Project Engineer, Highway

GFT; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid (in-person and remote) work

Wellness programs, parental leave, pet

Tax-deferred 401(k)

Paid-time-off (PTO) accrual

Tuition reimbursement

Professional development support

Incentive compensation

Job summary

GFT is seeking a Project Engineer, Highway to join our Transportation Team in Downtown Chicago or Schaumburg, IL. This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at our Chicago or Schaumburg office.

You will work on highways, bridges, and multi‑modal transportation projects to improve safety, mobility and resilience. Ideal candidates have 6+ years of design experience, an active Illinois PE license, and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering.
• Illinois Professional Engineer (PE) license required.
• 6+ years of experience with Illinois DOT/Tollway/City of Chicago or municipal projects.
• Experience in highway, drainage, traffic signals and lighting preferred.
• Strong technical and communication skills; team player.

Responsibilities

• Prepare plans, quantities and design calculations with accuracy.
• Perform geometric design, pavement marking, drainage design and traffic studies.
• Prepare reports, cost estimates and specifications.
• Coordinate with multi-disciplinary teams; may lead tasks and supervise staff.
• Utilize OpenRoads Designer, MicroStation, Geopak and MS Office.

Job description

What You Will Do

GFT is seeking a Project Engineer, Highway to join our Transportation Team in Downtown Chicago or Schaumburg, IL! 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. Explore some of our signature Transportation projects here.

What You’ll Be Challenged To Do

GFT’s Downtown Chicago office is seeking a Project Engineer with 6-10 years of design experience to join our growing office of roadway, bridge, aviation, transit and rail designers as a Project Engineer on Phase I and Phase II projects. The person will be a member of our roadway group and will assist in various tasks including plan preparation, quantity calculations, geometric design, pavement marking/signing, drainage design, traffic studies, traffic signal design, public involvement, report writing, specifications, cost estimates and other related tasks. Candidates with a background in preliminary engineering or development of detailed plans and specifications are recommended. The individual may also be called on to work closely with other teams on multi-disciplinary projects. The engineer will have the opportunity to work on challenging projects in a unique and dynamic work environment. The candidate will manage other engineers and technicians to achieve completion of various tasks, as directed by the team leader and project manager and will also complete certain tasks independently. Depending on experience level, the individual may bear responsibilities as a project manager or deputy project manager. OpenRoads Designer, Microstation, Geopak and MS Office and other design software will be used.

In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following:

• Analyzes information and data to perform routine design tasks. Responsible for accuracy of engineering design and plans, quality presentation, thoroughness and follow-through, and efficient conformance to budgets, schedules, and company standards. Research design options and document findings for Senior Project Engineer.
• Makes decisions independently on engineering problems and methods, and occasionally represents the organization in meetings to resolve important questions, and to plan and coordinate work.
• Receives instructions from Project Manager or Senior Project Engineers as to the general results expected.
• Receives technical guidance on unusual or complex problems and supervisory approval on proposed plans for projects.
• Hands on experience using CADD/Design Software (OpenRoads Designer, Microstation and Geopak) is preferred.
• Keeps Project Manager informed of workload and any changes in project schedule or scope or additional services.
• Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.

What You Will Bring To Our Firm

• Minimum 6 years of related experience, including working directly for or as a consultant for the Illinois DOT, Illinois Tollway, Chicago DOT, local counties and municipalities, and with Federally funded projects is expected.
• Illinois PE
• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering.
• Candidates must possess strong technical skills, excellent verbal and written communication skills, and the ability to work well in a team environment on multi-disciplinary projects.
• Previous highway, drainage, construction inspection, traffic signal, and/or lighting experience is expected.

Compensation

The salary range for this role is $90,000 - $130,000. Salary is 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.

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. 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. Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century’s experience, together we’re building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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 GFT.

Location: Chicago or Schaumburg, 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.