Principal Project Manager

What You Will Do

GFT is seeking a Principal Project Manager to join our Transportation group in Raleigh, NC! This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at our Raleigh, NC 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.

Explore some of our signature Transportation projects here.

The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated ability to understand the application of engineering fundamentals on transportation engineering or related projects for a variety of clients, particularly federal, state, municipal, and private sector clients. The role includes strong listening and communication skills, managing complex projects to assure quality, ensuring conformance with plans, specifications, and contract documents, managing project personnel and subconsultants, and performing contract administration.

Additionally, the candidate should be motivated, eager to learn, a team player, and take pride in their work.

• Manage the financial performance of assigned projects, including monthly earnings, invoicing, AR collections, and participate in monthly project reviews with senior management.
• Serve as project manager for individual projects.
• Project Deliverables
  • Manage assigned project elements (structures, roadways, other transportation facilities, and building assets).
  • Lead or assist with planning, designing, permitting, and coordinating projects.
  • Prepare and manage project budgets and schedules.
  • Attend and lead meetings related to assigned projects to resolve questions and coordinate work.
  • Ensure QA/QC procedures are followed.
  • Analyze and interpret project plans and specifications.
  • Interpret unclear contract language.
• People Management
  • Supervise subordinate staff.
  • Assess and recruit staff.
• Good communicator with ability to resolve problems.
• Provide subject matter expertise and technical support to project teams.
• Lead the pursuit phase of projects, including writing technical approaches.
• Make independent decisions on engineering problems and methods.
• Support Project Managers or Senior Project Engineers to achieve client expectations.
• Responsible for accuracy of engineering design and deliverables; quality presentation, thoroughness, and follow‑through; efficient conformance to budgets, schedules, and company standards.
• Coordinate preparation of plans, specifications, quantities, and cost estimates for various transportation projects.
• Solve engineering problems with attention to detail.
• Maintain professional knowledge by attending workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing networks, and participating in societies.
• Work in a team environment with other project managers, engineers, and staff; ask questions, share knowledge, and mentor less experienced staff as needed.

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from an accredited university.
• 20 years of relevant experience.
• Licensed Professional Engineer.
• Ability to learn and thrive in a fast‑paced environment.
• Actively engages multiple perspectives when solving problems and encourages reciprocal learning.
• Advocates for inclusion, fostering diversity and equity.

• Project management experience.

The salary range is $180,000–$190,000, dependent upon experience and geographic location.

• Hybrid (in‑person and remote) work environment.
• Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance; 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 with access to training programs and support for active participation in professional organizations.
• Incentive compensation for eligible…