Large firm that works best locally - Planner CDM Smith Employee Review

4.0
Mar 24, 2021
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The company's expertise in many fields is undeniable and working within smaller teams was very rewarding across several areas of transportation and environmental planning.

Cons

The larger corporate structure often got in the way of work, with too many reorganizations often ignoring how work is delivered to clients on a local basis. Sales representatives sometimes hesitant to help seek smaller contracts.

Explore other reviews about CDM Smith

5.0
Jul 9, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Opportunities for growth Fellow employees Autonomous work environment

Cons

None. It is a great company.

2.0
Jun 18, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Flexible hybrid schedule is very nice and starting salary is high for early career engineers.

Cons

The main people running the company are not engineers and you can tell. They are all focused on utilization with rates often set at 97% or higher. This had led to my supervisor asking/telling me to not charge company required trainings. As an early engineer it really feels like they don't want to invest in me and only care about their bottom line. If you are an early career structural engineer you will also not get any meaningful work until you've been with the company for at least 5 years. The senior engineers do not trust you and will only give you grunt work.

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