Bridge Practice Team Leader P5

GRAEF, a leading U.S. consulting firm, has been providing exceptional careers and quality engineering, planning, and design services to our clients since 1961. We recognize that the best workplaces are filled with technically excellent, innovative, creative, and highly motivated people and are proud to be named a 2026 Top Workplace. GRAEF is more than just a business—we are a committed employer and community member. We invest in our employees as we do our clients, providing a challenging and rewarding environment where you can grow both personally and professionally. GRAEF values exciting work and lasting relationships; we embody values that speak to loyalty, service, quality, and integrity.

About the role

As we take our bridge portfolio to the next level, we have a unique leadership opportunity for a candidate looking to manage a group, a variety of projects, be involved in business development, and play an important part in continuing to grow a diverse team. This position offers an opportunity to become part of a well-established technical group with a strong backlog.

Responsibilities

• Manage current staff and assist with growing the bridge group.
• Lead and participate in business development activities, including proposal preparation, project interviews/presentations, and client management.
• Develop new business opportunities by strengthening relationships with existing clients and creating new client connections.
• Represent the firm at industry events, professional associations, and community activities to enhance visibility and market presence.
• Project engineering and management including: project oversight, setting priorities and developing objectives, project financial management, as well as hands-on involvement in the design process for bridges, per IDOT and Tollway requirements.
• Serve as a technical resource for bridge team members.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering with Structural emphasis.
• Master’s degree in Structural Engineering is preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years of practical experience in the structural design of bridges using IDOT standards. Candidates with greater experience are encouraged to apply as well.
• CDOT experience is a plus.
• PE required; SE highly preferred, or ability to obtain within 1 year.
• Success in business development planning, including developing strategic business plans, marketing activities, client development, presentation experience, and proposal development.
• Experience managing a group would be considered a plus.
• Good communication skills and a proven track record in successfully interacting with clients and internal team members is necessary.

Benefits

• Training, Mentorship, and Leadership Development Programs
• A team atmosphere dedicated to open communication and collaboration
• Opportunities to embed yourself in the community by participating in numerous outside activities that GRAEF endorses and supports
• Flexible Hours / Hybrid work model
• Parental Leave
• Paid Time Off
• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Plans
• Retirement Savings Plan
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Tuition Reimbursement

Pay

The salary range for this position is $135,000–$165,000. Salary to be determined by the applicant's education, experience, and skill set, as well as internal and external equity.