Principal Pipe Design Engineer

GFT is seeking a Principal Water Engineer Water Engineer (24 inches and up) to join our Water Team in Houston, TX! This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at our Houston, TX office. Joining the water resources 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:

We’re seeking a Principal or Senior Water Engineer with deep expertise in the design and delivery of large-diameter water pipelines (24 inches and larger) to join our Houston, TX office. This is a great opportunity to lead impactful infrastructure projects that support community water systems and drive innovative design solutions.

As a senior-level technical contributor, you’ll bring both your leadership skills and engineering acumen to a team that values quality, collaboration, and project delivery. You'll play a key role in advancing critical infrastructure and mentoring the next generation of engineers.

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

• Lead the design of large-diameter water lines (24 inches and up)
• Lead route planning, including evaluation of cost-benefit and constructibility
• Collaborate with teams on right-of-way (ROW) acquisitions and utility coordination
• Review and develop technical documentation, plans, and reports
• Work collaboratively with engineering staff in a hands-on, delivery-focused environment
• Communicate effectively with internal teams and external partners
• Contribute to technical quality while maintaining project timelines
• Support the development of design concepts and technical criteria for large-diameter water line projects, including research of complex project elements
• Lead the coordination, and execution of large or technically complex engineering assignments

What you will bring to our firm: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering
• Active PE license
• 10+ years of engineering experience preferred, especially in water line design and/or land development
• Experience with large water line projects, including 24-inch diameter pipelines and larger
• Familiarity with ROW acquisitions, route studies, and permitting processes
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Experience with pump stations or facilities is a plus but not required
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)

Compensation:The salary range for this role is $156,000 - $190,000. 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 GFT.  Location: Houston, TX Core Business Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Employment Status: Full-Time  Salary Range: $156,000 - $190,000Salary dependent upon experience and geographic location 

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