Highly matrixed, highly competitive, yet many employees are slow and worse than working with employees from the DMV. - Anonymous employee Jacobs Employee Review

3.0
16 Nov 2010
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Training and commitment to training is great. It is a great place to work if you enjoy stringent processes and procedures. Many of the mid-level managers are quite able and a joy to work with. A great place to work if you enjoy intellectual challenges and opportunities. The pay is very competitive.

Cons

Although only a small fraction of their business, they don't know how to run or sell A/E design services and have nearly gotten rid of everyone who did. Because the company is so large, many "non-workers" can hide-out for years without being noticed, even if they are noticed; there is no commitment to cleaning house because of a "good old boy" mentality. Many business areas are highly political and their business decisions are thusly poorly advised. SOP: Too busy acquiring and pseudo-integrating for growth (promising stockholders 15% growth is unsustainable in any market!) such that they can't make it work, and haven't in the last two years; the stock has not performed. The real decision makers are in an ivory tower, untouchable by thought, word, or deed. Corporate dedication to safety and safety issues have become so prevalent that people have set aside urgent work and servicing clients in the name of safety. It is a very real production problem. Benefits are not competitive with other companies in the same marketplace; however salaries may make up for that.

Explore other reviews about Jacobs

5.0
3 Apr 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Strong learning environment for entry-level engineers Great exposure to large-scale transportation and infrastructure projects with experienced mentors and structured onboarding. Reputable global firm Jacobs’ strong brand name adds credibility to your résumé and opens doors for future opportunities in both public and private sectors. Good career growth and mobility Clear pathways to move into roles like Project Engineer, Assistant Resident Engineer, or Construction Management with internal postings encouraged. Supportive team culture (project-dependent) Most teams are collaborative, and senior staff are willing to guide junior engineers, especially in inspection and CM roles. Competitive benefits and job stability Solid health benefits, 401(k), PTO, and steadier work compared to smaller consulting firms—especially on long-term public agency contracts.

Cons

Growth pace depends on manager and project Advancement and role expansion can vary widely based on leadership and available opportunities.

1
5.0
11 Jun 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great people and culture, internal mobility if you’re networked

Cons

Lots of internal process/procedure but to be expected at a large firm

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