Principal Technician - Mechanical & Electrical Systems

GTI Energy, the nation’s leading research, development, deployment (RD&D), and training organization serving energy markets, has an opportunity for a Principal Technician / Fabricator in our Laboratory & Field Operations Team, within the Engineering Operations group. The Principal Technician will support the development and execution of mechanical and electrical systems—including piping, high-voltage, and instrumentation—under the guidance of senior technical staff. Responsibilities include assembling and operating lab infrastructure and test equipment, following safety protocols and design specifications, procuring materials, and maintaining a clean and organized workspace. Regular communication with project teams and group members is essential, utilizing email, phone, and Microsoft Teams.

GTI Energy offers generous benefits, competitive salaries, career advancement, and the opportunity to work in a professional R&D environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

We are proud of what we do because our work matters. GTI Energy is working toward solving global energy challenges in transitioning to a low-carbon economy. We have a proven track record in producing innovative ideas and commercializing solutions to deliver clean and reliable energy. At GTI Energy, we deliver innovative technology solutions for safe, efficient, and responsible energy.

So, what does that mean for you? You will work in a positive and respectful work culture that fosters growth, collaboration, and opportunity. You will be supported by competitive compensation, incentives, and benefits, while enjoying purposeful work that drives improvement of delivering clean energy to the world.

This position is based at GTI Energy’s corporate headquarters in Des Plaines, IL, within the Chicagoland area. It requires on-site presence four to five days per week, with a minimum of 40 hours worked Monday through Friday. Remote work is not available for this role. Assignments may occasionally involve first, second, or third shift work in the Emerging Technology Pilot Plant, and there is potential for travel to local field test sites as needed.

• Build mechanical and electrical systems such as piping, high-voltage, and instrumentation systems under the direct supervision of senior technical staff.
• Execute project work and lab infrastructure according to standard operating test procedures, job safety analyses and design diagrams.
• Build, assemble and operate lab infrastructure equipment and project test stands.
• Procure material as directed by senior technical staff.
• Perform general housekeeping and cleanup.
• Communicate via email, phone and Teams with project teams and group members.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Advanced electrical knowledge with the ability to design and build electrical circuits and systems in compliance with the National Electric Code (NEC).
• Working knowledge of 120/208/240/480V single-phase and three-phase (delta and WYE) power systems, including step-up and step-down transformers and 12–600V DC power sources.
• Skilled in constructing electrical systems, including conduit bending, wiring, fuses, and breakers.
• Proven ability to develop effective electrical solutions for both projects and facility needs.
• Experience developing single- or three-phase subpanels using 120/208V, 120/240V, or 277/480V.
• Strong understanding of electrical schematics, circuit diagrams, and control systems.
• Proficient in troubleshooting, repairing, installing, and commissioning electrical systems.
• Able to interpret, read, and create engineering drawings.
• Skilled in reading, interpreting, and understanding technical documents and manuals.
• Familiar with instrumentation, sensors, and control devices.
• Capable of installing, modifying, and repairing infrastructure equipment to support facility operations.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently or collaboratively to deliver high-quality results.
• Familiar with construction of piping systems using copper, steel, stainless steel, and plastic.
• Experienced with compression tube fittings, NPT fittings, sweat/braze fittings, and hose fittings.
• Proficient in using hand tools and power tools, including tape measures, grinders, band saws, drills, tubing benders, and tubing cutters.
• Knowledge of ductwork and sheet metal fabrication.
• Familiar with screw thread families, pipe thread tapers, and thread pitches.
• Knowledgeable in working with structural metals such as Unistrut and aluminum extrusion.
• Proficient with Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Excel, Word, etc.).
• Experience using design software such as AutoCAD, Visio, or SolidWorks.
• Passionate about building and improving prototypes or new devices.
• Enthusiastic about learning new skills and growing technical capabilities.
• Creative and solution-oriented, with a hands-on, problem-solving approach.

• High school diploma required.
  • 10+ years of relevant work experience with a High School Degree
• Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree in Electrical Engineering preferred
  • 8+ years of relevant work experience with a minimum of an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree in Electrical Engineering (or similar).
• Licensed Electrician, valid in the state of Illinois.
• Experience with general fabrication preferred.
• Experience with HVAC systems (compressors, chillers, and pumps including general maintenance and repairs) a plus.
• Experience with welding a plus.
• Forklift/Scissor Lift Certification a plus.

The salary range for this position is $70,000 - $90,000 USD annually. This salary range is GTI Energy’s good faith estimate, and the actual salary may vary based on a number of factors including, but not limited to, GTI Energy’s business or organizational needs and an individual’s relevant experience, education, qualifications, certifications, skills, seniority, geographic location, and/or performance. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus. The range listed is just one component of GTI Energy’s total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include annual bonuses, paid time off, and region-specific benefits.

GTI Energy is committed to developing a barrier-free recruitment process and work environment. If you require any accommodation, please e-mail us at ... and we’ll work with you to meet your accessibility needs. You must have legal authorization to work for GTI Energy on your date of hire with no further action required by GTI Energy. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and give consideration to qualified applicants without regard to race, color, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, pregnancy, or genetic information.