Transportation Engineer 3

Bowman has an opportunity for a Engineer III, Transportation Planner to join our team in Chicago, IL.  

At Bowman, we believe in creating opportunities for aspiring people to thrive and achieve ambitious goals. That’s why a career at Bowman is more than a job. It is an opportunity to be part of a diverse and engaged community of professionals, to be treated as a respected and valued member of a motivated team and to be empowered to do exceptional work that advances the best interest of everyone involved. We recognize the importance of creating a work environment that is both rewarding to our employees and supportive of our unwavering commitment to provide unparalleled service to our clients.

Execute complex technical transportation engineering techniques, procedures and criteria for transportation and infrastructure projects. Assist in developing sustainable transportation solutions to make communities more livable by reducing traffic congestion, promoting multiple modes of transportation, supporting land development, and improving safety for all users.

Leadership and Direction

• Receive broad guidance relating to overall key objectives, critical issues, new concepts, and policy matters and broad parameters for execution.  Receive direction as needed, and especially on highly complex assignments.  Independently apply extensive and diversified knowledge of engineering principles and practices in broad areas of assignments and related fields.  Review work produced by staff for quality assurance.
• May serve as a lead/resource among team of colleagues in equivalent roles to share technical proficiency, guidance, mentorship and delegation of assignments.  May occasionally provide feedback to managers. 

At the Operational and Company Level

• Work closely with more senior members to learn about and assist with transportation engineering and planning work. Assist with the marketing of the firm’s capabilities to establish new clients and enhance relationships.
• Coordinate with other disciplines and internal services/groups/offices as necessary.  

Do the Work

• Work side by side with the project team on given specialty in transportation projects.
• Execute technical assignments and lead the efforts on all phases of a variety of transportation projects under direct supervision of a Project Manager or Senior Project Manager. 
• Prepare maps and graphics for public and client meetings, data analysis, performing field reviews and data collection, conducting research on trends and best practices, contributing to stakeholder and public engagement efforts, developing solutions to complex problems, and presenting recommendations.
• Prepare engineering plans and reports.
• Lead in the preparation of grant applications and associated services related to funding programs.
• Participate in construction-related assignments.
• Draft transmittals, memos, meeting minutes, letters, proposals, and other documentation/communications.
• Prepare reports, plans, specifications, construction schedules, cost estimates, permits and/or designs for projects.
• Coordinate and conduct field visits and ensure appropriate data collection and field observations occur. 
• Direct tasks on projects and monitor project progress for technical accuracy and adherence to schedule and budget.
• Provide internal and external technical presentations.  
• Provide technical quality control of multiple assigned projects. 
• Lead in the preparation of proposals. 
• Lead with client and outside agency communication and attend project/public meetings. 
• Develop and maintain accurate and organized project files. 
• Develop procedures, materials, and/or tools to facilitate work by others. 
• Follow established firm’s goals, SOPs and QA/QC procedures and assist in the QA/QC review of technical work of other staff.  
• Assist and mentor junior staff.

Phase I / Preliminary Engineering

• Prepare and serve in a lead role for work on various analyses and design aspects of engineering projects which may include road/access design, corridor projects, multimodal projects, bridge design, safety projects, and other associated engineering services.
• Serve as a Task Lead for specific Phase I project components under the direction of a Project Manager.
• Coordinate day-to-day technical activities and support project deliverable development.
• Develop roadway alignments, corridor studies, feasibility studies, and conceptual engineering solutions for transportation projects.
• Prepare and evaluate preliminary engineering alternatives to support project development and decision-making.
• Perform engineering analyses and prepare technical documentation supporting NEPA environmental review processes.
• Support the preparation of Environmental Assessments (EA), Environmental Impact Statements (EIS), and Categorical Exclusions (CE).
• Develop engineering recommendations considering transportation needs, environmental constraints, stakeholder input, and project objectives.
• Prepare Phase I Project Reports, Project Development Reports (PDRs), Combined Design Reports, engineering studies, technical memoranda, exhibits, and related documentation.
• Assist in the development of planning-level and preliminary construction cost estimates.
• Review engineering analyses, exhibits, and project submittals for technical accuracy and completeness.
• Identify project challenges and assist in developing practical, cost-effective engineering solutions.
• Apply sound engineering judgment to transportation planning and project development activities.
• Support implementation of continuous improvement initiatives and industry best practices.

• Ability to work both independently and within a collaborative team environment.
• Identify technical challenges and communicate potential solutions to project leadership.
• Monitor assigned tasks to help ensure schedules and deliverables are met.
• Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to facilitate quality project execution.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple time-sensitive projects/tasks.
• Effective communication, presentation, writing, and graphic skills, including public speaking, written reports, presentation materials and technical writing.
• Experience with the preparation of preliminary engineering plans and/or studies for roadway or traffic projects.
• Experience directing tasks and performing QA/QC.
• Ability to effectively communicate with all levels of the organization and external partners.
• Effective working relationship with internal leaders and peers, as well as external clients.
• High degree of discretion and ability to manage highly confidential information.
• Highly motivated and problem-solving attitude with a strong work ethic.
• Strong sense of urgency in responding to work-related and project needs.
• Commitment to promoting the reputation of the company through quality of work.
• Aspirations to grow professionally and advance within the company.
• Strong data analysis and interpretation skills.
• Strong marketing/business development skills and mindset.
• Desire, aptitude, and motivation to learn and apply new concepts.  
• Commitment to driving profitability and growth.
• Commitment to becoming a “citizen” of the broader organization, breaking down barriers and silos.
• Active participation in a professional society/organization.

• Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or related field required.
• Completed coursework in transportation engineering and/or highway design preferred.
• Five or more (5+) years of professional engineering experience with an emphasis on transportation engineering or related field. 
• EIT Registration required, or alternatively, six or more (6+) years of successful transportation engineering experience required.  
• Professional Engineer (PE) Registration or ability to receive within six (6) months preferred. 
• Experience with the preparation of construction plans and/or studies for roadway or traffic projects required. 
• Experience directing tasks and performing QA/QC required. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Valid state driver's license and ability to successfully pass a motor vehicle check or reliable form of transportation to/from the office and/or project site strongly preferred.

Phase I / Preliminary Engineering

• Experience with IDOT, Illinois Tollway, county, municipal, and local agency Phase I projects required.
• Experience preparing technical reports, engineering studies, and agency submittals required.
• Experience serving as a task lead on transportation planning or Phase I projects preferred.
• Experience coordinating technical work among multiple disciplines preferred.
• Experience mentoring and developing junior engineering staff preferred.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred. Ability to obtain PE licensure within a reasonable timeframe if not currently licensed.
• Strong communication, technical writing, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and priorities concurrently.
• Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary team environments.

Working knowledge of:

• IDOT Phase I studies and project development procedures.
• Illinois Tollway project delivery requirements.
• NEPA processes and environmental documentation.
• Alternatives analysis and feasibility studies.
• Public involvement and agency coordination processes.
• Preliminary roadway design and transportation planning.
• Project Development Reports (PDRs).
• Engineering report preparation and technical documentation.

Knowledge of Federal and State ADA Standards and Guidelines.

Proficiency with or familiarity in:

• OpenRoads Designer.
• MicroStation.
• BlueBeam
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
• Microsoft Office Suite and related engineering software applications.

Are you ready to build a career that makes a lasting impact? At Bowman, our people are at the center of everything we do. We’re committed to creating an environment where employees can thrive both personally and professionally, while helping to shape the infrastructure of tomorrow.

A career at Bowman means being part of a collaborative, forward-thinking organization where innovation, inclusion, and growth are encouraged at every level. We offer competitive compensation, a supportive work environment, and benefits designed to help our employees succeed.

Salary and eligible variable compensation (if any) commensurate with experience. Range $115,000- $145,000 per year and includes a comprehensive benefits package.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match
• Paid time off, sick leave, and paid holidays
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development support
• Discretionary bonuses and other performance-based incentives
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP), wellness initiatives, and employee discounts

Eligibility for certain benefits may vary based on position, location, and employment status.

• Primarily indoor professional office environment which may include bright/dim light, noise, fumes, odors, and traffic.
• Mobility around an office environment.
• Frequent and prolonged use of standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.
• Occasional outdoor work environment which may include adverse weather conditions, varying temperatures, excessive noise, and/or potential hazards.
• Mobility around a job/construction site to include walking, bending, crawling, climbing, squatting, or kneeling and wearing of required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Primarily local travel during the business day, although some out-of-the-area and overnight travel may be required according to the needs of the business.
• Occasional lifting or carrying up to 20 pounds.
• Occasional pushing or pulling up to 20 pounds.
• Occasional reaching outward or above shoulder.

Note: While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the job requirements, it is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties from particular jobs and to assign other duties as necessary at any time with or without notice.

Bowman is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. For our EEO Policy Statement, please click here. If you’d like more information on your EEO rights under the law, please click here.

Bowman has an obligation to provide and maintain a safe, healthy, and productive environment for its employees and clients. We are committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol-free workplace.

If you have any questions about the application process, please email [email protected].