Senior Project Manager, Preliminary Roadway Design Lead

Senior Project Manager, Preliminary Roadway Design Lead

GFT invites applications for the Senior Project Manager, Preliminary Roadway Design Lead role on the Roadway Team in Illinois. This hybrid position requires regular attendance at either the Chicago or Schaumburg, IL office.

Manage transportation projects and contribute to design and planning of roadway systems, delivering high‑quality solutions for local agencies, IDOT, and Illinois Tollway projects.

• Project Management: Oversee projects aligned with experience level, including budgeting, scope, scheduling, and client coordination.
• Design & Planning: Develop roadway alignments, feasibility studies, conceptual designs, and preliminary alternatives for NEPA environmental documentation.
• Public Engagement: Support public involvement programs and collaborate with local agencies and stakeholders.
• Technical Deliverables: Prepare cost estimates, technical reports, and documentation required for project approvals.
• Team Leadership: Mentor and train junior staff, manage work planning and production scheduling, and contribute to team growth and vision.
• Innovation & Problem‑Solving: Identify challenges and implement adaptive, creative solutions throughout the project lifecycle.

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a related field.
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) license.
• Minimum of 15–20 years of experience emphasizing roadway, highway, and bridge design.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience with IDOT and Phase I projects.
• Experience with design software tools including Micro Station, Open Roads, and GEOPAK.
• Business development experience communicating and coordinating with clients.
• Master’s degree with a transportation focus preferred.

• 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 internal and external training programs, and support for active participation in professional organizations.
• Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

GFT is a privately held AEC firm that innovates where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge – the Infrastructure of Life. We are an employer of choice for over 5,000 industry professionals, dedicated to building stronger communities and better lives.

GFT:
Ingenuity That Shapes Lives™ 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 other characteristics protected by law. Unsolicited resumes from third‑party agencies will be considered the property of GFT.

Location:

Schaumburg, IL;
Chicago, IL. Employment Status:
Full‑time. Salary Range: $125,000 – $210,000 (dependent upon experience and geographic location). A criminal background check is required for all advertised positions.