Bridge Team Leader

GFT is seeking a Bridge Team Leader to join our Transportation Team in the Chicagoland Area. 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.

About the Role

The ideal candidate will have experience in bridge design, rehabilitation, and inspections and must have an interest in learning and working on diverse project assignments which may include highway bridges, freight and passenger rail structures, and miscellaneous structural assignments. This person must be able and willing to travel to work in other offices. Knowledge of bridge engineering requirements (AASHTO LRFD and/or AREMA) is critical. Proven ability to work in a team environment and share experience and expertise with teammates is ideal.

Responsibilities

• Lead a Bridge Team in the Chicago or Schaumburg Office, including staffing plans, mentoring staff, and managing day-to-day tasks.
• Perform personnel duties for the Bridge Team, such as setting performance evaluation review goals, evaluations, providing feedback, training, recommending promotions, raises, and general supervisory responsibilities.
• Prepare an annual budget for team and office expenses, including personnel utilization, training, licensing, organization memberships, continuing education, and inspection equipment.
• Participate in the recruiting and hiring process for adding new staff.
• Prepare and direct structural design and plan preparation of structural drawings.
• Plan and develop engineering projects with unique problems, involving exploration of subject area, definition of scope, and selection of problems for investigation.
• Organize and develop a project team to execute specific phases or aspects of a project such as technical studies, project design, preparation of specifications and technical plans, and project inspection.
• Delegate tasks effectively within the project team.
• Review project design for general compliance with engineering principles, company standards, and customer contract requirements.
• Coordinate activities concerned with technical developments, scheduling, and staffing, resolving engineering design problems.
• Evaluate and approve design changes, specifications, and drawing releases.
• Maintain liaison with individuals and units within or outside the organization on technical matters.
• Develop and present proposals to clients.
• Manage workloads and any changes in project schedule or scope or additional services.
• Plan and execute project meetings, and negotiate difficult project issues with clients, such as scope changes or schedule acceleration.
• Ensure the project meets quality control and quality assurance guidelines.
• Assist with business development strategies for clients, projects, and organizations.
• Maintain professional, technical, and supervisory skills by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks, and participating in professional societies.
• Limited national travel may be required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s and/or Master’s Degree in Civil and/or Structural Engineering with an emphasis in structures from an ABET-accredited university or college.
• A minimum of 8 years' professional bridge design experience.
• Licensed Professional Engineer in Illinois.
• Experience in new bridge design, bridge rehabilitation, load ratings, and/or inspection of bridges.
• Working knowledge of bridge engineering codes (AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications and AREMA Manual for Railway Engineering).
• Experience with MDX, OpenBridge, LARSA (or other design/modeling software), MicroStation, and Mathcad.

Preferred Qualifications

• Structural Engineer license in Illinois.
• Master’s degree in Civil or Structural Engineering.
• IDOT/Tollway bridge design experience or rail bridge design experience.
• Inspection experience and NHI inspection certification.

Pay

The salary range for this role is $125,000 - $200,000, dependent upon experience and geographic location.

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.

Schedule

Core business hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Full-time position.