Environmental Engineer - Anonymous employee CDM Smith Employee Review

4.0
14 Jun 2018
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Long history and excellent reputation in the engineering industry, employee-oriented company that is privately owned and doesn't need to answer to shareholders, many people have been here their entire career (many over 30 years) which bodes well for overall employee support for the company, a multitude of engineering and science disciplines to support complex and interesting projects, the company requires professional certifications for experienced professionals which encourages only the best to work here, not complacent and are always looking for new avenues of work, excellent benefits

Cons

The project management hierarchy is convoluted (i.e., project manager doesn't manage the client??), it takes a long time (months) after you start to get ramped up with any type of continuous billable work, main office is located in Boston so you have to get used to commuting, required purchase of company stock (if you are an approved shareholder) can hit you in the wallet

Explore other reviews about CDM Smith

5.0
22 Apr 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Lots of training and opportunities

Cons

Company structure can be confusing

1
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CDM Smith Response
1mo
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a 5-star review! It was great to have you as an employee and wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
2.0
18 Jun 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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