Civil engineering services isn’t just about pouring concrete or building bridges. It’s the invisible hand that shapes cities, keeps rivers in their place, guides traffic across valleys, and carves tunnels through mountains. At the heart of this industry, you’ll find a dynamic blend of big-league infrastructure giants and nimble, tech-savvy design shops, all working on everything from billion-dollar highway systems to hyper-precise CAD renderings of stormwater drains.
To make sense of this massive landscape, we’ve broken down the 37 top firms into themed clusters—because an environmental water expert doesn’t necessarily do the same work as a transportation tunnel veteran. Whether you’re a developer looking to map out your next site or a student dreaming of designing high-speed rail systems, here’s your ultimate tour of the firm’s engineering of America’s future.
Urban infrastructure & transportation powerhouses
These are the titans behind your morning commute, the roads you drive over without even realizing it, and the airport runways from which take off a million flights annually.
AECOM
AECOM is not just a name—it’s essentially the master plan for America’s civil engineering today. With well over 50,000 employees globally, they’ve contributed to transforming legendary places like LAX and New York’s Second Avenue Subway. What sets them apart? A deep blend of civil engineering muscle, stewardship of the environment, and state-of-the-art digital modeling. Their transportation division raised the benchmark for the industry, and they don’t stop at design. From planning through complete-dress project management, AECOM does everything in between. From airports to public transit systems to megaprojects abroad, they introduce visionary infrastructure with precision, scope, and a serious international presence.
Website: Aecom.com
HNTB Corporation
HNTB Corporation is the Yankees of civilian engineering—historic, distinguished, and built on a championship record of outstanding work. This firm is a household name that springs to mind when the subject turns to transportation infrastructure, specifically bridges, highways, and transit. Their Seattle SR 99 tunnel and Denver International Airport expansion show their ability to combine old-school engineering magic with cutting-edge CAD design services and BIM technology. State DOTs and local governments love them for just this reason—they complete tough, high-impact projects with precision, accuracy, and a can-do approach.
Website: Hntb.com
Arup
Arup may be based in the UK, but its US offices are pioneers. In San Francisco and New York, they’re leading the way with cutting-edge CAD work, digital twins, and parametric design. Their projects aren’t just impressive—they’re visionary, covering the gamut from seismic-resistant bridges to climate-resilient communities. Whether the project is high-speed rail systems or infrastructure for tomorrow, Arup’s U.S. practice combines creative engineering with forward-thinking strategy. The result? Solutions that not only meet today’s needs but also anticipate tomorrow’s requirements, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in civil and structural engineering.
Website: Arup.com
WSP USA
Chances are, if you’ve crossed a major bridge, taken the subway, or sped down an urban expressway, WSP USA had a hand in making it happen. Known for their expertise in civil and structural engineering, WSP tackles some of America’s most complex infrastructure challenges. From seismic retrofits to boosting resilience in aging systems, they specialize in giving old infrastructure new life. One of their standout contributions? The East Side Access project in New York City is a colossus, a multidisciplinary feat that highlights just how deep WSP’s engineering abilities really go.
Website: WSP.com
STV Group
STV Group may not be the biggest company on the list, but their century-long experience and sharp planning-engineering synergy make them worth counting on. Public authorities love them for their ability to deliver smart transportation solutions and civil engineering greatness with a high-tech CAD spin. From jammed highway systems to sleek transit facilities and airport upgrades, their work crosses the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic geographies. STV proves that big isn’t always better—vision, precision, and a clearer sense of how cities work and grow are what matter. And that is where they stand out.
Website: Stvinc.com
TranSystems
TranSystems might not have a home name, but it’s a giant when it comes to getting people and cargo around. Transport infrastructure experts toil behind the scenes on assignments from Amtrak station upgrades to high-volume freight terminals. From intricate rail systems design to port logistics modification, their CAD-based approach captures both the big picture and small specifics even for engineering companies. Their knowledge is multidirectional—working in both the public and private arenas with equal precision. For maintaining the country connected, TranSystems is the behind-the-scenes power driving progress.
They’re the giants who enable your morning commute, the bridges you drive over without hesitation, and the airport runways that take millions of flights a year into the skies.
Website: Transystems.com
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Environmental, Water & Sustainability Experts
The second group of companies doesn’t just build for today—they engineer with water management, sustainability, and tomorrow’s climate in mind.
Carollo Engineers
Carollo Engineers is a civil firm with a mission as transparent as glass: water, and nothing but water. From wastewater treatment plants to water reuse systems, their professionals utilize intense specialization and state-of-the-art modeling technology to resolve the nation’s water issues. Communities across the U.S. rely on Carollo’s CAD-enhanced planning and green designs to deliver clean water. It’s not technically just a job—it’s life-critical. Every single project is driven by a passion for precision, top-of-the-line performance, and protecting public health. In water solutions, Carollo doesn’t mess around—shoulder to shoulder, they lead the way with dedication.
Website: Carollo.com
Stantec
Stantec may have its headquarters in Canada, but its reach across the U.S. is huge. This behemoth of a civil engineering firm does everything—imagine it as follows: environmental consultant, landscape architect, urban planner, CAD-whiz infrastructure guru, all in one. Their actual niche? Water. From wastewater treatment and coastal resilience to stormwater systems, Stantec is setting the bar higher. What really sets them apart is their use of cutting-edge CAD technologies, specifically GIS integration and 3D mapping. These technologies allow their teams to plan smarter, greener infrastructure with a clear vision of what the future holds.
Website: Stantec.com
Black & Veatch
Black & Veatch is known for tackling the world’s most complex infrastructure projects. Whether they’re designing intelligent water networks or creating hydropower facilities, their civil engineers go deep on utility-scale solutions. They’re the ones working on everything from California’s state-of-the-art desalination facilities to innovative renewable energy initiatives energizing the Midwest. What makes them unique is how closely CAD modeling experts, civil engineers, and environmental scientists collaborate with one another, co-creating simulations and optimized systems that stand the test of time. When the work requires water, energy, or sustainability expertise, this firm is at the top of the list.
Website: Bv.com
Gannett Fleming
Gannett Fleming, from Pennsylvania, has climbed its way into civil engineering leadership with a focus on sustainability and resilience. From constructing robust flood protection systems to designing smart urban drainage plans, their activities have prepared cities to be safe. The firm is especially renowned for its long-lasting bridge designs and creative civil CAD solutions. Using BIM, LiDAR, and advanced stormwater simulation software at their fingertips, Gannett Fleming constructs infrastructure—not only buildings—but also future-proofs it. No wonder it’s at the forefront of innovation in transportation and water resource engineering across the U.S.
Website: Gftinc.com
Dewberry
Dewberry is making a name for itself in civil engineering, especially in disaster resilience and water-based design. GIS-predominant in their approach, they are the pioneers in regional planning and hydraulic engineering, particularly in coastal or flood-prone regions. Their CAD work is not merely meticulous, it’s surgical. Each of their digital designs is crafted with the accuracy of a surveyor, making their work not only technically precise but strong enough to withstand nature’s extremes. Dewberry is not just building infrastructure; they are equipping communities to be safe, ready, and resilient long-term.
Website: Dewberry.com
Tetra Tech
At Tetra Tech, they integrate science, engineering, and digital design in seriously powerful ways. With experience in both environmental remediation and water infrastructure, this company does it all, from hurricane aftermath repair to coastal sustainability and brownfield cleanup. So what really sets them apart? Their CAD design services go beyond the standard, into live environmental modeling. That’s a civil engineering change-maker, especially when quick, smart decisions can be the difference between recovery and disaster. It’s mission-driven work into the future, and only a handful of companies are doing it here, like Tetra Tech.
Website: Tetratech.com
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Urban Design & Site Development Experts
There are certain companies that are experts at transforming raw land into vibrant communities, suburban neighborhoods, city centers, and all points in between.
Snyder & Associates
Snyder & Associates of Iowa develops well-thought-out civil engineering across the Midwest. Their work excels in small towns, school districts, and park districts where smart planning matters. With CAD and GIS, they document everything from storm drainage to traffic flow and site access. Their structures don’t just function—they benefit people. Municipal governments turn to Snyder & Associates when they want engineering that puts people first, combining technical precision with real-world feasibility. It’s that people-centered approach that sets them apart in civil and municipal design projects, even for architectural design firms.
Website: Snyder-associates.com
Kimley-Horn
Kimley-Horn is a firm that brings city visions to life. Renowned for their capability to develop unused land into thriving neighborhoods, they’re the city planner’s go-to person. Their civil site development, stormwater facilities, and traffic design capabilities all converge to laser-sharp CAD accuracy. Whether it’s planning traffic patterns in a congested intersection or mapping out the framework of an emerging mall, Kimley-Horn makes it seamless and efficient. They’re especially good at quick commercial work—parking lots, pedestrian corridors, and all the small details that keep a new development intact. With Kimley-Horn, development isn’t just born—it’s drawn, engineered, and executed.
Website: Kimley-horn.com
VHB (Vanasse Hangen Brustlin)
VHB, Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, is a powerhouse in civil engineering with a strong East Coast presence. For its ability to integrate urban planning, transportation, and civil design into unified, urban forms, the firm is well known. It prides itself on green and innovative projects. Whether they are mapping LEED-certified site developments or green infrastructure projects, VHB’s CAD professionals set the standard. Their engineering in modeling does not just end at traditional designs—it extends all the way to wetlands mitigation, stormwater management, and even urban bike-friendliness planning. With a holistic approach and an acute eye for environmental stewardship, VHB demonstrates that good engineering and sustainability need not be strangers to any design.
Website: Vhb.com
Halff Associates
Texas-based Halff Associates is where interdisciplinary coordination truly shines. This firm brings under one umbrella landscape architecture services, civil engineers, MEP professionals, and GIS specialists, making the whole process of designing a hassle-free and easy one. Their land development division is known for offering great CAD and BIM deliverables, especially for tasks demanding high accuracy and creativity. It may be a new city complex, a school complex, or an amusement park – Halff delivers without flinching. Urban areas looking to create parks that are an integral part of the landscape generally hire Halff—because, on the land, not with the land, is how they prefer to plan.
Website: Halff.com
Langan
When a project is pushing the boundaries of complexity, Langan rises to the challenge where others shy away. From toxic brownfields with a deluge of problems to heavily constrained infill urban sites demanding precision, Langan thrives in the chaos. They’re not just swimming in red tape—these are the experts who easily unscramble multi-agency permitting puzzles. It’s what they do best, however, that truly sets them apart. It’s the way they easily blend CAD design service with comprehensive geotechnical and environmental expertise. It’s a blend of street-smart engineering grit and cutting-edge digital know-how. They don’t just deliver clean results—no, theirs are smart, strategic, and ready to take the project forward. Where the chips are on the line, Langan is the one you want on the ground.
Website: Langan.com
McAdams
McAdams has established itself solidly in the Southeast as a thoughtful practitioner of civil site design, especially in education, healthcare, and residential development. It’s not just a question of blueprints and runoff; it’s about designing places where people thrive. Their land development team combines engineers, planners, and CAD designers into one working unit committed to designs that are buildable, cost-efficient, and truly people-focused. What sets them apart? It’s the balance between vision thinking, and practical buildability. All of their projects illustrate that synergy—visionary but based on sensible, doable solutions. McAdams doesn’t just plan land; they build future communities with purpose and precision.
Website: Mcadamsco.com
Thomas & Hutton
Thomas & Hutton is making serious headway throughout the Carolinas and Georgia for very good reasons. They’re familiar with site engineering and stormwater systems both backwards and forwards, bringing precision and velocity to the table. They aren’t trying to be a jack-of-all-trades—rather, they double down on their strengths. Need someone to tackle land development, CAD-based visualization, and the muddled world of local permitting? They are the individuals that you hire. Their strength is in understanding the landscape—both geographical and bureaucratic—and getting projects rolling from planning to groundbreaking.
Website: Thomasandhutton.com
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CAD-Boutique & Digital Modeling Companies
Not every civil engineering company is a mega-firm. There are digital-first design studios and CAD consultancies that provide a big bang in a niche.
CGA Engineers
CGA Engineers, an innovative Florida civil firm, is shaking things up with its all-digital way of doing business. Stormwater, roadways, and municipal infrastructure expert, they leave the old draft behind in favor of a lean process powered by Civil 3D and Revit. Every plan is clash-checked and permitting-ready from the get-go—no surprise issues, just accuracy. As a small business, their technology-based process enables them to go faster and more accurately than many larger businesses. It’s digital engineering with earthly results, proving sometimes bigger isn’t necessarily better or brighter when it comes to civil engineering.
Website: Cgaconsultants.com
David Evans and Associates (DEA)
David Evans and Associates (DEA) is a force to be reckoned with in the Pacific Northwest, where innovation meets civil engineering experts. Known for integrating surveying and geospatial services, DEA takes CAD to new levels using advanced equipment like LiDAR, 3D laser scanning, and hydrographic modeling. What actually sets them apart? Their commitment to advanced technology—drone topographic mapping is not new here, it’s just business as usual. As one of the only handful of midsize firms that use this approach, DEA continues to redefine accuracy and efficiency in infrastructure and land development projects.
Website: Deainc.com
Mott MacDonald
Mott MacDonald, as much a UK roots business as any, has left an indelible impression across the U.S. with its progressive, software-based methodology. Their civil CAD experts are known to push envelopes in parametric design, infrastructure automation, and BIM, specifically highways and rail corridors. What makes them unique is the balance between precision and presentation; they don’t merely comply with codes, they produce visuals that speak. Working closely with state DOTs on a regular basis, Mott MacDonald consistently delivers intelligent, efficient solutions that are technically excellent as well as visually stunning.
Website: Mottmac.com
Barge Design Solutions
Hidden in Tennessee, Barge Design Solutions is causing some major ripples in the industry of civil engineering. Renowned for fully boarding the digital revolution train, this full-service design firm doesn’t just keep up—they lead the pack. Their civil engineers work hand in hand with experienced CAD designers to create anything from hydrologic models to traffic simulations and erosion control plans. But what sets them apart? Their ability to offer fast, reliable results without compromising on quality. Over time, Barge has built a rock-solid image for accuracy, creativity, and reporting that always hits the mark.
Website: Bargedesign.com
The Kleingers Group
The Kleingers Group, based in Ohio, shows that fantastic outcomes do not have to originate from a behemoth company. With specialized knowledge in sports complexes, schools, and mixed-use projects, they bring a punchy, CAD-based kick to each project. Their products aren’t just functional—this is fun stuff, courtesy of vibrant, interactive CAD presentations that enable clients to fully visualize what they’ll receive. Where they stand apart is that they’re able to marry civil design, landscape architecture, and transportation planning into one neat, high-gloss package. It’s this attention to detail that’s earned them a devoted following and award-winning recognition in the industry.
Website: Kleingers.com
WGI (Wantman Group Inc.)
WGI (Wantman Group Inc.) is where innovative technology and practical civil engineering converge. This innovative firm takes surveying, GIS, mobility planning, and CAD design experts and packages them into one streamlined, cloud-based process. Their civil experts specialize in mobile scanning, point cloud integration, and real-time collaborative design—no antiquated methods used here. It’s not just about getting the job done; it’s about getting it smarter, faster, and in style. If you’re looking for a mate who has technical precision to offer along with digital savvy, WGI delivers results that are as amazing as they are impressive.
Website: Wgi.org
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Structural & Vertical Construction Companies
There are civil engineering firms that specialize in structural design—the art and science of making buildings, towers, and bridges safe, sustainable, and ready for whatever Mother Nature (or city living) has in store for them.
Walter P Moore
Walter P Moore is the driving force behind many of the nation’s most striking stadiums, airports, and city towers. Their specialty is combining daring architectural vision with precise structural engineering in such a facility. With profound CAD coordination experience, their structural engineers excel in complex settings through applying BIM, parametric modeling, and computational design to realize daring designs. Partnership is in their DNA, especially with architects who want to build iconic, high-performance structures. No surprise that they’re a favorite among large-scale public architecture that needs brains and beauty.
Some civil engineering firms are structural design experts—the art and science of designing buildings, towers, and bridges to be safe, sustainable, and ready for whatever Mother Nature (or city living) throws their way.
Website: Walterpmoore.com
Thornton Tomasetti
Thornton Tomasetti is not just another name in the business—it’s the company that engineers look up to. With a legacy of structural brilliance, they’ve designed giants like One World Trade Center and high-profile NFL stadiums. But that’s not what their talent is limited to. Their CAD and BIM capabilities are state-of-the-art, interweaving seamlessly with energy modeling, performance-based design, and even blast analysis. All the projects they get their hands on bear witness to a deep grasp of form and function, thereby making them the true gold standard for what today’s engineering firms want to be.
Website: Thorntontomasetti.com
Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates (WJE)
Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates (WJE) is like the Sherlock Holmes of structural engineering—detecting subtle flaws with precision. Whenever buildings fall, these specialists step in to determine flaws, taking on forensic engineering puzzles that baffle others. They can efficiently mimic the deterioration of materials over time and provide accurate 3D studies that illuminate complex issues. Their simulations and retrofit designs are filled to the brim with data, giving clients confidence and insight. Trustworthy partners in the rehab business, WJE consistently delivers innovative solutions that salvage historic buildings and allow their stories to continue safely far into the future.
Website: Wje.com
Simpson Gumpertz & Heger (SGH)
Simpson Gumpertz & Heger (SGH) represents where materials science and structural engineering experts meet with architectural knowledge. They’re best known for cracking the kind of problems that keep building owners up all night, like parking garage cracks and complex waterproofing issues. Using cutting-edge CAD and BIM technology, SGH digs deep, combining forensic analysis and performance modeling to reveal intelligent, long-lasting solutions. Whether it’s fixing a major structural defect or helping to prevent one from ever happening in the first place, SGH doesn’t just build or fix—they future-proof with focus and innovation at the heart of everything they do.
Website: Sgh.com
KPFF Consulting Engineers
KPFF Consulting Engineers places collaboration at the heart of civil and structural design. With offices across the U.S., they’re known for working alongside architects side-by-side—sometimes even in the same space—to build projects in real time on CAD, Revit, and parametric software. This face-to-face, tech-savvy process results in more efficient problem-solving speed and more intelligent building decisions. From cutting-edge hospitals to highly complex academic labs, their portfolio is a testament to an intrinsic understanding of buildings essential to function. KPFF isn’t simply delivering engineering—they’re defining spaces that matter, one comprehensive solution at a time.
IMEG Corp
IMEG Corp is making some big ripples in structural engineering, especially within healthcare, education, and civic design. Their structural group isn’t simply growing, enlarging with a mission. Sustainability is at the forefront of their modeling process, designing buildings that stand strong and smart for generations. What sets IMEG truly apart, however, is the way its digital design experts seamlessly collaborate with MEP services and civil teams. The result? Exceptionally well-coordinated construction documents that bring efficiency and clarity to complex projects. It’s this type of collaboration that continues to elevate IMEG’s structural game across the country.
Website: Imegcorp.com
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Innovation & Tech-Driven Engineering Labs
This final group is where civil engineering intersects with software, automation, and big thinking. These firms are pushing the boundaries of what can be done—everything from real-time data integration to AI-based design.
Jacobs Engineering Group
Jacobs Engineering Group isn’t huge—it’s boldly redefining the future of civil infrastructure. One of the world’s most diversified engineering behemoths, Jacobs positions cutting-edge tech at the forefront of design. Their US civil teams are leading the way, bringing together AI, geospatial analysis, and smart systems across every level of infrastructure development. Think transport hubs that drive themselves and military bases that defy every norm—this is what they’re building. With a laser-sharp focus on data-driven solutions, Jacobs isn’t just living the digital age—they define it. Innovation is not an add-on here; it’s the foundation of everything they engineer.
Website: Jacobs.com
HDR
HDR may be a bigwig in civil engineering, but heaven forbid it ever catches on where innovation is concerned. This future-focused company is as agile as a startup, thanks to a combined research and development group dedicated to health and infrastructure. HDR never stops pushing the boundaries—whether it’s using augmented reality to render design reviews more intelligent or leveraging digital twins to facilitate real-time project coordination. Their CAD operations are an experimentation ground for new technology. The transport and water departments, in particular, are especially acclaimed for their large-scale, data-heavy modeling experience, which positions HDR as a trailblazer that combines know-how with cutting-edge engineering swagger.
Website: Hdrinc.com
AtkinsRéalis (former SNC-Lavalin)
AtkinsRéalis, formerly SNC-Lavalin, isn’t just rebranding—now it’s rewriting our minds on infrastructure. With their emphasis on intelligent solutions, they’re leading the charge with AI-powered modeling, BIM cloud collaboration, and dynamic scenario planning. This’s not fancy technology; this is revolutionary, changing how projects get designed, built, and operated. Armed with a portfolio of federal, state, and international contracts to back them, AtkinsRéalis sees the American infrastructure with a global perspective. Their cutting-edge approach merges innovation and know-how, making them a leader in designing tomorrow’s cities, highways, and systems today. Tomorrow’s infrastructure? They’re already creating it.
Website: Atkinsrealis.com
Burns & McDonnell
Burns & McDonnell has come a long way from its early days as an energy-focused business. Today, it’s one of the most technologically sophisticated engineering companies in the U.S. Renowned for uniting CAD with SCADA systems, this company does not just follow the pace of technology—it sets it. Their own software platforms for civil design and project controls are changing how infrastructure projects get delivered. From power to water to transportation, Burns & McDonnell brings innovation as well as reliability. It’s not engineering anymore—it’s smart, forward-thinking engineering design services supported by world-class digital tools and decades of know-how.
Website: Burnsmcd.com
Bowman Consulting Group
Bowman Consulting Group is quickly becoming a household name in the field of civil site design and virtual land development. Renowned for their sharp use of 3D visualization and data-driven modeling, they’re not engineers—they’re digital solution-makers. Their team utilizes tech-innovative methods and flexible thinking on every project, moving fast without compromising on quality. Whether it’s telecom infrastructure or transportation systems, Bowman gets it done with precision and innovative thinking. They’re not the largest firm in the business—yet—but their shrewd strategies and cutting-edge design make them worth watching. It’s civil engineering, but faster, smarter, and more digital than ever before.
Website: Bowman.com
Ramboll
Ramboll introduces a clean, Nordic design aesthetic and forward-thinking innovation to the U.S. civil engineering market. With their unrelenting enthusiasm for digitization and sustainability, they are not just designing infrastructure—they are crafting the future of it. Their professionals leverage predictive analytics, environmental modeling, and robust CAD tools to create robust, future-resistant projects. What sets them apart is the seamless infusion of data science into mainstream civil engineering that makes every project brighter, cleaner, and more efficient. Ramboll is not following trends—Ramboll is forging them. For those who are watching the revolution of smart infrastructure, Ramboll is a name that keeps being mentioned for all the reasons that count.
Website: Ramboll.com
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Final Thoughts
From coast to coast, these firms are building the backbone of America—digitally and physically. Be they building sky-scraping skyscrapers, flood-proof neighborhoods, or smart transport systems, their projects are the foundation of what we live in. Next time you cross a bridge, ride the train, or flip on the faucet, remember: behind it all are a team of engineers and designers with a CAD file, a blueprint, and a vision for the future.
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