Highway Engineer​/Project Manager

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GFT is seeking a Senior Civil Highway Engineer / Project Manager to join our Transportation Team in Schaumburg, IL. This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at our office.

GFT’s Transportation team engages in transformative projects that enhance transportation infrastructure and improve community connectivity. Whether working on highways, bridges, or traffic engineering, our team delivers innovative solutions that address the complexities of modern, multimodal roadway systems, ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable travel for all.

This growing office handles roadway, highway, structural, transit, rail, and intermodal design and construction inspections. The incumbent will primarily act as a Project Manager on Phase I and Phase II projects, embedded with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) as a Project Manager managing 8–15 IDOT projects within the Design Bureau.

• Provide direction to Project Engineers and Staff Engineers regarding project results.
• Analyze information and data to perform routine design tasks.
• Make independent engineering decisions and represent the organization in meetings to resolve important questions and coordinate work.
• Make presentations to the public and clients on projects.
• Ensure accuracy of engineering design and plans, quality presentation, thoroughness, and adherence to budgets, schedules, and company standards.
• Review design options and document findings from the design team.
• Manage workload and adapt to changes in project schedule, scope, or additional services.
• Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending workshops, reviewing publications, establishing networks, and participating in professional societies.

• Minimum of 10 years of related, in‑field experience, including direct work or consulting for IDOT, Illinois Tollway, Chicago DOT, Cook County Department of Transportation & Highways, local counties and municipalities, and federally funded projects.
• Professional Engineering (P.E.) license for the state of Illinois.
• Strong technical skills, excellent verbal and written communication, and ability to work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.
• Experience leading projects, coordinating, and inspecting roadway work in the field or design.
• Illinois Driver’s License required.
• Active engagement of multiple perspectives when solving problems and fostering reciprocal learning among team members.
• Commitment to full inclusion in the workplace, welcoming diversity and valuing equity for all employees, partners, clients, and the communities served by GFT.

• 10+ years of field experience with relevant agencies and projects.
• P.E. license in Illinois.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• Field or design leadership in roadway projects.
• Illinois Driver’s License.
• Enthusiastic advocate for inclusion and diversity.

The salary range for this role is $110,000 – $155,000, dependent on experience and geographic location.

• Hybrid (in‑person and remote) work environment.
• Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, 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, access to training programs, and support for 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. Our focus is on building stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives for future generations.

GFT is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans’ status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

GFT requires successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions.

Location: Schaumburg, IL
Core Business

Hours:

8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Employment Status: Full‑Time
Salary Range: $110,000 – $155,000