Engineer III, Transportation Planner

Bowman Consulting Group, Ltd.•Chicago, IL

59d•Onsite

About The Position

Bowman is hiring an Engineer III, Transportation Planner to execute complex technical transportation engineering techniques, procedures, and criteria for transportation and infrastructure projects. The role contributes to sustainable transportation solutions that help make communities more livable by reducing congestion, promoting multiple modes of transportation, supporting land development, and improving safety for all users. The position is based in Chicago, Illinois, and works under the direct supervision of a Project Manager or Senior Project Manager on a variety of transportation projects. The position leads and performs technical assignments across project phases, including transportation planning and preliminary engineering. Work includes roadway and corridor planning, multimodal and safety projects, engineering analysis, preliminary design, alternatives evaluation, environmental documentation, cost estimating, field review, data collection, public and stakeholder engagement, and preparation of plans and reports. The Engineer III coordinates project tasks and deliverables, monitors progress against schedule and budget, supports client and agency communications, reviews technical work for quality, and mentors junior staff. The role also supports business development, grant applications, construction-related assignments, and continuous improvement initiatives. The work is primarily in a professional office environment, with occasional outdoor work and mobility around job or construction sites. Primarily local business-day travel is expected; some out-of-area and overnight travel may be required. The stated annual salary range is $115,000–$145,000, with eligible variable compensation, if any, commensurate with experience. Bowman offers a comprehensive benefits package, subject to eligibility based on position, location, and employment status.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a related field.
At least five years of professional engineering experience, emphasizing transportation engineering or a related field.
EIT registration, or alternatively, at least six years of successful transportation engineering experience.
Experience preparing construction plans and/or studies for roadway or traffic projects.
Experience directing tasks and performing QA/QC.
Experience with IDOT, Illinois Tollway, county, municipal, and local agency Phase I projects.
Experience preparing technical reports, engineering studies, and agency submittals.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Strong communication, technical writing, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to manage multiple assignments and priorities concurrently and work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.
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; preliminary roadway design and transportation planning; Project Development Reports; engineering report preparation; and Federal and State ADA standards and guidelines.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively, identify technical challenges and communicate solutions, manage time-sensitive work, and communicate effectively with internal and external partners.
Strong data analysis and interpretation skills, effective presentation and graphic skills, and public-speaking ability.
High degree of discretion and ability to manage confidential information.
Valid state driver’s license and ability to pass a motor vehicle check or a reliable means of transportation to and from the office and/or project site are strongly preferred, as stated in the posting.

Nice To Haves

Completed coursework in transportation engineering and/or highway design.
Professional Engineer (PE) registration, or ability to obtain PE licensure within six months or a reasonable timeframe.
Experience serving as a task lead on transportation planning or Phase I projects.
Experience coordinating technical work among multiple disciplines.
Experience mentoring and developing junior engineering staff.
Proficiency with or familiarity with OpenRoads Designer, MicroStation, BlueBeam, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and related engineering software applications.
Valid state driver’s license and ability to pass a motor vehicle check or reliable transportation to and from the office and/or project site.

Responsibilities

Apply engineering principles and practices to complex transportation assignments and review staff work for quality assurance.
Work with senior team members on transportation engineering and planning and assist in marketing the firm’s capabilities and developing client relationships.
Coordinate with other disciplines and internal teams as needed.
Execute technical assignments and lead project efforts across phases under a Project Manager or Senior Project Manager.
Prepare maps and graphics, analyze data, conduct field reviews and research, support stakeholder and public engagement, develop solutions, and present recommendations.
Prepare engineering plans, reports, specifications, schedules, cost estimates, permits, designs, and project documentation.
Lead preparation of grant applications and related funding-program services.
Participate in construction-related assignments.
Draft transmittals, memos, meeting minutes, letters, proposals, and other communications.
Coordinate field visits and ensure appropriate data collection and observations occur.
Direct project tasks and monitor progress for technical accuracy and adherence to schedule and budget.
Provide internal and external technical presentations and technical quality control for assigned projects.
Lead proposal preparation and client and outside-agency communications, and attend project and public meetings.
Maintain accurate and organized project files and develop procedures, materials, or tools to facilitate others’ work.
Follow firm goals, standard operating procedures, and QA/QC procedures, and assist with review of other staff’s technical work.
Assist and mentor junior staff.
Lead analyses and design aspects of transportation projects that may include road/access design, corridor projects, multimodal projects, bridge design, and safety projects.
Serve as task lead for specific Phase I project components and coordinate day-to-day technical activities and deliverable development.
Develop roadway alignments, corridor studies, feasibility studies, and conceptual engineering solutions.
Prepare and evaluate preliminary engineering alternatives to support project development and decision-making.
Perform engineering analyses and prepare technical documentation for NEPA environmental review processes; support Environmental Assessments, Environmental Impact Statements, and Categorical Exclusions.
Develop engineering recommendations that consider transportation needs, environmental constraints, stakeholder input, and project objectives.
Prepare Phase I Project Reports, Project Development Reports, Combined Design Reports, engineering studies, technical memoranda, exhibits, and related documentation.
Assist in developing planning-level and preliminary construction cost estimates.
Review engineering analyses, exhibits, and project submittals for technical accuracy and completeness.
Identify project challenges and help develop practical, cost-effective engineering solutions.
Apply sound engineering judgment to transportation planning and project development.
Support continuous improvement initiatives and industry best practices.