Case Studies

Brought Structural Engineering In-House

Client Background

A design-build firm with 100 employees, specializing in industrial heavy MEP projects, had been outsourcing structural calculations. While this provided flexibility, it was costly—$50,000 per project—and delays from external coordination slowed timelines.

The Challenge

The firm realized that outsourcing structural engineering was no longer cost-effective. Bringing this function in-house would reduce costs, improve turnaround times, and enhance collaboration between the engineering and design teams. However, they had no experience hiring highly specialized engineers and needed a senior licensed structural engineer to lead the transition, along with a mid-level hire to support workload. The business owner was too busy to manage the search and entrusted us to find the right candidates based on our long-standing partnership.

The Three-Step Plan in Action

Step 1: The Consultation

We assessed the firm’s hiring needs, project costs, and structural team goals, defining a targeted search for multi-state licensed engineers in California and Illinois. With a $50K per project outsourcing cost, hiring in-house had to deliver immediate value.

Step 2: Reviewing Candidates

In three months, we sourced and presented a shortlist of top engineers. We provided market insights, salary data, and role benchmarks, helping the firm quickly evaluate the right fit without wasting time on unqualified candidates.

Step 3: Offer and Hire

We coordinated communication, prepped both sides, and mediated the offer process to ensure a smooth transition. A senior structural engineer started within four months, followed by a mid-level hire in two more months, cutting structural calculation costs and improving project timelines.

The Results

Design Build Industrial Firm

Quincy, Massachusetts

Engineering Leadership

A leading engineering firm sought a Vice President-Regional Manager to oversee structural engineering projects and drive regional growth. They needed an expert to lead teams, manage client relationships, and expand service offerings.

Result: We placed an experienced structural engineer who enhanced project delivery, strengthened client partnerships, and contributed to regional business development.

C. Engineers – Structural

Norwood, Massachusetts

Geotechnical Expertise

A global engineering firm needed a Principal Geotechnical Engineer to lead geotechnical projects and mentor junior engineers. They sought a professional with extensive experience to provide technical leadership and drive project success.

We placed a veteran geotechnical engineer who led complex projects, mentored emerging talent, and enhanced the firm’s geotechnical capabilities.

J. – Geotechnical Services

Seattle, Washington

Civil Engineering

A leading civil engineering firm sought a Senior Project Manager to oversee transportation and infrastructure projects. They needed someone to manage multidisciplinary teams, drive design innovation, and ensure on-time project delivery.

We placed an experienced civil engineer who optimized project workflows, strengthened inter-agency collaboration, and improved overall project efficiency.

J. – Civil Infrastructure

Atlanta, Georgia

Built a Permitting Team For The Mid-Atlantic

Client Background

A 60-person environmental consulting firm, serving as a Tier 1 contractor for multiple offshore wind farms in the Mid-Atlantic region, was responsible for critical environmental permitting and regulatory compliance. Their expertise was crucial in ensuring these projects met state and federal environmental standards.

The Challenge

As demand for offshore wind projects increased, the firm needed to rapidly expand its remote environmental team with professionals who had direct experience in:

Requirements: 

  • Permitting processes for offshore wind projects
  • Coastal science and impact assessments
  • Air quality analysis for marine environments
  • Project management with expertise in New York, New Jersey, and Maryland regulations

Landscape:

  • Intense competition from developers offering salaries well above market rate
  • A limited talent pool, as offshore wind is a relatively new industry
  • Most applicants coming from the oil and gas industry, requiring an adjustment to the renewables sector
  • An overburdened existing team, already stretched thin with ongoing Northeast projects, risking significant delays in deliverables

The Solution

We took a collaborative approach with the client to ensure we fully understood their ideal candidates and hiring needs. Our strategy included:

  1. Defining Candidate Profiles & Rubrics – We worked closely with the client to develop structured hiring rubrics and a clear candidate persona for each role.
  2. Iterative Talent Sourcing – We sourced an initial batch of five candidates per role, presented them to the client, and gathered feedback.
  3. Refinement Based on Feedback – We adjusted our search strategy and continued refining our sourcing, presenting the next batch of candidates until we honed in on the ideal profiles.
  4. Final Candidate Presentation – Once alignment was achieved, we presented 2-5 highly qualified candidates per role, ensuring that every candidate met both technical and regulatory experience requirements.

The Results

Environmental Permitting Firm

Albany, New York

Strengthening Leadership

A leading firm needed a Principal to manage wetlands, infrastructure, and airport permitting projects. Their growing client base required additional leadership to organize, hire, and complete backlog work while supporting new projects.

Result: We placed a leader who streamlined processes, improved permitting efficiency, and strengthened client relationships. Their expertise in regulatory compliance and team development positioned the firm for growth.

E. Assoc. – Environmental

Boston, Massachusetts

Driving Compliance

A wind developer needed an expert to manage foundation package compliance for a large-scale offshore wind project. Strict regulations and complex approvals required a specialist to navigate environmental rules and keep the project on track.

Result: We placed a specialist who ensured permit adherence, facilitated agency coordination, and minimized environmental impact. Their expertise helped advance offshore wind energy while maintaining compliance.

V. W. – Energy

New Bedford, Massachusetts

Advancing Management

A prominent environmental consulting firm required a Program Manager with a strong background in environmental science to lead complex investigations and remediation projects. They sought an individual to provide technical guidance and ensure compliance.

Result: We placed a seasoned environmental scientist who successfully managed intricate environmental projects, provided expert technical advice, and ensured adherence to regulatory standards.

T. T. – Environmental

Pasadena, California

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