mentoring
• Familiarity with roadway design software (AutoCAD, Civil…