Group Leader, Bridge

GFT; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Tuition reimbursement

Incentive compensation

Job summary

GFT is hiring a Group Leader for their Bridge Team in the Chicagoland area, focusing on innovative transportation projects. The role includes leadership responsibilities and requires a minimum of 8 years of bridge design experience. Ideal candidates will have strong supervisory skills and knowledge of AASHTO standards.

The position offers a hybrid work model based in either Chicago or Schaumburg, IL, with significant responsibilities in team management, budgeting, and project oversight.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8 years’ professional bridge design experience.
• Licensed Professional Engineer in Illinois is required.
• Supervisory experience and ability to mentor staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Bridge Team in Chicago or Schaumburg offices.
• Prepare and manage the annual budget for the team.
• Evaluate and approve design changes and specifications.

Skills

Bridge design experience

Team leadership

Knowledge of AASHTO LRFD and AREMA

Project management

Structural engineering

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering

Tools

MDX

MicroStation

Mathcad

Job description

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.

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. 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead a Bridge Team in either the Chicago Office or Schaumburg Office, including 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.
• Prepare and direct structural design and plan preparation of structural drawings.
• Plan and develop engineering projects with unique problems.
• Organize and develop a project team to execute specific phases or aspects of a project.
• Review project design for general compliance with engineering principles, company standards, and customer contract requirements.
• Coordinate activities concerning technical developments, scheduling, and staffing.
• Evaluate and approve design changes, specifications, and drawing releases.
• Maintain liaison with individuals and units within or outside the organization.
• Develop and present proposals to clients.
• Manage workloads and any changes in project schedule or scope.
• Plan and execute project meetings.
• Assure 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.
• 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 Illinois.
• Experience 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 Leader.

Preferred Qualifications

• A Structural Engineer license in Illinois is preferred.
• A Master’s degree in Civil or Structural Engineering is preferred.
• IDOT/Tollway bridge design experience, rail bridge design preferred.
• Inspection experience and NHI inspection certification is preferred.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary range: $110,000 - $160,000, dependent on experience and geographic location.
• 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.

About GFT

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.

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.

Additional Information

• Location: Chicago, IL or Schaumburg, IL
• Core Business Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Employment Status: Full-Time
• GFT requires a successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions.