Disappointing. I've invested too much time to give up without a fight. - Anonymous employee CDM Smith Employee Review

2.0
28 June 2011
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

If you're young and a new grad, the world is open to you. Seasoned professionals, don't expect much unless you are an engineer or play heavily into the politics of the organization. Dick Fox is a great leader.

Cons

CDM doesn't practice what it preaches. Not my employer of choice. Senior managers should follow published guidelines when it comes to promotions to titled positions or other employee rewards. There's too much politics at play. If you do a great job and have the qualifications, you should be promoted. Too many people in senior positions without required college degrees. This takes away from the professionals with degrees who are not promoted and left feeling disrespected and unimportant.

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
2w
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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