Entry Level Bridge Engineer

GFT is seeking an Entry Level Bridge Engineer to join our Transportation group in Chicago or Schaumburg, IL. This role follows ahybrid work model, requiring 3 days of onsite attendance per week.

Working on the bridge team at GFT offers the opportunity to engage in transformative projects that enhance transportation infrastructure and improve community connectivity. Whether working on highways and bridges or traffic engineering, our team excels in resilient, sustainable design and construction, delivering innovative solutions that address the complexities of modern, multimodal roadway systems and ensure safe, efficient, and reliable travel for all. Explore some of our signature bridge projects here.

What you’ll be challenged to do:

As an entry level bridge engineer, you will support the design and evaluation of bridge and transportation structures, working closely with senior staff on a variety of assignments. You’ll help prepare construction documents, perform calculations, gather cost estimate information, and assist with inspections and technical reports. This is a collaborative, growth-oriented role designed for those early in their career.

December 2026 and Spring 2027 graduates are encouraged to apply!In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following:

• Support preparation of plans, details, and specifications for bridge projects.
• Assist in structural design and analysis under the direction of senior engineers.
• Perform calculations, quantity take-offs and cost estimates.
• Perform load rating analyses and assist in the preparation of load rating reports.
• Prepare technical reports and inspection documentation.
• Assist with shop drawing reviews and help ensure compliance with contract documents.
• Perform field inspection on a variety of bridge and tunnel structures.
• Prepare inspection documentation and perform reporting tasks.
• Use CADD to develop construction plans.

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

• Support preparation of plans, details, and specifications for bridge projects.
• Assist in structural design and analysis under the direction of senior engineers.
• Perform calculations, quantity take-offs and cost estimates.
• Perform load rating analyses and assist in the preparation of load rating reports.
• Prepare technical reports and inspection documentation.
• Assist with shop drawing reviews and help ensure compliance with contract documents.
• Perform field inspection on a variety of bridge and tunnel structures.
• Prepare inspection documentation and perform reporting tasks.
• Use CADD to develop construction plans.

What you will bring to our firm:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil or Structural Engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
• 0-1 years of bridge design experience or demonstrated interest in structural engineering through applied academic coursework, past internships, or work experiences.
• Experience using CADD tools such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, or MicroStation.
• Working knowledge of structural design software and plan development processes.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Good communication and teamwork skills with interest in growing technical knowledge.
• Physically capable of performing field work including working at heights, carrying ladders and gear, working in adverse weather conditions, etc.
• Valid Driver's License and ability to travel to project sites as needed.

What we prefer you bring:

• Passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam.
• Interest in pursuing licensure.

Compensation:

The salary range for this role is $75,000 to $85,000; 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.

Sponsorship is not being offered for this position.

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

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

"California Applicants"Applicants in the County of Los Angeles - Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.Applicants in the City of San Francisco - Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Applicants in the State of California - Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the California Fair Chance Act.#LI-ML2#LI-Hybrid