The War for Talent: How the Competitive Construction and Engineering Jobs Landscape Is Driving Us Forward
In today’s construction and engineering jobs landscape, there’s a new kind of project underway. It’s not measured in square footage or materials moved. Rather, it’s a race to secure top-tier talent in an increasingly competitive market. Across the AEC (Architecture, Engineering, Construction) industry, firms are navigating what many are calling “the war for talent.” The dynamic is shaped by declining enrollment in engineering and construction management programs, an aging workforce, and evolving expectations among emerging professionals.

At ET Design-Build, we don’t just recognize this challenge—we’re meeting it head-on with a people-first approach and a long-standing culture that puts our team at the center of everything we do.

Understanding the Construction and Engineering Landscape

The numbers paint a stark picture. Since 2008, more than 30% of the construction workforce has exited the industry. Meanwhile, college enrollment in engineering and construction-related fields has slowed. This creates a limited pool of qualified candidates just as demand for infrastructure, renewable energy, and industrial development surges. The need for construction and engineering jobs to be filled is as prevalent as ever. For design-build firms, the pressure is on, not just to attract new talent, but to retain the experienced team members already in place. 

That’s where ET Design-Build stands out.

Retention That Tells a Story

In 2024, ET recorded a turnover rate of just 6%—a number that’s remarkably low for our industry. In a field where mobility is common and competitors are constantly recruiting, that kind of retention says something deeper. It says our team feels supported, challenged, and valued.

How do we do it? It starts with a fundamental belief that our people are our greatest asset. 

Whether someone is working on-site in Denver, coordinating logistics from Atlanta, or managing engineering scopes from one of our satellite offices across the country, every team member at ET plays a critical role. We make sure they know that we see that.

What We Offer (That Others Don’t)

We’ve worked hard to build a workplace where employees in our construction and engineering careers can thrive for the long haul. That means:

  • A robust ESOP program that turns team members into owners
  • Incentive compensation and sign-on bonuses that reward performance and dedication
  • Flexible office structures that accommodate field-based work, hybrid models, and individual needs
  • Hands-on project variety across three sectors—energy, environmental, and industrial—so cross-trained employees can share expertise and avoid burnout 
  • A true spirit of collaboration across jobsites and offices alike

As shared in The ET Design-Build Difference, we’re not just constructing facilities—we’re cultivating careers. Our superintendents, project managers, and engineers stick with us for a reason. Here, they’re empowered to make decisions, grow their expertise, and become future company leaders.

Why This Matters Now

In the past year, ET experienced record growth, and projections show that growth continuing. But with a bigger pipeline comes a greater responsibility to staff our teams with people who can uphold our standards of quality, safety, and client service. We’re investing in the tools, technology, and training to support that growth, and we’re investing in our people, too.

We’ve empowered more of our team members to take on new internal and external client-facing roles—creating opportunities for leadership, mentorship, and business development. We’re expanding our marketing efforts to showcase not just our projects, but the people behind them. And we’re creating more visibility around open roles and growth opportunities within the company.

Interested in Joining Our Team?

We’re growing, and we’re always looking for smart, motivated professionals who want to be part of our dynamic organization. If you’re a builder at heart, a problem-solver by nature, and a collaborator in practice, ET Design-Build might be the right fit for you.

Explore open positions and learn more about what it’s like to work with us.

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