Principal Pipe Design Engineer

4 days ago

Houston, Texas, United States GFT Full time $156,000 - $190,000 per year


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 - $190,000 Salary dependent upon experience and geographic location  

#LI-SS1 

#LI-Hybrid


  • Sr. Piping Designer

    2 weeks ago

    Houston, Texas, United States Burrow Global, LLC Full time $80,000 - $120,000 per year

    Burrow Global has an immediate need for an experiencedSr. Piping Designerfor a long term assignment with an oil and gas company located in downtown Houston.The primary responsibilities of the Piping Designer, Senior shall include: Facilitate project design and drafting as necessary to ensure the successful completion of all project related...

  • Senior Engineer, Piping

    2 days ago

    Houston, Texas, United States Venture Global LNG Full time $200,000 - $250,000 per year

    Venture Global LNG ("Venture Global") is a long-term, low-cost provider of American-produced liquefied natural gas. The company's two Louisiana-based export projects service the global demand for North American natural gas and support the long-term development of clean and reliable North American energy supplies. Using reliable, proven technology in an...

  • Senior Principal Subsea Structural Engineer

    3 days ago

    Houston, Texas, United States Genesis Full time $150,000 - $200,000 per year

    Job DescriptionAt Genesis, we are our clients trusted advisors on the journey to a sustainable future. For over 30 years, Genesis has developed an unrivalled track record and reputation for high-quality, high-impact solutions. We work in true partnership with our clients and are problem solvers who are at the forefront of innovation and technology; our...

  • Mechanical Piping Designer

    4 days ago

    Houston, Texas, United States EXP Full time $80,000 - $120,000 per year

    At EXP, we're driven to provide innovative solutions for the world's built and natural environments. As a team of engineers, architects, designers, scientists, creators and a community of professionals, we bring diverse and talented people together to solve the world's most complex challenges. Here, you join a team that leverages differences, harnesses their...

  • Principal Controls and Automation Engineer

    2 weeks ago

    Houston, Texas, United States Nabors Industries Full time $120,000 - $250,000 per year

    Nabors is a leading provider of advanced technology for the energy industry. With operations in about 20 countries, Nabors has established a global network of people, technology and equipment to deploy solutions that deliver safe, efficient and responsible hydrocarbon production. By leveraging its core competencies, particularly in drilling, engineering,...

  • Director, Pipe Rack Modules

    2 days ago

    Houston, Texas, United States Venture Global LNG Full time $120,000 - $250,000 per year

    Venture Global LNG ("Venture Global") is a long-term, low-cost provider of American-produced liquefied natural gas. The company's Louisiana-based export projects service the global demand for North American natural gas and support the long-term development of clean and reliable North American energy supplies. Using reliable, proven technology in an...

  • Design Engineer

    4 days ago

    Houston, Texas, United States Kinder Morgan, Inc. Full time $104,000 - $170,000 per year

    *Position Description*Kinder Morgan, one of the largest energy infrastructure companies in North America, has been in operation since 1997. Over the years, we have understood that not only do our people contribute to our success, but that they should share that success. We provide all employees with a safe, honest, trustworthy, ethical, respectful and...

  • Lead Mechanical Piping Designer

    3 days ago

    Houston, Texas, United States Black & Veatch Full time $100,000 - $120,000 per year

    Together, we own our company, our future, and our shared success.As an employee-owned company, our people are Black & Veatch. We put them at the center of everything we do and empower them to grow, explore new possibilities and use their diverse talents and perspectives to solve humanity's biggest challenges in an ever-evolving world. With over 100 years of...

  • Transmission Principal

    2 weeks ago

    Houston, Texas, United States SEnergy Full time $150,000 - $250,000 per year

    TRANSMISSION PRINCIPAL (PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER)SEnergy is seeking a proactive, assertive, take-charge leader who has a high level of experience in Transmission Engineering and a Professional Engineering license to lead and mentor a division of the Company.The successful candidate will have 10 or more years of successful experience in Transmission Engineering...

  • Piping Isometric Autocad Drafter

    4 days ago

    Houston, Texas, United States The Stronghold Companies Full time $90,000 - $120,000 per year

    Stronghold Inspection is seeking an experienced Piping Isometric AutoCAD Drafter to join our on-site inspection and engineering support team. This position works closely with API inspectors, planners, and engineers to develop accurate piping isometric drawings that support repair plans, replacements, and mechanical integrity documentation.Responsibilities•...