Phase I / Preliminary Engineering Project Manager

Gannett Fleming, Inc.; Schaumburg (IL); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Hybrid work environment

Tuition reimbursement for continued education

Job summary

Gannett Fleming, Inc. is seeking a Phase I/Preliminary Engineering Project Manager to join our Roadway Team in Illinois. This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at either our Chicago or Schaumburg, IL office.

The successful candidate will lead preliminary engineering transportation projects, manage roadway designs, mentor junior staff, and collaborate with clients and stakeholders. With a comprehensive benefits package and a focus on professional development, GFT offers a dynamic work environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of experience with IDOT, Tollway, local agency Phase I projects.
• Experience with an emphasis on roadway, highway, and bridge design.
• Business Development and experience communicating and coordinating with clients.

Responsibilities

• Manage and deliver roadway alignments, feasibility studies, conceptual designs.
• Mentor and train junior staff, manage work planning and production.
• Prepare cost estimates, technical reports, and documentation for project approvals.

Skills

Roadway design

Project management

Team leadership

Public engagement

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering or related degree

Professional Engineer (P.E.) license

Tools

MicroStation

Open Roads

GEOPAK

Job description

Overview

GFT is seeking a Phase I/Preliminary Engineering Project Manager to join our Roadway Team in Illinois! This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at either our Chicago or Schaumburg, IL office.

About the GFT Transportation Team

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

We are seeking an experienced and self‑motivated professional to lead preliminary engineering transportation projects (Phase I) and contribute to the design and planning of roadway systems. The ideal candidate will bring strong technical expertise and leadership skills to deliver high‑quality solutions for IDOT, Illinois Tollway, and local agency projects.

Responsibilities

• Design & Planning: Manage and deliver roadway alignments, feasibility studies, conceptual designs, and preliminary alternatives for NEPA environmental documentation. Experience with Environmental Assessments and Environmental Impacts Statements is preferred.
• Team Leadership: Mentor and train junior staff, manage work planning and production scheduling, and contribute to team growth and vision.
• Public Engagement: Actively participate in public involvement programs and collaborate with local agencies and stakeholders.
• Technical Deliverables: Prepare cost estimates, technical reports, and documentation required for project approvals.
• Project Management: Oversee projects aligned with experience level, including budgeting, scope, scheduling, and client coordination.
• Innovation & Problem‑Solving: Identify challenges and implement adaptive, creative solutions throughout the project lifecycle.

What you will bring to our firm

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering or related degree
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) license
• Experience with an emphasis in roadway, highway, and bridge design
• Minimum of 10 years of experience with IDOT, Tollway, local agency Phase I projects
• Experience/working knowledge with design software tools including MicroStation, Open Roads and GEOPAK is required
• Business Development and experience communicating and coordinating with clients

What we prefer you bring

• Master’s Degree with a Transportation Focus preferred

Salary Range

Salary Range: $120,000 - $180,000. Salary dependent upon experience and geographic location.

Featured Benefits

• 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 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

Location: Schaumburg, IL; Chicago, IL

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

Employment Status: Full‑Time

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

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.