While thousands of engineering firms operate across the U.S., a handful consistently rise to the top. These companies deliver professional services across transportation, water, energy, environmental sciences, and structural design while also communicating clearly, adapting to changing constraints, and staying on budget. As a result, they can bring in tens of millions in revenue every year.
But who are they?
Below is a look at some of the best engineering firms in the country, each known for dependable work, collaborative project managers, and thoughtful, well-rounded solutions for a wide range of clients. If you’re pursuing your FE and PE licenses, this is a great place to scout for your dream workplace.
Key Takeaways
- Specializations: The top engineering firms in the U.S. excel in technical expertise, project coordination, and reliable delivery across major infrastructure sectors.
- Top Firms: AECOM, Jacobs, HDR, WSP USA, and Burns & McDonnell consistently rank among the strongest all-around firms.
- Services: Many top companies offer multidisciplinary services, combining civil engineering, structural design, environmental sciences, and construction support.
- Project Needs: The best fit depends on project needs—some firms specialize in complex structures, others in community planning or environmental impact work.
- Importance of Selection: Choosing the right engineering partner improves budgets, timelines, communication, and long-term project performance.
Top Engineering Firms in the United States
1. AECOM
AECOM is one of the largest and most recognized names in the industry, working on everything from major transportation systems to environmental services and public-sector upgrades. They manage large-scale infrastructure projects with teams that understand planning, cost control, and long-term maintenance.
AECOM’s approach often focuses on sustainable infrastructure, giving cities and agencies options that balance performance and environmental impact. They’re a dependable choice for clients who need a broad mix of disciplines under one roof and want outstanding results without reinventing the wheel on every project.
2. Jacobs
Jacobs is a consulting firm with deep technical expertise across many specialties, including water treatment, energy systems, environmental sciences, and advanced facilities. Their engineers are known for practical, grounded solutions instead of overly theoretical approaches.
Jacobs is especially strong when projects involve multiple agencies, regulatory hurdles, or complicated site conditions. They also invest heavily in information technology to streamline design coordination and communication. For clients who value consistency and clear deliverables, Jacobs is often a top pick.
3. HDR
HDR is well-known among design firms for a collaborative approach that blends architecture, planning, and engineering. They handle healthcare facilities, civic buildings, transit systems, and community development projects. HDR focuses heavily on how engineering decisions affect everyday users, making them a good fit for projects where experience and flow matter. They also have strong civil engineering and building systems teams, allowing them to adapt to both straightforward and complex assignments. Their style tends to be practical, people-focused, and responsive.
4. WSP USA
WSP USA works on buildings, transportation networks, and environmental consulting services, balancing technical depth with thoughtful planning. They employ structural engineers, geotechnical specialists, and experts in fire protection, giving them a deep bench for complex or safety-driven projects.
WSP also stands out for its attention to sustainable practices and climate resilience, helping communities prepare for future needs rather than simply responding to current ones. When a client needs long-term feasibility and clear risk assessment, WSP is often a strong fit.
5. Burns & McDonnell
Burns & McDonnell is an employee-owned engineering and construction firm, which often results in stronger accountability and buy-in across teams. Their work spans utilities, aviation, energy, industrial facilities, and water systems. Because they offer design-build delivery, they can streamline schedules and reduce scope gaps between engineering and construction.
They are especially effective when clients need tailored solutions that require coordination across disciplines, and they have a reputation for delivering on time even when project conditions shift unexpectedly.
6. Arup
Arup is known for tackling projects with unusual geometries, tight performance requirements, or ambitious sustainability goals. Their teams excel at technical expertise in acoustics, digital modeling, structural design, and building optimization. Arup’s portfolio includes many landmark projects, and they’re often brought in when innovation or creativity is required. While their approach can be highly analytical, their engineers also collaborate closely with architects, city planners, and contractors to ensure designs are realistic and buildable.
7. Stantec
Stantec blends engineering, architecture, and environmental services, making them a versatile partner for public and private clients. They work frequently on water resources, transportation, and community development. Stantec’s engineers emphasize long-term solutions rather than short-term fixes, and they have strong experience helping agencies balance budgets, environmental considerations, and community expectations. Their style is steady, practical, and grounded, making them a trusted partner for cities and utility agencies.
8. Gannett Fleming
Gannett Fleming brings more than a century of experience to projects involving transportation, water, and public infrastructure. They’re particularly strong in bridge design, flood control, and transit planning. Because so many of their projects involve rehabilitation or modernization rather than new construction, they’re skilled at working within tight constraints and existing site conditions. They also maintain strong environmental sciences and planning teams, which help clients navigate regulatory requirements without unnecessary delays.
9. Thornton Tomasetti
Thornton Tomasetti is one of the top design firms in the world for structural engineering. They work on stadiums, skyscrapers, aviation facilities, and other complex structures that require precision and creativity. Their engineers use advanced modeling tools to solve problems that many firms don’t have the resources or experience to address. Beyond structural engineering, they also offer services in forensics, performance modeling, and sustainability. When a project calls for engineering excellence at a very high level, Thornton Tomasetti is often the firm that gets the call.
10. KPFF Consulting Engineers
KPFF focuses on civil and structural engineering and is known for giving local offices significant autonomy. This structure allows teams to deliver solutions that reflect local codes, construction practices, and environmental conditions. KPFF’s work spans site development, building renovation, and seismic upgrades. Their engineers tend to be approachable and collaborative, making them easy partners for architects and construction firms on fast-moving or design-focused projects.
Conclusion
Every firm on this list brings something distinctive to the profession. Some lead major infrastructure initiatives, others tackle complex structural challenges, and many focus on sustainability, innovation, or community-driven design. What sets these firms apart isn’t just technical expertise—it’s a culture of collaboration, purpose, and continuous learning. If you’re exploring where to grow your career, contribute to meaningful projects, and be part of a team that’s actively shaping the future of the built environment, these companies stand out as some of the most inspiring places to do it.
FAQs
AECOM, Jacobs, WSP, and Arup are commonly considered the “Big 4” due to their size, global reach, and multidisciplinary capabilities.
Top firms include AECOM, Jacobs, HDR, WSP USA, and Burns & McDonnell, known for strong technical services and reliable project delivery.
AECOM and Jacobs are great for large, complex work; HDR suits design-focused engineers; Thornton Tomasetti is ideal for structural specialists.
They offer civil, structural, and environmental engineering, plus planning, project management, building systems, and sustainability services.
Match your interests and career goals with firms whose projects, culture, and values align—then look at growth opportunities, mentorship, and team dynamics.
Bryce Welker is an active speaker, blogger, and regular contributor to Forbes, Inc.com, and Business.com where he shares his knowledge to help others boost their careers. Bryce is the founder of more than 20 test prep websites that help students and professionals pass their certification exams.
