Project Development Engineer/Architect

About the Role

The Project Development Engineer / Architect will develop project scopes, grant requests, and overall program plans for transit rail capital improvements. The role collaborates with stakeholders to define scopes, schedules, and budgets based on need or funding, requiring technical expertise, project‑management skills, and strong communication to advance projects into detailed design and construction. • Lead a team of three reports and work with the client to identify potential projects or programs based on need or funding availability. • Develop planning analyses or documents supporting transit infrastructure improvements, such as vertical transportation modernization, sustainability initiatives, zero‑emission fleet conversion, or complete line reconstructions. • Manage the process to create detailed scope, schedule, budget, delivery methods, and risk assessments for specific transit infrastructure improvement projects. • Oversee NEPA documentation development, including project initiation summaries, checklists, categorical exclusions, and presentations for coordination with the FTA and State Historic Preservation Office. • Coordinate with historic architects and engineering specialists to support project and program goals. • Assist in managing a five‑year Capital Improvement Program and its database through stakeholder engagement to identify overall capital needs. • Support grant application development for capital projects, including project identification, material preparation, and application tracking. • Coordinate review processes for projects that may affect client assets or other projects. • Ensure proper documentation and storage of all planning documents in collaboration with document control. • Provide a hybrid (in‑person and remote) work environment. • Provide competitive paid‑time‑off (PTO) accrual. • Provide incentive compensation for eligible positions.

Key Responsibilities

• ▸team leadership
• ▸planning analysis
• ▸scope management
• ▸nepa documentation
• ▸grant development
• ▸capital program

What You Bring

GFT is seeking a Project Development Engineer / Architect to join our transit & rail team in Chicago, IL. This hybrid role requires onsite attendance at the client’s downtown office on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Architecture, Urban Planning or a related field and have 10‑15 years of transit/transportation infrastructure planning experience. Required skills include knowledge of infrastructure project lifecycles, excellent interpersonal and communication abilities, and proficiency with Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, and Bluebeam. Preferred credentials include a Professional Engineer, Architect, or AICP certification, PMP or similar project‑management training, and an advanced degree in a related discipline. These additional qualifications demonstrate a deeper commitment to professional excellence and project leadership. The position is full‑time, based in Chicago with core hours of 8:00 AM–5:00 PM and mandatory onsite presence Tuesday through Thursday. All hires must pass a criminal background check, and GFT complies with fair‑chance ordinances in California and other jurisdictions.

Requirements

• ▸civil engineering
• ▸10‑15 yrs
• ▸bluebeam
• ▸pmp
• ▸professional engineer
• ▸communication

Benefits

The salary range for this role is $165,000–$185,000, dependent on experience and location. GFT offers a hybrid work environment and a comprehensive benefits package that supports health, financial security, and professional growth. • Offer a comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, pet insurance, and medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance. • Include a tax‑deferred 401(k) savings plan. • Offer tuition reimbursement for continued education.

Work Environment

Hybrid