Chief Engineer - Drainage

GFT Inc. is looking to fill a Chief Engineer Drainage position in any of our Florida offices. This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at one of our Florida office. This is a full-time position.

The Drainage Practice Lead will be responsible for establishing, growing, and leading the firm’s drainage and stormwater engineering practice in Florida. This role combines technical excellence, team leadership, client engagement, and business development. The Practice Lead will serve as the firm’s senior drainage authority, overseeing technical standards, mentoring staff, and expanding FDOT and municipal market presence.

• Provide leadership in advancing the practice through the implementation of innovative engineering practices, standardized processes, emerging technologies, and strategic technical initiatives that enhance project delivery, operational efficiency, and technical excellence.
• Build and grow the Florida drainage practice, including staffing, training, and technology investments.
• Support FDOT prequalification, resumes, and technical marketing materials for proposals.
• Identify emerging opportunities in resiliency, flooding, sea-level rise, and stormwater infrastructure.

• Serve as the lead for drainage and stormwater engineering in Florida.
• Provide technical oversight and QA/QC for complex drainage designs and reports.
• Lead drainage and stormwater design for roadway and infrastructure projects
• Perform hydrologic/hydraulic modeling and prepare drainage reports and plans
• Apply FDOT Drainage Manual and Florida water management district criteria
• Coordinate with roadway, structures, environmental teams, and agencies
• Mentor and junior engineers
• Act as Drainage Discipline Lead on major FDOT, municipal, and design-build projects.
• Coordinate with roadway, structures, geotechnical, environmental, and permitting teams.
• Interface with FDOT, counties, municipalities, and Florida water management districts (SWFWMD, SFWMD, SJRWMD, NWFWMD).
• Participate in key client meetings, scope development, and fee negotiations.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop drainage engineers and designers.
• Provide technical training and career development for staff.
• Foster a culture of quality, innovation, and collaboration.

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering (Master’s preferred).
• Professional Engineer (PE) license in Florida (or ability to obtain within 6 months).
• 15+ years of drainage and stormwater design experience, with significant Florida project experience.
• Demonstrated leadership of drainage teams and major infrastructure projects.
• Deep knowledge of FDOT Drainage Manual, Florida Administrative Code, and water management district permitting.

The salary range for this role is $130,000 - $205,000. 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 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.

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.

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