Senior Project Manager - Highway

Senior Project Manager – Highway

Consistently ranked by Engineering News-Record as a Top 20 transportation firm, Michael Baker International offers clients an integrated team of professionals versed in all aspects of transportation planning, design, permitting, and construction management and inspection. In addition, Michael Baker International is a recognized leader in the practical aspects of operating and maintaining a safe and efficient transportation infrastructure.

Michael Baker International is seeking an experienced Senior Project Manager – Highway to join our Highway Department in Chicago, Illinois. This is an exciting opportunity for a transportation professional who wants to lead high-profile IDOT, Illinois Tollway, and local agency roadway projects while mentoring teams and building trusted client relationships.

In this role, you'll take ownership of complex highway projects from concept through delivery—balancing technical excellence with project management, collaboration, and client engagement. You'll work in a supportive, employee-focused environment that values innovation, flexibility, and professional growth. This position offers a hybrid work schedule, allowing you to balance in-office collaboration with flexible remote work.

What You'll Do:

• Lead and manage roadway and highway projects for IDOT, Illinois Tollway, and local agencies from planning through construction
• Oversee project scope, schedules, budgets, staffing, and quality to ensure successful project delivery
• Provide technical leadership in roadway design, modeling, and plan production using MicroStation/OpenRoads
• Coordinate and guide multidisciplinary project teams across multiple offices and subconsultants
• Review plans, reports, and proposals to ensure accuracy, compliance, and quality standards
• Conduct QA/QC reviews and resolve technical challenges as projects progress
• Build and maintain strong client relationships, supporting client satisfaction and long-term partnerships
• Support proposal development and help position teams for future work opportunities
• Mentor and support staff development while fostering a collaborative team environment
• Coordinate with regulatory agencies and clients to successfully advance project approvals
• Travel occasionally to support project and client needs

What You Need to Succeed:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering
• Professional Engineer (PE) license in Illinois, or ability to obtain within four months of hire
• 15+ years of transportation experience, with proven success managing complex highway projects
• Experience delivering IDOT, Illinois Tollway, and Illinois Local Agency projects strongly preferred
• Strong project management skills, including scope, budget, and schedule control
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage change, and solve complex technical challenges
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills with clients and internal teams
• Proficiency with MicroStation/OpenRoads, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Project, Bluebeam, and ProjectWise
• Additional certifications such as PMP or PTOE are a plus, but not required

Compensation

The approximate compensation range for this position is $115,478 to $187,000. This compensation range is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Actual compensation is dependent upon factors such as education, qualifications, experience, skillset, and physical work location.

Why Choose Us:

• Medical, dental, vision insurance
• 401k Retirement Plan
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Life, AD&D, short-term, and long-term disability
• Professional and personal development
• Generous paid time off
• Commuter and wellness benefits

Job Info:

• Job Identification 309443
• Locations 200 West Adams Street, Chicago, IL, 60606, US (Hybrid)