Phase I / Preliminary Engineering Project Manager

GFT; Schaumburg (IL); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

Comprehensive benefits package

401(k) savings plan

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Professional development support

Incentive compensation

Job summary

GFT in Illinois seeks a senior civil engineer to lead Phase I/Preliminary Engineering transportation projects for IDOT, Illinois Tollway and local agencies. You will manage design, planning, public engagement, technical deliverables, and project management for Illinois roadway systems.

Hybrid work in Schaumburg or Chicago; Full-time employment with opportunities in business development, client communication, and team leadership; requires PE license, 10 years' Phase I experience, and proficiency

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or related field.
• PE license required.
• 10+ years on Phase I projects with IDOT, Tollway or local agencies.
• Experience with roadway/bridge design and NEPA.
• Proficiency in MicroStation, Open Roads, GEOPAK.

Responsibilities

• Lead Phase I/Preliminary Engineering transportation projects for IDOT, Illinois Tollway, and local agencies.
• Mentor junior staff and plan work schedules.
• Lead public engagement and coordinate with stakeholders.
• Prepare cost estimates, technical reports, and documentation for approvals.
• Oversee budgets, scope, schedules, and client coordination.
• Identify challenges and implement adaptive solutions throughout projects.

Skills

Project management

Client communication

Public engagement

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering or related field

Master’s Degree with Transportation Focus (preferred)

Tools

MicroStation

Open Roads

GEOPAK

Job description

What You Will Do

Lead Phase I/Preliminary Engineering transportation projects for IDOT, Illinois Tollway, and local agency projects. Manage design, planning, public engagement, technical deliverables, and project management for roadway systems in Illinois.

• Design & Planning: Manage roadway alignments, feasibility studies, conceptual designs, and preliminary alternatives for NEPA documentation.
• Team Leadership: Mentor junior staff, plan work schedules, and contribute to team growth.
• Public Engagement: 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, including budgeting, scope, scheduling, and client coordination.
• Innovation & Problem-Solving: Identify challenges and implement adaptive, creative solutions throughout the project lifecycle.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering or a related field.
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) license.
• Experience with roadway, highway, and bridge design.
• Minimum 10 years of experience with IDOT, Tollway, or local agency Phase I projects.
• Proficiency with design software such as MicroStation, Open Roads, and GEOPAK.
• Business development experience and client communication skills.

Preferred: Master’s Degree with a Transportation Focus.

Salary

Salary range: $140,000 – $200,000, dependent upon experience and geographic location.

Benefits

• Hybrid work environment.
• Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, pet insurance, medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Tax‑deferred 401(k) savings plan.
• Competitive paid‑time‑off accrual.
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
• Professional development support and access to training programs.
• Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

Location

Schaumburg, IL or Chicago, IL. Hybrid work model; regular attendance at the office required.

Employment Status

Full‑time.

Background Check

Successful completion of a criminal background check is required.

Company Overview

At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life.

Equal Opportunity Employer

GFT 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, veteran status, or other protected characteristics.