Phase I / Preliminary Engineering Project Manager

Phase I/Preliminary Engineering Project Manager

GFT is seeking a Phase I/Preliminary Engineering Project Manager to join our Roadway Team in Illinois. This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at either our Chicago or Schaumburg, IL 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.

What you'll be challenged to do:

We are seeking an experienced and self-motivated professional to lead preliminary engineering transportation projects (Phase I) and contribute to the design and planning of roadway systems. The ideal candidate will bring strong technical expertise and leadership skills to deliver high-quality solutions for IDOT, Illinois Tollway, and local agency projects.

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

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

What you will bring to our firm:

• Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering or related degree
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) license
• Experience with an emphasis in roadway, highway, and bridge design
• Minimum of 10 years of experience with IDOT, Tollway, local agency Phase I projects
• Experience/working knowledge with design software tools including MicroStation, Open Roads and GEOPAK is required
• Business Development and experience communicating and coordinating with clients

What we prefer you bring:

• Master's Degree with a Transportation Focus preferred

Salary Range: $120,000 - $180,000 Salary dependent upon experience and geographic location

Featured Benefits:

• 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.

• Tuition 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 – that's why 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 and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century's experience, together we're building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, 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.

Location: Schaumburg, IL; Chicago, IL Core Business Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Employment Status: Full-Time

GFT does require the successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions.