Environmental Engineer / Client Officer - Environmental Engineer/Client Officer CDM Smith Employee Review

3.0
Sep 17, 2013
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Challenging projects. Firm has a long and established reputation in water and wastewater. Generally high compensation. A great place to start your career...then move on. The bonus program is nice if you figure out how to get in it, but just don't ever expect to understand it.

Cons

The firm has instituted an amazing level of bureaucratic reporting and paperwork to feed a gaggle of "managers" that seem far removed from being a consultant. Weekly utilization reports are downright harassment---take a first quarter vacation and the number "managers" will haunt you weekly until you get caught back up. Constant battles between staff and project managers, project manager and client services officers, and client service officers and corporate management.

Explore other reviews about CDM Smith

5.0
Apr 22, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Lots of training and opportunities

Cons

Company structure can be confusing

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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
Jun 18, 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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