Senior Project Manager, Traffic Engineer

GFT•Kansas City, MO

10d•$135,000 - $185,000•Hybrid

About The Position

GFT is seeking a Senior Project Manager, Traffic Engineer to join its Transportation Team. The role may be based in Kansas City or St. Louis, Missouri; Omaha, Nebraska; Atlanta, Georgia; or Wichita, Kansas, and follows a hybrid work model with regular attendance at an office location. The successful candidate will lead complex traffic engineering and intelligent transportation systems (ITS) projects while managing and growing a geographically distributed traffic group. The position combines technical expertise in traffic operations, signal systems, and ITS with project management, business development, and people leadership. The role works collaboratively across disciplines to deliver transportation solutions for state DOTs, municipalities, and regional agencies. GFT is a privately held AEC firm with more than 5,000 employees. Its work spans transportation, water, power, and buildings, with a focus on strengthening communities and delivering infrastructure for future generations.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from an ABET-accredited university.
At least 15 years of professional experience in traffic and/or highway engineering.
Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in Kansas or Missouri, with the ability to obtain and maintain licensure in other Midwest states, including Nebraska.
Experience working with KDOT or MoDOT and other local transportation agencies.
Experience with traffic and safety analysis.
Knowledge of the MUTCD and Highway Capacity Manual.
Experience with traffic simulation software such as Synchro, HCS, Sidra, and/or VISSIM.
Proficiency with MicroStation CAD, OpenRoads Designer, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Word.

Nice To Haves

Professional Traffic Operations Engineer (PTOE) certification.
Experience leading citywide ITS deployments and freeway management systems.
Proven ability to lead technical teams and manage complex, multidisciplinary projects.
Experience designing traffic control elements, including plans, specifications, and estimates for traffic signals, roadway signing, pavement markings, and work-zone maintenance of traffic plans.

Responsibilities

Lead planning, design, and delivery of complex traffic signal and ITS projects across urban streets, arterials, freeways, and citywide deployments.
Provide technical expertise in ITS detection, communications, system integration, and operational strategies.
Design and review traffic signals, interconnects, railroad preemption, signing, pavement markings, roadway lighting, ramp management systems, and maintenance of traffic plans.
Develop and oversee ITS applications, including freeway off-ramp queue detection warning systems and queue-based preemption and timing adjustments integrated with adjacent arterial networks.
Plan and direct traffic analyses and studies, including traffic impact studies, traffic operations and safety studies, roadway safety audits, and interchange justification reports.
Coordinate traffic engineering work through all project phases, from inception and alternatives analysis through final design, construction services, equipment integration, and post-deployment evaluation.
Prepare reports, plans, specifications, and technical drawings in accordance with engineering standards, client requirements, and MUTCD guidance.
Monitor and manage multiple project schedules and budgets, and ensure projects meet quality control and quality assurance standards.
Manage, mentor, and develop engineers and designers across a remotely distributed regional traffic group; provide technical guidance, performance feedback, and career development support.
Plan and lead project meetings, coordinate multidisciplinary team responsibilities, and manage technical development, scheduling, staffing, and design challenges.
Develop engineering solutions for unique or controversial traffic and ITS challenges; define scopes, evaluate alternatives, and develop approaches to complex transportation problems.
Review and approve design changes, specifications, and drawing releases; interpret contract changes and advise management on scope, schedule, and budget impacts.
Assist with business proposals, marketing, and client development.
Serve as a technical advisor to clients, agencies, and stakeholders; respond to inquiries and present findings to public groups, boards, and senior leadership.
Collaborate with highway, bridge, stormwater, and utility design teams to deliver integrated transportation solutions.
Maintain professional and technical expertise through continuing education, professional publications, and participation in professional organizations and societies.

Benefits

Hybrid work environment.
Comprehensive benefits package.
Wellness programs.
Parental leave.
Pet insurance.
Medical insurance.
Dental insurance.
Vision insurance.
Disability insurance.
Life insurance.
Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.
Paid-time-off accrual.
Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
Internal and external training programs and support for participation in professional organizations.
Incentive compensation for eligible positions.