For more than five decades, Schnabel Engineering has partnered with utilities, developers, EPC contractors, and government agencies to deliver safe, reliable, and cost-effective solutions for critical power and energy infrastructure. Our multidisciplinary teams provide geotechnical, geostructural, environmental, dam, tunnel, and civil engineering services that support projects from planning and permitting through construction and operations.

Schnabel’s experience spans the full energy spectrum, including electric transmission and substations, natural gas pipelines, hydropower, renewable energy, fossil and clean coal facilities, cogeneration plants, and nuclear infrastructure. We have supported some of the nation’s most complex and challenging energy projects, helping clients reduce risk, optimize designs, and meet demanding schedules.

With a strong commitment to safety, technical excellence, and client service, Schnabel delivers practical solutions grounded in decades of industry experience and a nationwide footprint. From site characterization and foundation design to environmental compliance, dam safety, and construction-phase support, we help power and energy clients build and maintain the infrastructure that keeps communities and industries running.

Key Contacts

Andrew Breighner, PE

Associate Engineer

James R. (Ron) DiFrancesco, PE

Principal / Senior Vice President
Practice Leader, Earth and Environment

Johnny Lowe, PE

Power and Energy Market Pursuit Director
Senior Associate / Senior Vice President

Jonathan M. Pittman, PE

Principal / Southern Region Leader, Dam and Levee Engineering Services
Board of Directors

John D. Seifarth

Senior Hydropower Consultant

News & Insights

Employee Spotlight: Brett Dodd

Brett Dodd reflects on more than a decade of growth, professional development and multidisciplinary engineering at Schnabel.

Schnabel Opens Sacramento Office as 33rd Location

We’re excited to announce that we’ve expanded our presence in Northern California with a Sacramento office supporting our continued work and pursuits across the region – marking our 33rd office! 

John Seifarth Joins Schnabel as Senior Hydropower Consultant

Schnabel Engineering is pleased to welcome John Seifarth as a Senior Hydropower Consultant in our expanding Hydropower Generation practice across the United States.