Bridge Practice Team Leader P5

GRAEF; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 135,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Salary range $135k-$165k

Training & Leadership Development

ESOP

Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Tuition Reimbursement

Paid Time Off

Retirement Savings Plan

Parental Leave

Academic/Professional Development

Community Involvement

Job summary

GRAEF in Chicago, IL seeks a Bridge Practice Team Leader to manage staff, lead business development, and guide structural bridge design per IDOT/Tollway requirements. PE is required; SE is highly preferred or obtainable within 1 year. Strong client interaction and leadership are essential for growing a high-impact bridge group.

The role offers a hybrid work model with competitive compensation and an extensive benefits package, including ESOP, training, and community engagement opportunities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering with Structural emphasis.
• Master’s degree in Structural Engineering preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years of practical experience in the structural design of bridges using IDOT standards.
• PE required.
• SE highly preferred, or ability to obtain within 1 year.
• Experience managing a group would be considered a plus.
• Good communication skills and a proven track record in successfully interacting with clients and internal team members.

Responsibilities

• Manage current staff and assist with growing the bridge group.
• Lead and participate in business development activities, including proposal preparation, project interviews/presentations, and client management.
• Develop new business opportunities by strengthening relationships with existing clients and creating new client connections.
• Represent the firm at industry events, professional associations, and community activities to enhance visibility and market presence.
• Project engineering and management including: project oversight, setting priorities and developing objectives, project financial management as well as hands‑on involvement in the design process for bridges, per IDOT and Tollway requirements.
• The ability to serve as a technical resource for bridge team members.

Skills

PE

SE

Bridge design

IDOT standards

CDOT experience

Business development

Leadership

Client management

Communication

Education

B.S. Civil Engineering (Structural emphasis)

M.S. Structural Engineering preferred

Job description

GRAEF, a leading U.S. consulting firm, has been providing exceptional careers and quality engineering, planning and design services to our clients since 1961. We recognize that the best workplaces are filled with technically excellent, innovative, creative, and highly motivated people and are proud to be named a 2026 Top Workplace. GRAEF is more than just a business. We are a committed employer and community member. We invest in our employees as we do our clients, providing a challenging and rewarding environment where you can grow both personally and professionally. GRAEF values exciting work and lasting relationships; we embody values that speak to loyalty, service, quality and integrity; and we strive to grow with these ideas leading the way. We’re looking for people who agree that in addition to technical excellence, it’s all about relationships! What are you looking for in a career? The opportunity to work on exciting, high-profile projects? The satisfaction and security of working at an employee-owned company? Or maybe the opportunity to improve the quality of life - not just for you and your family, but for the worldwide community at large?

Bridge Practice Team Leader responsibilities

• Manage current staff and assist with growing the bridge group.
• Lead and participate in business development activities, including proposal preparation, project interviews/presentations, and client management.
• Develop new business opportunities by strengthening relationships with existing clients and creating new client connections.
• Represent the firm at industry events, professional associations, and community activities to enhance visibility and market presence
• Project engineering and management including: project oversight, setting priorities and developing objectives, project financial management as well as hands‑on involvement in the design process for bridges, per IDOT and Tollway requirements.
• The ability to serve as a technical resource for bridge team members.

We are considering candidates that meet the following requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering with Structural emphasis.
• A Master’s degree in Structural Engineering is preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years of practical experience in the structural design of bridges using IDOT standards. Candidates with greater experience are encouraged to apply as well.
• CDOT experience is a plus.
• PE required.
• SE highly preferred, or ability to obtain within 1 year.
• Success in business development planning, including developing strategic business plans, marketing activities, client development, presentation experience and proposal development.
• Experience managing a group would be considered a plus.
• Good communication skills and a proven track record in successfully interacting with clients and internal team members is necessary.

We are proud to offer you a complete benefit package to include

• The salary range for this position is $135,000-$165,000. (Salary to be determined by the applicant's education, experience and skill set, as well as internal and external equity.)
• Training, Mentorship, and Leadership Development Programs
• A team atmosphere dedicated to open communication and collaboration
• Embed yourself in the community by participating in numerous outside activities that GRAEF endorses and supports
• Flexible Hours / Hybrid work model
• Parental Leave
• Paid Time Off
• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Plans
• Retirement Savings Plan
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Tuition Reimbursement

An Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer - Disabled/Vets