Principal Engineer, Traction Power

GFT.; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

Comprehensive benefits package

401(k) savings plan

PTO accrual

Tuition reimbursement

Professional development support

Incentive compensation

Job summary

GFT is seeking a Senior Traction Power Engineer to join our Transit and Rail Team in Los Angeles, CA. This onsite role requires regular attendance at our major transportation client in downtown LA.

You will contribute to traction power system design, analysis, and integration across AC/DC distribution, with emphasis on 750V DC applications. Join our collaborative team delivering innovative solutions for urban mobility.

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited electrical engineering degree required.
• Minimum 10 years in transit/rail or related electrical work.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license required.
• Experience with AutoCAD, MicroStation or Bentley Rail Track.
• Solid knowledge of traction power systems and electrical distribution.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and repair traction power systems for rail projects.
• Perform load analysis, power distribution, and energy efficiency studies.
• Create detailed design layouts and drawings using engineering software.
• Coordinate with other engineering disciplines for system integration.
• Lead field surveys, site assessments, and reports.

Skills

Traction power engineering

Power systems analysis

Electrical design

Team collaboration

Analytical skills

Education

ABET-accredited Electrical Engineering degree

Professional Engineer (PE) license

Tools

AutoCAD

MicroStation

Bentley Rail Track

Job description

GFT is seeking a Senior Traction Power Engineer to join our Transit and Rail Team in Los Angeles, CA! This role follows an onsite requiring regular attendance at our Major Transportation client in downtown LA.

GFT’s Transit and Rail Team

Working on the transit and rail team at GFT means contributing to cutting-edge projects that drive the future of sustainable and efficient transportation. Our team is dedicated to delivering innovative solutions for high-profile transit and rail infrastructure across North America, from planning and design to construction and operations. Join us as part of a dynamic group focusing on safety, quality, and technological advancements, significantly impacting urban mobility and community connectivity. Explore some of our signature transit and rail projects.

What you’ll be challenged to do:

As a Senior Traction Power Engineer you will contribute to the maintenance and repair of traction power systems for rail and transit projects. Prior experience in AC and DC Traction power distribution particularly for 750V DC. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to help deliver efficient and effective transportation solutions.

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

• Strong knowledge of design auxiliary power and switchgear systems, support traction power system analysis and simulations, and perform site investigations
• Perform electrical engineering calculations such as load analysis, power distribution, and energy efficiency evaluations.
• Create detailed design layouts and technical drawings using engineering software.
• Coordinate with other engineering disciplines to ensure system compatibility and integration.
• Lead field surveys, site assessments, and support the preparation of reports, technical documents, and specifications.

What you bring to our firm:

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from an ABET-accredited program
• Minimum 10 years of experience in transit & rail, or related electrical engineering tasks.
• Professional Engineering License (P.E.)
• Experience with AutoCAD, MicroStation or equivalent modeling software.
• Experience in traction power systems, including concepts in electrical distribution, railway electrification, and power system efficiency.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Motivated, detail-oriented, and eager to contribute to a collaborative engineering environment.

What we prefer you bring:

• Experience with engineering software such as AutoCAD, MicroStation, or Bentley Rail Track.

Compensation:

The salary range for this role is $180,000 – $210,000. 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™ 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: Los Angeles, CA Core Business Hours: 8:00 AM — 5:00 PMEmployment Status: Full-Time Salary Range: $180,000-$210,000 Salary dependent upon experience and geographic location

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

“California Applicants” Applicants in the County of Los Angeles – Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act. Applicants in the City of San Francisco – Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Applicants in the State of California – Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the California Fair Chance Act.

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