Internship Intelligent Transportation System Jobs in Tennessee

GFT is a leader in infrastructure planning, design, and program management, partnering with transportation agencies across North America to deliver innovative solutions that improve safety, mobility, and the communities we serve.

We are seeking an experienced Full-Time Project Manager to lead an anticipated statewide Traffic Management Center (TMC) Operations contract supporting the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT).

This is an exciting opportunity for an accomplished transportation operations professional to lead a statewide program supporting real-time traffic operations, Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO), traffic incident management, and traveler information services that improve mobility for millions of Tennessee motorists every day.

Working closely with TDOT leadership, regional Traffic Management Center staff, and transportation partners, you'll provide strategic leadership for contract execution, operational performance, staffing, quality management, and continuous improvement initiatives while helping shape the future of transportation operations across the state.

If you enjoy leading high-performing teams, building trusted client relationships, and delivering mission-critical transportation operations programs, this role offers an opportunity to make a lasting impact.

What you'll be challenged to do:

• Lead the successful execution of a statewide Traffic Management Center Operations program supporting TDOT.
• Foster strong relationships with TDOT leadership and transportation partners while serving as GFT's primary point of contact for contract performance.
• Drive operational excellence by overseeing staffing, quality management, performance measurement, reporting, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support transportation operations that improve roadway safety, incident response, traveler information, and mobility throughout Tennessee.
• Mentor and develop a high-performing team dedicated to delivering exceptional service and operational reliability.

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

• Providing overall leadership and administration of the statewide Traffic Management Center Operations contract.
• Serving as the primary liaison between GFT and the TDOT State Project Manager.
• Managing contract performance, staffing plans, project schedules, budgets, and contract deliverables.
• Overseeing recruitment, onboarding, scheduling, performance management, and professional development of project personnel.
• Preparing and reviewing monthly performance reports, annual reports, meeting documentation, invoices, and other contract deliverables.
• Monitoring operational performance measures and implementing continuous improvement initiatives that enhance service delivery.
• Ensuring compliance with contract requirements, quality management processes, and GFT standards.
• Coordinating with TDOT, law enforcement, emergency responders, contractors, and partner agencies to support statewide transportation operations.
• Supporting updates to the TDOT Traffic Management Center Operations Manual, operating procedures, and performance management processes.
• Providing leadership during operational incidents, staffing challenges, and other situations requiring executive decision-making.
• Maintaining effective communication with TDOT leadership regarding project status, risks, accomplishments, and operational priorities.
• Promoting a collaborative culture focused on accountability, innovation, customer service, and operational excellence.

• One of the following qualification pathways:
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, another STEM discipline, or an MBA, plus at least three (3) years of project management experience and five (5) years of experience in a Traffic Management Center or comparable operations environment; or
• Bachelor's degree, five (5) years of project management experience, at least three (3) years of Traffic Management Center management experience, and six (6) years of total experience in a Traffic Management Center or similar operations environment; or
• At least five (5) years of Traffic Management Center management experience and ten (10) years of total experience in a Traffic Management Center or comparable operations facility.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex transportation operations programs, multidisciplinary teams, budgets, schedules, and contract deliverables.
• Strong knowledge of Traffic Management Center operations, Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO), Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), and Traffic Incident Management (TIM).
• Experience developing performance measures, technical reports, executive summaries, and operational documentation.
• Strong leadership, communication, relationship management, and organizational skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate with technical and non-technical stakeholders, including executive leadership.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and project management software.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities within a fast-paced, mission-critical operations environment.
• Willingness to travel throughout Tennessee and respond to operational issues outside normal business hours as needed.
• Public safety, law enforcement, fire service, or first responder leadership experience within Tennessee is highly desirable.

• Experience managing Traffic Management Center, Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), or Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO) programs.
• Experience supporting statewide transportation operations contracts or performance-based service contracts.
• Experience working with TDOT or another state Department of Transportation.
• Experience with Power BI, operational dashboards, and performance analytics.
• Experience leading quality management or continuous improvement initiatives.
• Professional certifications in project management, transportation operations, or related disciplines.

Compensation: $70.00-$75.00 per hour (Eligible for GFT's comprehensive benefits package)

Status: Anticipated position contingent upon contract award and final client approval.

• 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: Nashville, TNCore Business Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PMEmployment Status: Full-Time