Highway Design Engineer

GFT; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Tuition reimbursement

Competitive PTO accrual

Job summary

A leading engineering firm is seeking a Highway Design Engineer in Chicago, IL. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering and experience in transportation engineering. Responsibilities include assisting in plan preparation, traffic studies, and collaboration with multi-disciplinary teams. This role offers a salary range of $80,000 – $100,000 and a hybrid work environment with comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• At least one year of design or plan production experience related to transportation engineering.
• Fundamental skills with OpenRoads Designer, MicroStation, and Geopak.
• Certified E.I.T. or ability to licensure in the next six months.

Responsibilities

• Assist in plan preparation, quantity calculations, geometric design, and traffic studies.
• Work with design software in collaboration with engineers and technicians.
• Research design options and document findings for Senior Project Engineer.

Skills

Communication skills

Technical problem-solving

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering

Tools

OpenRoads Designer

MicroStation

Geopak

Job description

Overview

Join to apply for the Highway Design Engineer role at GFT.

GFT’s Transportation team offers the opportunity to engage in transformative projects that enhance transportation infrastructure and improve community connectivity. The team focuses on resilient, sustainable design and construction for highways, bridges, and multimodal roadway systems, delivering innovative solutions that address modern transportation challenges.

What You Will Do

The ideal candidate will be creative, able to independently solve engineering design issues, and take ownership of their work. Strong listening and communication skills are needed to interact with clients and the design team throughout the project lifecycle. This role is part of our roadway group and may involve collaboration on multi-disciplinary projects.

• Assist in plan preparation, quantity calculations, geometric design, drainage design, traffic studies, traffic signal design, pavement marking/signing, public involvement, report writing, specifications, cost estimates, and related tasks.
• Work with OpenRoads Designer, MicroStation, MS Office and other design software in collaboration with engineers, technicians, planners, and surveyors.
• Possess or develop strong technical skills, learn quickly, and contribute effectively in a team environment on multi-disciplinary projects.
• May participate in non-design activities such as occasional field data collection.
• Take guidance from Project Manager or Senior Project Engineers regarding expected results and project scope.
• Research design options and document findings for Senior Project Engineer; keep the Senior Project Manager informed of workload and changes in schedule or scope.

Qualifications & Experience

Education | Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering (or equivalent) from an ABET-accredited school.
• At least one year of design or plan production experience related to transportation engineering (internships or full-time).
• Fundamental skills with OpenRoads Designer, MicroStation, and Geopak.
• Certified E.I.T. or ability to licensure in the next six months.
• Ability to engage multiple perspectives when solving problems and to learn from peers; strong written and verbal communication; ability to work well in a team on multi-disciplinary projects.

Preferred Qualifications

• Roadway or transportation design and plan production experience in Illinois.
• Basic 3D modeling skills with OpenRoads Designer.
• Experience with Bluebeam Revu.
• EIT certification (or ability to obtain within 6 months).

Compensation

The salary range for this role is $80,000 – $100,000. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location.

Benefits & Work Environment

• 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 PTO accrual.
• Tuition reimbursement and commitment to professional development with access to training and professional organizations.
• Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

Company Overview

At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We believe in building stronger communities and a healthier planet through our work.

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 of GFT.

Location & Status

Location: Chicago, IL

Core Business Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Employment Status: Full-Time

Salary Range: $80,000 – $100,000 (dependent on experience and location)

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