Group Leader, Bridge

GFT is seeking a Group Leader, Bridge to join our Transportation Team in the Chicagoland Area! This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at 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​. Explore some of our signature transportation projects here.What you’ll be challenged to do:GFT is hiring an experienced Bridge Team Leader for Schaumburg or Chicago. The ideal candidate will have experience in bridge design, rehabilitation, and inspections and must have an interest in learning and working on diverse project assignments which may include highway bridges, freight and passenger rail structures, and miscellaneous structural assignments. This person is able and willing to travel to work in other offices is required. Knowledge of bridge engineering requirements (AASHTO LRFD and/or AREMA) is critical. Proven ability to work in a team environment and share experience and expertise with teammates is ideal.In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following: Lead a Bridge Team in either the Chicago Office or Schaumburg Office. This would include staffing plans, mentoring staff, and day-to-day tasks to manage the Bridge Team.Perform personnel duties for the Bridge Team, such as setting performance evaluation review goals, evaluations, providing feedback, training, recommending promotions, raises, and general supervisor responsibilities.Prepare an annual budget for team and office expenses that include personnel utilization, training, licensing, organization memberships, continuing education, inspection equipment, etc.Participate in the recruiting and hiring process for adding new staff. Prepares and directs structural design and plan preparation of structural drawings.Plans and develops engineering projects with unique problems. This involves exploration of subject area, definition of scope and selection of problems for investigation, and development of novel concepts and approaches. Organizes and develops a project team to execute specific phases or aspects of a project such as technical studies, project design, preparation of specifications and technical plans, and project inspection. Must be able to delegate.Reviews project design for general compliance with engineering principles, company standards, and customer contract requirements, and related specifications.Coordinates activities concerned with technical developments, scheduling, and staffing, resolving engineering design problems.Evaluates and approves design changes, specifications, and drawing releases.Maintains liaison with individuals and units within or outside the organization with responsibility for acting independently on technical matters pertaining to the field.Develop and present proposals to clients.Manage workloads and any changes in project schedule or scope or additional services. Plans and executes project meetings. May negotiate a difficult project issue with the client, such as scope changes or schedule acceleration.Assures the project meets quality control and quality assurance guidelines.Assist with business development strategies for clients, projects, and organizations. Maintain professional, technical, and supervisory skills by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies. Limited national travel.What you will bring to our firm: Bachelor’s and/or Master’s Degree in Civil and/or Structural Engineering with an emphasis in structures from an ABET-accredited university or college.A minimum of 8 years' professional bridge design experience.Licensed Professional Engineer in IllinoisExperience in new bridge design, bridge rehabilitation, load ratings and/or inspection of bridges.Working knowledge of bridge engineering codes (AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications and AREMA Manual for Railway Engineering) Experience with MDX, OpenBridge, LARSA (or other design/modeling software), MicroStation, and Mathcad Will have supervisory responsibilities for day-to-day activities with staff and report to the Senior Bridge Team LeaderWhat we prefer you will bring:A Structural Engineer license in Illinois is preferred.A Master’s degree in Civil or Structural Engineer is preferred. IDOT/Tollway bridge design experience, rail bridge design preferredInspection experience and NHI inspection certification is preferredCompensation:The salary range for this role is $110,000 - $160,000. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location.Featured Benefits: • 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.Unsolicited resumes from third party agencies will be considered the property GFT.Location: Chicago, IL or Schaumburg, ILCore Business Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PMEmployment Status: Full-Time GFT does require the successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions.#LI-SS1#LI-HYBRIDJob SummaryJob ID: 2026-14270Job Category: BridgeEmployment Status: Full-Time