Staff Engineer, Geotechnical Dams & Hydraulics

GFT is seeking a motivated Mechanical Engineer to join our dams & hydraulics team in Denver, CO
. This position follows a hybrid work format, requiring a minimum 3 days of onsite attendance per week.

Joining the dams and hydraulics team at GFT means contributing to innovative solutions for sustainable water management and infrastructure including hydropower. Our team excels in dams, levees, and hydropower infrastructure. 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 dams and hydraulics projects here.

The Mechanical Engineer will support the design, evaluation, and rehabilitation of water conveyance structures such as dams, spillways, large gates and valves, and hydropower machinery. They perform 2D and 3D CAD modeling, preliminary finite element analysis (FEA), assist with field reconnaissance and data collection, and prepare technical documents including reports, specifications, drawings, and cost estimates. The role also includes contributing to proposal efforts and collaborating with clients to help deliver successful project outcomes.

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

• Assist in the design, evaluation, and rehabilitation of mechanical equipment associated with water conveyance structures such as: dams, spillways, outlet works, and hydropower plants including large gates, valves, hydraulic oil systems, hoist equipment, and large steel piping.
• Prepare technical reports, specifications, drawings, cost estimates, and plan details for engineering projects.
• Oversee or participate in field reconnaissance and collect field data, including performing field tests and measurements.
• Support proposal teams and regularly interface with clients to deliver project outcomes.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
• 4-6 years of experience in mechanical engineering, with a focus on water resources, hydraulic structures, structural engineering, hydraulic process piping, and/or hoist equipment.
• Experience with 2D & 3D CADD, Autodesk products.
• Comprehensive understanding, willingness, and ability to learn mechanical and structural engineering design principles.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).

• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Professional Engineer (PE) License or ability to obtain in 6 months.
• Experience with finite element analysis (FEA) for mechanism and assembly design.
• Working mechanical design experience associated with processes within P&.
• Working experience with large gates and valves associated with water conveyance features at dams.
• Experience with Operating & Maintaining oil systems and water systems associated with industrial plant process piping or auxiliary systems.
• Applied knowledge of structural steel design including welding.

The salary range for this role is $110,000 - $130,000. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location.

• 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…