Great People, Disconnected Management - Environmental Engineer V CDM Smith Employee Review

3.0
16 June 2024
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

I love working with the people in my office. They are exceptional engineers and empathetic mentors. I've learned so much from my peers and have plenty of opportunities to work on projects that interest me.

Cons

There was a major leadership shift in the Jacksonville, FL office which has put a chill on that office's culture. Those folks seem to always work late and under stressful conditions. If you talk to upper management elsewhere in the company, they will quietly warn you about working with that office. I strongly recommend staying clear of it. It's a major pain-in-the-neck to get authorized to go to an industry conference, even if presenting. They usually cut back on the days you request, and then they ask you to enthusiastically recruit others to the firm. Last year's raises were pretty mediocre across the board. They gave everyone a bonus the year before as a publicity stunt for recruiting purposes. It seems they're recouping those costs this year.

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CDM Smith Response
1y
Thank you for writing this review and providing us with your feedback. We will keep it in mind when making decisions to keep us as a top-choice employer!

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
3w
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 June 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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