Great company...on paper! - Staff Geotechnical Engineer Terracon Employee Review

2.0
23 Apr 2016
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

There must be many pros but it will depend on your individual experience. I am sure that someone, somewhere must be living the dream. Personally, it is hard to find positives, even if you are willing to give them the benefit of the doubt. Sad but true.

Cons

Present day Terracon is the result of the indenture servitude system inherited from colonial times in America. It runs a highly conservative, retrograde culture based in a caste system. Terracon is the classical example of the small engineering office, super-expanding itself geographically, but keeping the small village mentality and culture of a mediocre outfit. Some executive positions in the company have been acquired by some people by having been bought out and offered high level positions as part of their acquisition package. These type of consulting firms are highly unethical cookie-cutter, low ball service providers. There are some individuals that are offended if you bring experience from "the outside", and make a point to insult you and teach you the right way--"the Terracon way". In other words, Terracon is an Ole' Boys Club--that will exploit, use and suck the life of anyone in order to fulfill their own objectives. Mediocrity is their state of mind, some have never known anything else in their careers and in that sense they behave as a bunch of ignorant fanatics. One would expect more from people with education, especially those in engineering. Undoubtedly there are several tribes fighting for power, but it seems all have settled for a feudal system where every group gets a chunk of the big pie. Terracon will be a great fit for you IF you don't care getting your PE but not developing as a real engineer, but a fake one, full of insecurities and fearing even the shadow of those you perceive as smarter than you. If that is the case, you will be really successful materially ( I mean money) but condemned to a sad, dark life...Your choice!

Explore other reviews about Terracon

5.0
6 Feb 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

1) almost everyone feels like family here 2) Great benefits 3) they're always giving out free hoodies, water bottles, other various merch

Cons

Hours are inconsistent due to the nature of the job

3.0
14 Jun 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

You have sustainable hours for construction but there is mandatory overtime (The most I’ve done is 51 hours in a week), they pay you enough to live on, it’s good experience, upper management pays lip service to workers rights, there is genuine concern and regulation from management to provide you an emotionally and physically safe place to work, you’re never really rushed to do your job, and you do have the right to stop work

Cons

You need a degree in engineering or geology to move up and you have to threaten to move offices or take another job to get a pay raise. It’s not unionized.

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