Program Construction Engineer

GFT is seeking a Program Construction Engineer to join our Construction Management Team in Chicago, IL! This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at our Chicago, IL office.

At GFT, we’re not just engineering the future; we’re meticulously building it. Our comprehensive suite of construction and program management services reflects our unwavering commitment to excellence, safety, innovation, and sustainability. Our construction management services are the cornerstone of our commitment to transforming communities and enhancing lives. We oversee every construction phase to help ensure projects are completed on schedule, within budget, and to the highest safety and quality standards.

What you’ll be challenged to do:

The Program Construction Engineer will be responsible for providing construction coordination and materials quality oversight for Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) projects as part of the agency’s Quality Program Management Consultant (QPMC) contract. The Program Construction Engineer will act as a liaison between CDOT Quality Assurance, CDOT Construction, Resident Engineers, Consultant Construction Engineers (CCE), and Contractors to ensure compliance with plans, specifications, and material requirements across all phases of construction.

The Program Construction Engineer will support and coordinate activities including pre-construction meetings, construction review meetings, and field activities, while ensuring consistent communication across project teams and agencies. Responsibilities include facilitation of CMQA database usage and resolution of field or documentation issues.

The position will work closely with CDOT divisions, external agencies, and project stakeholders to track construction progress, resolve material non-compliance issues, and ensure project delivery aligns with program goals. The role will also support project setup, scheduling, budgeting coordination, and project closeout activities while contributing to improved construction quality, communication, and program efficiency.

The candidate must be highly motivated and is expected to have strong communication skills, both written and verbal, as well as strong organizational skills and a willingness to take on new challenges. The candidate should have the ability to apply practical judgment in resolving construction and coordination issues in both field and office environments.

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

• Serve as liaison between CDOT QA, Construction, Resident Engineers, CCEs, and Contractors
• Attend pre-construction meetings and present materials coordination and documentation requirements
• Participate in construction review meetings, field meetings, and critical construction activities
• Perform field visits as necessary to resolve material and construction-related issues
• Coordinate across CDOT, Department of Water Management, permit restoration, and private development projects
• Identify material non-compliance issues and coordinate corrective actions
• Review design plans for constructability and potential field issues
• Facilitate proper use of the CMQA database and troubleshoot issues for Resident Engineers
• Coordinate with program controls teams to integrate projects into master schedules and budgets
• Support project setup including HaulHub e-ticketing coordination
• Assist with project closeout activities including documentation and digital job box submittals
• Coordinate with CDOT divisions, IDOT, Chicago Park District, and other agencies as required
• Support updates to construction manuals, training initiatives, and continuous improvement efforts
• Develop and maintain tracking tools to monitor construction progress, issues, and key milestones
• Build working relationships with project teams, agency staff, and stakeholders
• Support delivery of construction projects within scope, schedule, and budget

What you will bring to our firm: 

• Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related field
• Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience
• Experience in construction coordination, materials management, or quality control /quality assurance
• Familiarity with CDOT and/or IDOT Standard Specifications and construction practices
• Ability to effectively communicate with contractors, engineers, and agency staff
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities
• Proficient with Microsoft Office suite

What we prefer you bring: 

• 10+ years of progressive experience in construction management
• Professional Engineering (P.E.) license preferred
• Experience working with CDOT, IDOT, or similar municipal agencies
• Experience coordinating multi-agency infrastructure programs
• Familiarity with CMQA systems and construction tracking databases
• Experience supporting material testing coordination and field compliance

Compensation:The salary range for this role is $115,000 - $160,000. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location.  Featured 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.

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.

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

Location: Chicago, ILCore Business Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PMEmployment Status: Full-Time

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