Principal Engineer, Mechanical - Hydropower

GFT is a leader in infrastructure planning, design, and program management, delivering innovative solutions that power communities and support critical infrastructure nationwide. We are seeking a Senior/Principal Mechanical Engineer to join our growing Power Group and help lead the design, delivery, and expansion of complex power generation and utility infrastructure projects.

 

This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced engineering leader who is passionate about technical excellence, client service, and mentoring the next generation of engineers. The successful candidate will play a key role in managing multidisciplinary projects, developing client relationships, and helping drive the continued growth of our power and industrial infrastructure practice. Projects will include power generation facilities, turbine-generator auxiliary systems, site utility infrastructure, and other critical mechanical systems serving public and private sector clients.

What you will be challenged to do

• Lead the design and delivery of complex power generation and utility infrastructure projects
• Manage multidisciplinary engineering teams to deliver high-quality solutions on schedule and within budget
• Build and maintain strong client relationships while supporting business development and strategic growth initiatives
• Provide technical leadership in the evaluation, design, construction, and commissioning of mechanical systems
• Mentor and develop engineering staff while fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and technical excellence

In this capacity you will be responsible for the following

• Leading and supervising the design, analysis, and modification of mechanical power generation systems, turbine-generator auxiliary equipment, and site utility systems
• Managing project scope, schedule, budget, quality, and overall project performance
• Coordinating engineering efforts across multiple disciplines to ensure successful project delivery
• Monitoring project financial performance and key performance indicators while providing regular project status reporting
• Performing mechanical system design, code reviews, technical evaluations, equipment selection, and lifecycle cost analyses
• Preparing engineering reports, specifications, construction cost estimates, and bidding documents
• Supporting construction administration activities including shop drawing review, contractor coordination, field observations, startup, troubleshooting, testing, and commissioning
• Conducting site assessments and evaluations of existing facility conditions
• Leading meetings with clients, regulatory agencies, utilities, contractors, and project stakeholders
• Participating in QA/QC reviews and ensuring compliance with company standards and client requirements
• Supporting business development efforts through proposal preparation, client engagement, pursuit strategy, and participation in interviews and presentations
• Mentoring junior engineers and supporting technical staff development

What you will bring to our firm:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering
• Professional Engineer (PE) license required; California PE preferred
• 15+ years of mechanical engineering consulting experience supporting public and private sector infrastructure, utility, or power generation projects
• Strong knowledge of power generation systems, utility infrastructure, applicable regulations, and industry standards
• Demonstrated experience managing complex engineering projects, budgets, schedules, and multidisciplinary teams
• Experience with mechanical system design, construction administration, commissioning, and facility assessments
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, Outlook, and Project
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD, BIM/Revit, and related engineering software platforms
• Strong understanding of technical and contractual requirements associated with traditional and design-build project delivery
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with experience presenting to clients and stakeholders
• Proven ability to build client relationships, support business development initiatives, and contribute to practice growth

  Compensation:The salary range for this role is $72.00 - $92.00 per hour. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location. Application Deadline: July 7, 2026  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-d