My experiences - Technical Director Jacobs Employee Review

3.0
Sep 24, 2016
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Multi-disciplinary, so there's usually someone with the answer to your question. 9 day fortnight + flexible working Not a bad pension contribution Good career opportunities if you're prepared to blow your own trumpet... don't expect others to see it.

Cons

Process driven... so lots of forms and paperwork. Limited authority: there's massive restrictions on who can authorise purchases, training etc. which means there's about 20 people needed to sign something off. Lot of deadweight... company is so vast they slip under the radar, even with the draconian focus on billability. Visible time wasting on Facebook, BBC Sport etc. in the mornings and at lunchtimes. Role titles are there to fit with the payscale, not the actual job. There's hundreds of directors who aren't actually directing anything... they're just "do-ers" to meet billability targets. Long hours, and they never say NO to a client or pushback on questionable decision-making... they take the money and just keep saying YES.

Explore other reviews about Jacobs

5.0
Apr 3, 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
4.0
Jun 29, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The benefits and unlimited pto are great

Cons

It’s a big company, so there are a lot of corporate games you have to play to get noticed and advance in your career

See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All