Team Leader, Bridge Design

Overview

GFT is seeking an experienced Team Leader to join our Transportation - Bridge Team. This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at one of our Midwest offices in Kansas City, Wichita, Omaha, Des Moines, or St. Louis.

Working on the Bridge Team at GFT offers the opportunity to engage in transformative projects that enhance transportation infrastructure and improve community connectivity. Our team designs resilient, sustainable solutions for highways, bridges, and traffic engineering, delivering effective designs that address the complexities of modern multimodal roadway systems and ensure safe, efficient travel for all.

The ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience in bridge design, rehabilitation, and inspections and an interest in working on diverse bridge design project assignments. This role involves managing a team and assisting individuals in career development and personnel matters. Travel as required is expected. Knowledge of bridge engineering requirements such as AREMA and/or AASHTO LRFD is critical. The successful applicant will work well in a team and share experience and expertise with teammates.

• Lead, develop, and supervise a Bridge Team in one of our Midwest Area offices, including staffing, workload balancing, mentoring, performance management, training, and day-to-day operational oversight.
• Drive team and group strategic initiatives, contribute to the Midwest Bridge Group strategy, and develop team-level plans.
• Support business development and client engagement, including proposal preparation, interviews, technical presentations, and maintaining strong client relationships.
• Oversee recruiting, hiring, and onboarding, including requisitions, application and offer management, interviews, negotiations, orientation, equipment setup, and ongoing check-ins.
• Lead and manage project planning and delivery, including scope development, staffing and resource planning, budget and schedule control, workload adjustments, cross-discipline coordination, and proactive communication with clients, subconsultants, and internal teams.
• Direct, perform, and review structural design and technical deliverables, including engineering analysis, design calculations, plans, specifications, estimates, and reports, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and adherence to the firm’s Quality Management System.
• Mentor and support the development of junior engineers through knowledge sharing, technical guidance, and regular collaboration. Stay current on industry standards, emerging technologies, and design practices through continuing education and professional involvement.
• Maintain professional, technical, and supervisory skills by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks, and participating in professional societies.

• Bachelor of Science degree in Civil or Structural Engineering.
• Licensed Professional Engineer.
• Minimum 10 years of bridge design and project management experience.
• Working knowledge of bridge engineering codes.
• Demonstrated success in managing preliminary and final design, preparation of construction documents, specifications, and cost estimates.
• Track record of successfully completing projects and team leadership.
• Experience with a wide range of structural analysis/design tools and Bentley Microstation.
• Detail oriented with strong organizational skills.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Extensive knowledge of standard engineering practices, techniques and procedures.
• Strong leadership skills.

• A master’s degree in Structural Engineering is preferred.
• Experience working on railway structures is preferred.
• Strong client relationships.

The salary range for this role is $125,000 - $170,000. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location.

• 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…