Grant Farley, Senior Graduate Engineer

In Episode 93 of the WGI Unleashed podcast, we're excited to introduce you to Grant Farley, EIT, a Senior Graduate Engineer in our MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) Division based out of WGI's Austin, TX office.

Grant joined hosts Dan and Katie for a lively conversation full of laughs, career insights, and fun stories. From his small-town Texas roots and a childhood fascination with robotics to designing electrical systems for complex infrastructure projects across the country, this episode offers a look into the life of a young engineer making waves at WGI and proving that passion, curiosity, and a great team can take you far.

From East Texas to Texas A&M

Born and raised about 50 miles east of Dallas, Grant grew up in a town so small that his high school graduating class had just 47 students.

But don't let the size fool you - Grant's drive and curiosity were anything but small. He was a standout athlete, an all-state football player, and a self-proclaimed tinkerer who loved pulling apart computers and competing in state-level robotics competitions. It was clear from early on that Grant was destined for a career in STEM.

After high school, he enrolled at Texas A&M University and pursued a degree in Electrical Systems Engineering Technology, gravitating toward coursework focused on microcontrollers, embedded systems, and energy-efficient building technologies. Though he originally considered cybersecurity and IT due to family influence, Grant's experience in college steered him toward something more tangible - designing real-world electrical systems and infrastructure.

Launching a Career with WGI

Grant's professional journey with WGI began at a Texas A&M career fair, where he connected with company recruiters and "saw the light," so to speak. He immediately saw alignment between WGI's core values and his own - especially our commitment to innovation, integrity, and a people-first culture.

Fast forward three years, and Grant has already earned a promotion from Graduate Engineer to Senior Graduate Engineer, taking on more responsibility and autonomy in the design process. He now collaborates directly with architects, project managers, and other disciplines to develop sophisticated electrical systems for buildings and infrastructure projects across the country.

Spotlight on Projects: EV Infrastructure, Parking Garages, and Life Sciences

Grant has had the opportunity to work on a diverse range of projects that reflect both the breadth and depth of WGI's capabilities. Some of his most notable contributions include:

• A major parking garage in Georgetown, TX – one of Grant's first opportunities to lead electrical design, from incoming utility coordination all the way down to branch-level circuits and lighting.

• Fleet EV (Electric Vehicle) charging infrastructure – part of a national initiative, these projects have deepened his expertise in power distribution and are helping drive the future of sustainable mobility.

• One of Austin's largest life sciences lab developments – a technically complex and 'power-dense' facility that has challenged Grant to apply creative thinking to a new project type for WGI.

These experiences have taken him across the country - from St. Louis and Chicago to Louisiana and Arkansas - giving him valuable field exposure through punch walks, site investigations, and even topping-out ceremonies.

A Day in the Life

A typical day for Grant involves reviewing project scopes, breaking down design tasks, collaborating with internal teams, and diving deep into electrical layouts and code compliance. He frequently references the National Electrical Code, which serves as a standardized framework for his designs across state lines, with some jurisdictional nuances along the way.

While the bulk of his work is rooted in design, Grant also appreciates the field-side experiences that bring his designs to life - literally seeing a project go from paper to reality.

Life Outside of Work

Outside the office, Grant is just as interesting. He's an avid fisherman and enjoys annual trips with his wife and her family to Port Aransas, TX, where beach days, charter fishing, and jetty-side hangs are a tradition. He even once rescued a sea turtle caught in the rocks - snapping a selfie before safely returning it to the ocean.

He's also an occasional golfer, a dedicated sci-fi fan (currently working through The Expanse series), and a proud pet parent to what he jokingly calls a "mini zoo": two dogs, two cats, and two ball pythons. From a sweet orange tabby named Kitty to their newest rescue cat Cipher, Grant and his wife have created a home that's as full of personality as he is.

Oh—and he does a mean Gollum impression. You'll have to listen to believe it.

Why WGI?

When asked what makes WGI special, Grant doesn't hesitate: the people. He reflects on the supportive, collaborative environment and how the open design of WGI's new Austin office encourages cross-disciplinary conversations and teamwork. According to Grant, WGI's people-first culture is a key reason why he's not only stayed, but thrived.

"Being able to go to work with people you enjoy, who support your growth and push you to do your best—that's what sets WGI apart."

Tune In

This episode is packed with memorable moments—from rescuing sea turtles on the Texas coast to designing cutting-edge electrical systems across the country. So, tune in, and as always, stay curious, stay driven, and keep unleashing your full potential!

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