Engineering Design Project Manager Jobs in Illinois

Job Title: EngineeringProject Designer
Department: Civil Engineering
Reports to: Project Manager/Senior Project Manager
FLSA Status: Exempt
GENERAL SUMMARY
The Engineering Project Designer plays a key role in the successful planning, design, coordination, and delivery of civil engineering projects. This position works under the general direction of a Project Manager or Senior Project Manager and is responsible for managing day to day project activities, producing high quality design and construction documents, and supporting projects through all phases from initial design through construction and closeout. The Engineering Project Designer exercises sound professional judgment, maintains a strong focus on quality and constructability, and collaborates closely with internal and external team members to ensure projects meet technical, regulatory, schedule, and client expectations.
SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITY
This position does not have direct supervisory responsibility. However, the Engineering Project Designer is expected to coordinate tasks, provide technical guidance, and collaborate effectively with other project team members as part of a multidisciplinary design team.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements below represent the required knowledge, skill, and/or ability. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. General duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
Project Design and Technical Execution

• Perform civil engineering design work across all phases of a project, including conceptual design, schematic design, design development, and construction document production.
• Prepare complete, accurate, and well coordinated civil engineering drawings and details that align with project requirements, codes, and standards.
• Develop and refine site layouts, grading plans, drainage systems, utility layouts, and related civil components based on project scope and site conditions.
• Apply a thorough understanding of civil engineering principles, site constraints, and constructability considerations throughout the design process.
• Independently make routine civil engineering design decisions and escalate complex or non standard issues to the Project Manager or Senior Project Manager as appropriate.

Project Management Support and Coordination

• Assist with planning, directing, and monitoring project tasks to support on time and on budget project delivery.
• Coordinate closely with Project Managers to understand project goals, schedules, budgets, and client expectations.
• Organize and manage assigned project tasks with minimal oversight, ensuring milestones and deliverables are met.
• Direct and coordinate work efforts with other project team members to maintain consistency, accuracy, and efficiency.
• Participate in internal project meetings and contribute to problem solving and design discussions.

Multidisciplinary and External Coordination

• Coordinate civil engineering design efforts with internal disciplines such as structural, MEP, geotechnical, and landscape architecture to ensure fully integrated project solutions.
• Collaborate with external consultants, clients, and regulatory agencies as needed to support project requirements.
• Incorporate input from other disciplines and stakeholders into civil engineering designs while maintaining technical integrity.
• Support communication with municipalities and reviewing agencies related to zoning, permitting, and approvals.

Quality Control and Documentation

• Prepare, coordinate, write, and edit technical specifications related to civil engineering scope.
• Perform thorough quality control reviews of drawings and documents to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with firm standards.
• Review shop drawings, submittals, and other construction related documents for conformance with the design intent.
• Assist in maintaining consistent documentation standards across projects.

Construction Phase Services and Site Involvement

• Participate in site visits to observe construction progress and verify conformance with contract documents.
• Assist with responses to contractor questions, requests for information, and field conditions.
• Support construction administration activities in coordination with the Project Manager.
• Contribute to project closeout activities, including record documents and final deliverables.

Professional Conduct and Continuous Improvement

• Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and accountability in all interactions with clients, colleagues, and partners.
• Manage multiple assignments simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail and quality.
• Actively participate in learning opportunities to stay current with industry standards, codes, software, and best practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the overall success of the firm and project teams.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong technical knowledge and practical application of civil engineering principles.
• Ability to coordinate, write, and edit civil engineering specifications.
• Proven ability to manage project tasks, meet deadlines, and deliver high quality work.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to interact professionally and ethically with clients, consultants, and team members.
• Strong planning, organization, time management, and multitasking skills with high attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a fast paced, deadline driven environment.
• Ability to manage assigned projects from start to finish with appropriate oversight.
• Strong problem solving and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to work independently while also contributing positively to a collaborative team environment.
• Proficiency in current versions of Revit, AutoCAD, 3D Studio or Form Z, Photoshop, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Excel.
• Thorough understanding of applicable building codes, zoning regulations, and approval processes related to civil engineering.
• Strong working knowledge of building systems and site requirements, including structural, MEP, civil, and geotechnical considerations.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering from an accredited institution.

• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience.
• Professional engineering licensure is preferred.

WHY YOU'LL WANT TO WORK AT GF
Join a team where you can contribute and grow your career without limits. At GF, you'll help build community through meaningful work while shaping your professional growth and career path. Our team brings together diverse talents and backgrounds, creating an environment where you can explore fresh ideas, navigate new challenges, and adapt as your career and goals evolve. From our 4½-day workweek and comprehensive benefits to intentional mentorship and career development, GF provides an environment where growth, balance, and job satisfaction go hand in hand.
CAREER PROGRESSION
We are passionate about supporting your career progression and professional growth. GF maintains a career progression framework that illustrates typical advancement in both title and responsibility. During the annual performance review process, and at other appropriate times, we will discuss the skills, experience, and competencies that may be demonstrated to achieve the next level position.
Career progression is not prescriptive. Advancement is based on a combination of demonstrated capability, technical and interpersonal skills, experience, initiative, attitude, performance, and overall contribution to the firm. We encourage open, direct, and ongoing conversations with your manager regarding your career goals and professional development.
We also recognize that not every employee aspires to continued upward advancement. If you are content in your current role, we are committed to supporting your growth through expanded responsibilities, new challenges, and horizontal development opportunities that allow you to remain engaged, challenged, and professionally fulfilled while maintaining your current level.
BENEFITS
Health and Wellness Support
We prioritize the well-being of our team members through comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, along with a generous Firm contribution to health savings accounts. Other programs that further emphasizes our dedication to the holistic health of our employees include: voluntary short- and long-term disability; voluntary life insurance; accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity benefits; monthly wellness reimbursements; telehealth benefits; mental health counseling; employee assistance programs; Medicare transition services; and financial wellness benefits.
Professional Development Opportunities
Dedication to continued learning is ingrained in our culture. Our tuition reimbursement program empowers employees to pursue continuous learning, enhancing their education and skill sets to excel in their careers. Mentorship opportunities and benefits such as paid membership to a professional organization and opportunities for selection into our Next Generation Leadership Training or Associates and Directors Program further supports the growth and development of our team.
Ownership and Prosperity
As an ESOP company, GF takes pride in offering every team member a stake in our success. Through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan, our employees benefit from shared company prosperity, creating a culture of shared goals and achievements. You fund your 401(k) through paycheck deferrals, and GF matches your deferrals into the ESOP with shares of company stock.
Work-Life Integration
We understand the importance of Work-Life Balance. Our commitment to flexible work schedules, paid time off, paid holidays, half-day Fridays, and paid parental leave allows our team members to achieve professional success while maintaining a fulfilling personal life.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO)
We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, familial status, partnership status, protected veteran status, uniformed service member status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
PAY TRANSPARENCY
Where required by applicable law, the pay range for this position is provided in the job posting. Compensation is determined based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, skills, experience, education, internal equity, geographic location, and business needs. This position may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses and or benefits in accordance with applicable plans and policies.
PAYROLL
Employees paid on a bi-weekly basis, consisting of 26 pay periods annually, and is issued in arrears. Direct deposit is available.
AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT
Employment with GF is at will, which means that either the employee or GF may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, subject to applicable law. Nothing in this job description or posting creates a contract of employment or alters the at-will nature of employment.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work may be performed in a standard office setting, onsite at client locations, and or on active construction or project sites. Work environments may include exposure to weather conditions, uneven terrain, construction equipment, and other site-related conditions.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This position requires sufficient physical ability, with or without reasonable accommodation, to perform essential job functions. These may include sitting or standing for extended periods; walking on uneven surfaces; stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and twisting; lifting, carrying, pushing, and or pulling light to moderate amounts of weight; operating office and field equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine motor coordination; communicating verbally and in writing; visual acuity within normal range with or without correction; and hearing within normal range with or without correction. This position may require physical mobility on and around active construction sites before and after installation of infrastructure and site improvements.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and to applicants throughout the hiring process. If you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a position or to perform essential job functions, please notify us. Reasonable accommodations may include modifications to the application process, work procedures, equipment, or work environment, in accordance with applicable law.
BACKGROUND CHECK
Employment may be contingent upon successful completion of a background check, reference check, and or drug screening, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including fair chance and ban-the-box requirements.
SAFETY & COMPLIANCE
Employees are required to comply with all Company and client on-site safety policies and procedures. Personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required when working on construction or project sites.
WORK AUTHORIZATION