Principal Mechanical Engineer

GFT is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to join our Practice or CBG Team in Denver, CO! This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at our Denver office.

Joining the dams and hydraulics team at GFT means contributing to innovative solutions for sustainable water management and infrastructure. Our team excels in dams and levees, advanced water and wastewater treatment, stormwater management, and conveyance, collection, and transmission. With a focus on integrating technology, sustainability, and compliance, we consider each water resources and environmental remediation project a chance to innovate and evolve to protect public health and enhance quality of life. Explore some of our signature water resources and environmental projects here.  

What you’ll be challenged to do:

In this role, you will be responsible for technical and business aspects of the firm and may provide expert technical input and/or oversight on large, complex projects. Expertise is required in dam safety; gate, hoist, valve, fish screen/passage design; condition assessments; risk analysis; and evaluation. This position also includes general mechanical engineering on dams and hydropower facilities including penstocks, diversion dams, pipelines, headworks, gate structures, canals, flumes, levees, and siphons.

In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following:

• Plans and determines scope, resources, schedule, and budget requirements for major and/or complex projects
• Independently designs and/or leads the charge to complete major projects
• Manages and leads major or multiple large projects with multi-disciplinary teams and subcontractors and/or subconsultants
• Independently applies extensive and diversified knowledge of principles and practices to evaluate, select, and apply techniques, procedures, and analyses
• Performs construction support services, including assisting client with bid activities, performs construction observation, interacts and coordinates with contractors/inspectors/agencies, manages field changes, and closes out projects
• Reviews completed project documents for conformity and quality assurance
• Conducts business development to build a book of business. Generates leads, pursues new opportunities, and develops new markets/clients.
• Works with multi-disciplinary teams for project pursuit and capture. 
• Builds and maintains client relationships, works to identify and understand client needs, and manages client expectations. Assists clients with risk evaluation and asset management.
• Manages technical staff to build a high performing team that delivers an exceptional work product. Mentors the team in preparation for future challenges. 
• Develops new techniques and/or improved processes
• Leads project meetings and presents specific aspects of engineering assignments
• Represents the organization in communications and conferences pertaining to broad aspects of engineering assignments
• Assigns tasks to and directs junior consultants and technicians
• Supervises one or more technical staff
• Trains staff on use of specialty software or proprietary applications
• Assists senior management in implementing business programs, and may manage organizational programs under the direction of senior management
• Willing to travel within the US

• Master of Science Degree preferred
• Knowledge of electrical and instrumentation systems associated with mechanical equipment a plus.

• 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™ 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 GFT.

Location: Denver, CO
Core Business Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Employment Status: Full-Time

Application Deadline Date: 7/26/25
Salary Range: $170,000 - $200,000
Salary dependent upon experience and geographic location

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

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