Project Development Engineer / Architect

GFT is seeking a Project Development Engineer / Architect to join our transit & rail team in our Chicago, IL office. This is a hybrid role requiring onsite attendance at the client in downtown Chicago on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

Working with the  transit & rail team at GFT means shaping the future of transportation, delivering projects that improve operations, capacity, and safety for our clients. Specializing in large-scale intermodal facilities, capacity improvements, commuter projects, and industrial developments, our experts combine deep technical knowledge with creative thinking to provide innovative solutions for complex problems. Together, we're transforming rail networks across North America and optimizing how goods and people reach their destinations.

What you’ll be challenged to do :

The project development engineer / architect will be responsible for developing project scopes, grant requests, and overall program development for transit rail capital improvements. This role involves collaborating with others to define project scopes, schedules, and budgets based on identified need or available funding. The work requires a blend of technical knowledge, project management skills, and communications to present a cohesive project for advancement into detailed design and construction.

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

• Lead a team of 3 reports and collaborate with the client to identify potential projects or programs based on need or funding availability.
• Develop planning analyses or documents in support of transit infrastructure improvements, including major programs such as vertical transportation modernization, sustainability initiatives, zero emission fleet conversion, or complete line reconstructions.
• Manage the process to develop detailed scope, schedule, budget, delivery methods, and risks for specific transit infrastructure improvement projects.
• Oversee the development of NEPA documentation by specialists, including project initiation summaries, checklists, documented categorical exclusions, presentations, or other materials for coordination with the FTA and / or State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO).
• Coordinate with technical disciplines, including historic architects or engineering specialists, to support the development of projects and program goals.
• Assist in the management of a 5-year Capital Improvement Program with associated database through stakeholder engagement to identify overall capital needs.
• Assist in the development of grant applications for capital projects, including identification of potential applicable projects, development of grant materials, and tracking of grant applications.
• Assist in coordinating reviews for other projects that may affect client assets or projects.
• Work with document control to properly document and store all planning documents.

What you’ll bring to our firm :

What we prefer you bring :

Compensation : The salary range for this role is $165,000 - $185,000. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location. Featured Benefits :

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.

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, IL

Core Business Hours : 8 : 00 AM – 5 : 00 PM-Onsite Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday (Mandatory)

Employment Status : Full-Time

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

"California Applicants"

Applicants in the County of Los Angeles - Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

Applicants in the City of San Francisco - Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Applicants in the State of California - Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the California Fair Chance Act.

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