Project Lead Jobs at GFT with Visa Sponsorship
Project Lead jobs at GFT drive delivery across technology and software initiatives, working closely with cross-functional engineering and client teams. The company has a track record of sponsoring H-1B visas for this function, making it a viable target if you're building a U.S. career in technical project leadership.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
GFT is seeking a Senior Project Manager / Principal ITS Engineer to join our Transportation Team in our New York City or Woodbury office. This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at one of these locations.
Working on the roadway team at GFT offers the opportunity to engage in transformative projects that enhance transportation infrastructure and improve community connectivity. Whether working on highways and bridges or traffic engineering, 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. Explore some of our signature roadway projects here.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
As a Senior Project Manager / Principal ITS Engineer, you’ll take the lead in shaping how communities move by delivering innovative ITS and traffic signal solutions throughout New York State and New England. This role challenges you to think strategically, solve complex transportation problems, and apply emerging technologies that enhance safety, efficiency, and connectivity across our transportation networks. You’ll collaborate with skilled professionals who share a commitment to improving mobility and advancing intelligent infrastructure for the region’s future.
The Senior PM/Principal ITS Engineer will provide both technical leadership and strategic direction. This individual will be responsible for project delivery, marketing, business development, staff development, and strengthening GFT’s position in the New York transportation market. In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following:
- Secure, plan, direct, and monitor all aspects of ITS, tolling and traffic engineering projects ranging from small assignments to large-scale, multi-discipline efforts with technical complexity
- Lead project teams through preliminary and final design, preparation of construction documents, specifications, cost estimates, scheduling, and subcontractor coordination
- Provide client-facing leadership as Project Manager or Task Manager, ensuring delivery aligns with client expectations, agency standards, and GFT strategic initiatives
- Develop and maintain strong client relationships, supporting business development and proposal efforts including writing, presentations, and pursuit strategy
- Reinforce and expand the group’s market position and service offerings by aligning ITS practice growth with client and agency needs
- Guide, mentor, and coordinate multi-disciplinary staff, fostering collaboration and accountability while advancing technical excellence
- Lead engineering design services throughout the project life cycle, from concept through construction
- Direct designs in accordance with the defined scope of work
- Oversee engineering analysis related to design, implementation, and operations of ITS elements and subsystems
- Evaluate complex design challenges and develop innovative techniques or procedures to address them
- Assess the impact of construction and utility work on ITS or traffic signal infrastructure and determine appropriate mitigation measures
- Approve and guide the development of engineering drawings, specifications, cost estimates, and final bid packages
- Conduct project site visits and field work as needed to ensure technical accuracy and compliance
- Lead testing efforts and resolve technical issues during new installations or modifications of ITS field equipment
- Lead project pursuits including development of proposals, letters of interest, technical approaches, and presentations
- Collaborate with roadway, bridge, planning, and construction teams to deliver integrated transportation solutions
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering (preferably civil, electrical, or transportation)
- Professional Engineer (PE) license in New York
- 15+ years of experience in the ITS/traffic field, including leadership or senior-level responsibilities
- Proven ability to build and maintain strong client relationships, with experience supporting proposals, pursuits, and presentations
- Leadership, organizational, and communication skills, with a track record of mentoring staff and fostering collaboration across disciplines
- Familiarity with agency CADD standards and producing electronic submissions for transportation projects
- Design and/or project management experience working for or alongside NYSDOT, NYSTA, NYCDOT, PANYNJ or other major New York/New Jersey area transportation agencies — including ITS systems, traffic signal systems, and field equipment integration
- Knowledge of industry standards such as NTCIP, NEMA, IEEE, NEC, and of regional transportation agency ITS standards/specifications
- Ability to prepare/lead design packages (plans, specs, estimates)
- Experience with MicroStation and MS Office
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Traffic signal and/or fiber optic communication system design experience
COMPENSATION
- The salary range for this role is $155,000 - $210,000; Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location.
FEATURED BENEFITS
- 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™
GFT 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 of GFT.
LOCATION
Location: Woodbury or New York, NY Offices
Core Business Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Employment Status: Full-Time
LI-ST1
LI-Hybrid
INTRODUCTION
GFT is seeking a Senior Project Manager / Principal ITS Engineer to join our Transportation Team in our New York City or Woodbury office. This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at one of these locations.
Working on the roadway team at GFT offers the opportunity to engage in transformative projects that enhance transportation infrastructure and improve community connectivity. Whether working on highways and bridges or traffic engineering, 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. Explore some of our signature roadway projects here.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
As a Senior Project Manager / Principal ITS Engineer, you’ll take the lead in shaping how communities move by delivering innovative ITS and traffic signal solutions throughout New York State and New England. This role challenges you to think strategically, solve complex transportation problems, and apply emerging technologies that enhance safety, efficiency, and connectivity across our transportation networks. You’ll collaborate with skilled professionals who share a commitment to improving mobility and advancing intelligent infrastructure for the region’s future.
The Senior PM/Principal ITS Engineer will provide both technical leadership and strategic direction. This individual will be responsible for project delivery, marketing, business development, staff development, and strengthening GFT’s position in the New York transportation market. In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following:
- Secure, plan, direct, and monitor all aspects of ITS, tolling and traffic engineering projects ranging from small assignments to large-scale, multi-discipline efforts with technical complexity
- Lead project teams through preliminary and final design, preparation of construction documents, specifications, cost estimates, scheduling, and subcontractor coordination
- Provide client-facing leadership as Project Manager or Task Manager, ensuring delivery aligns with client expectations, agency standards, and GFT strategic initiatives
- Develop and maintain strong client relationships, supporting business development and proposal efforts including writing, presentations, and pursuit strategy
- Reinforce and expand the group’s market position and service offerings by aligning ITS practice growth with client and agency needs
- Guide, mentor, and coordinate multi-disciplinary staff, fostering collaboration and accountability while advancing technical excellence
- Lead engineering design services throughout the project life cycle, from concept through construction
- Direct designs in accordance with the defined scope of work
- Oversee engineering analysis related to design, implementation, and operations of ITS elements and subsystems
- Evaluate complex design challenges and develop innovative techniques or procedures to address them
- Assess the impact of construction and utility work on ITS or traffic signal infrastructure and determine appropriate mitigation measures
- Approve and guide the development of engineering drawings, specifications, cost estimates, and final bid packages
- Conduct project site visits and field work as needed to ensure technical accuracy and compliance
- Lead testing efforts and resolve technical issues during new installations or modifications of ITS field equipment
- Lead project pursuits including development of proposals, letters of interest, technical approaches, and presentations
- Collaborate with roadway, bridge, planning, and construction teams to deliver integrated transportation solutions
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering (preferably civil, electrical, or transportation)
- Professional Engineer (PE) license in New York
- 15+ years of experience in the ITS/traffic field, including leadership or senior-level responsibilities
- Proven ability to build and maintain strong client relationships, with experience supporting proposals, pursuits, and presentations
- Leadership, organizational, and communication skills, with a track record of mentoring staff and fostering collaboration across disciplines
- Familiarity with agency CADD standards and producing electronic submissions for transportation projects
- Design and/or project management experience working for or alongside NYSDOT, NYSTA, NYCDOT, PANYNJ or other major New York/New Jersey area transportation agencies — including ITS systems, traffic signal systems, and field equipment integration
- Knowledge of industry standards such as NTCIP, NEMA, IEEE, NEC, and of regional transportation agency ITS standards/specifications
- Ability to prepare/lead design packages (plans, specs, estimates)
- Experience with MicroStation and MS Office
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Traffic signal and/or fiber optic communication system design experience
COMPENSATION
- The salary range for this role is $155,000 - $210,000; Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location.
FEATURED BENEFITS
- 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™
GFT 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 of GFT.
LOCATION
Location: Woodbury or New York, NY Offices
Core Business Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Employment Status: Full-Time
LI-ST1
LI-Hybrid
See all 34+ Project Lead Jobs at GFT
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Project Lead Jobs at GFT.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Project Lead Jobs at GFT
Frame Your Credentials Around Delivery Outcomes
GFT's Project Lead roles sit at the intersection of technology delivery and client management. Structure your resume around measurable outcomes from software or IT projects, not just responsibilities. USCIS scrutinizes whether the role genuinely requires a specialty degree.
Target GFT's Open Roles by Practice Area
GFT organizes its work across banking, insurance, and capital markets technology verticals. Filtering your search by industry vertical increases relevance and signals to hiring managers that you understand their client base, not just generic project methodology.
Verify Your Profile Is Visible on Migrate Mate
Use Migrate Mate to browse active Project Lead openings at GFT filtered by H-1B sponsorship. Applying through a platform that surfaces sponsorship-confirmed roles reduces time spent chasing employers who won't file.
Understand How GFT Structures the LCA Step
Before GFT can file your H-1B petition, it must certify a Labor Condition Application with the DOL confirming your offered wage meets the prevailing wage for your work location. Delays here push back your start date, so ask your recruiter about their typical LCA timeline early.
Time Your Application Around the H-1B Cap Window
Cap-subject H-1B registrations open each March for an October 1 start date. If you're targeting GFT without existing H-1B status, your offer needs to be in place before early March. Missing the window means waiting a full year for the next cycle.
Prepare for a Technical and Stakeholder Competency Interview
GFT's Project Lead interviews typically assess both delivery methodology and client-facing communication skills. Come prepared with examples from software implementation projects where you managed competing priorities across engineering teams and external stakeholders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does GFT sponsor H-1B visas for Project Leads?
Yes, GFT sponsors H-1B visas for Project Lead roles. The H-1B is the primary pathway for this function because Project Lead positions typically require a bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant specialty field, satisfying USCIS's specialty occupation standard. Sponsorship availability can vary by office location and project pipeline, so confirm directly with your recruiter during the offer stage.
Which visa types are commonly used for Project Lead roles at GFT?
The H-1B is the most common visa for Project Lead positions at GFT. If you're already in the U.S. on a valid status such as OPT or STEM OPT, GFT can file a cap-subject H-1B petition on your behalf. Candidates already holding H-1B status with another employer can transfer to GFT without waiting for the annual cap, which makes the process significantly faster.
What qualifications and experience does GFT expect for Project Lead roles?
GFT typically looks for candidates with a bachelor's degree in computer science, information systems, engineering, or a related technical field, combined with hands-on experience managing software delivery projects. Familiarity with agile or scaled agile frameworks is common across their postings. Industry exposure in financial services technology, particularly banking or capital markets, strengthens your candidacy considerably given GFT's core client base.
How do I apply for Project Lead jobs at GFT?
You can browse and apply for Project Lead roles at GFT directly through Migrate Mate, which filters listings by H-1B sponsorship so you know GFT is open to filing before you apply. Applications go through GFT's own hiring process, which typically includes an initial recruiter screen, a technical or methodology interview, and a final round assessing stakeholder management and delivery experience.
How do I plan my timeline if GFT sponsors my H-1B as a Project Lead?
If you're cap-subject, the H-1B registration window opens in March and the earliest employment start date is October 1. That means you need an offer finalized before early March and should expect several months between selection and your start date. GFT will need to file a DOL Labor Condition Application before USCIS can receive the petition, so factor in that preparation time when negotiating your start date with your hiring manager.