Rails Developer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

GFT is seeking a Bridge Engineer - Rail to join our Transportation Team in Chicago, IL! This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at one of our Chicago offices, including Downtown Chicago and Schaumburg, IL.

Working on the Transportation team at GFT offers the opportunity to engage in transformative projects that enhance transportation infrastructure and improve community connectivity. Whether working on rail, transit or highways, 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. You will have the opportunity to work on complex rail projects for Class I railroads, short lines and transit agencies, similar to the CREATE P1 Englewood Flyover and the UPRR Relocation at O’Hare, award-winning projects completed by GFT in Chicago.

This position will lead complex design tasks for rail bridge projects. This role includes elements of structural design, rehabilitation, and inspection of bridges and other structures along with the preparation of load ratings, construction documents, specifications, and estimates. Applicants must possess strong technical skills, excellent verbal and written communication skills, the ability to travel for projects, the ability to work in the field conducting bridge inspections and must be able to work well in a team environment on multi‑disciplinary projects.

• Perform structural bridge analysis and design utilizing current AREMA and owners’ design standards. Calculate structural quantities.
• May perform bridge inspections for railway and highway bridges.
• Responsible for accuracy of engineering design, reports, load ratings, and plans. Work product must be prepared with a focus on quality, presentation, thoroughness, and follow‑through; with conformance to budgets, schedules, and company standards.
• Assures the project meets quality control and quality assurance guidelines.
• Perform detailed checking of calculations and design drawings produced by others.
• Assist with CADD drawing development and production.
• Document and organize design calculations following GFT’s Quality Management Plan.
• Interpret changes in the contract and advise management on needed changes.
• Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.
• Be willing to travel within the continental United States.

• Bachelor’s degree in civil/structural engineering with an emphasis in structures from an ABET‑accredited university or college.
• A minimum of 4 years’ professional experience with an emphasis on structural design for Class I and transit bridge projects.
• E.I.T. License.
• Structures design experience utilizing AREMA Manual for Railroad Engineering.
• Familiarity with Class I railroad bridge standards.
• Structural engineering background, knowledge of MicroStation and experience with structural engineering design drawings, specifications and cost estimates.
• Team oriented engineer with strong communication skills.
• Knowledge of MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, etc.), and experience with engineering design packages and structural analysis software systems such as LEAP Bridge Concrete, LPILE, GROUP, RISA or CSiBridge.
• Able and willing to travel within the continental United States.
• Physically capable of performing field work including working at heights, carrying ladders and gear, working in adverse weather conditions, etc.
• Valid Driver’s License.

• Registration as a licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) and/or Structural Engineer (S.E.) preferred.
• Master’s degree in civil/structural engineering with an emphasis in structures from an ABET‑accredited university or college.
• AREMA member and Committee 7, 8, 9, 10 or 15 member.
• NHI 2‑Week course – Safety Inspection of In‑Service Bridge.
• Experience working directly with Class I railroads.

• Hybrid (in‑person and remote) work environment.
• Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, pet insurance, 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.

Location: Chicago, IL; Schaumburg, IL. Core Business Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Employment Status: Full‑Time. Salary Range: $90,000 – $130,000, dependent upon experience and geographic location.

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

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.