What’s Next for Civil and Structural Engineering? Insights From Our Community — And Why There’s Reason to Be Excited

Written by

Buddy Arthur

USA Director

Over the past few years, civil and structural engineers have navigated rapid shifts — from the post-pandemic building surge to evolving infrastructure needs. As we look ahead, understanding where demand is heading is key to helping engineers, firms, and communities thrive.

To get a pulse on what professionals see coming, I recently ran a LinkedIn poll asking: Which sector will be the busiest over the next five years?

Here’s what my industry colleagues shared:

• Infrastructure & Transportation – 45%
• Restoration & Forensic Work – 24%
• Mission-Critical / Industrial (Data Centers, Energy, etc.) – 19%
• High-Rise & Urban Development – 11%

Infrastructure & Transportation:

The clear frontrunner in the poll, infrastructure and transportation, is also the sector most likely to benefit from legislative momentum. The One Big Beautiful Bill, which recently passed the House and is now under Senate review, contains provisions designed to speed up large public works. For example, developers could soon enter a fast-track permitting process by paying up to $10 million or 1% of a project’s cost, potentially cutting years off approval timelines. If this bill becomes law, it could create new opportunities for engineers involved in highways, bridges, rail, and transit systems.

So, what can engineers do now to prepare? Engineers who strengthen their skills in large-scale infrastructure, sustainable design, and emerging technologies will be ready to step into leadership roles as these projects move forward.

Restoration & Forensic Work:

Nearly a quarter of poll respondents highlighted restoration and forensic work, a reminder that maintaining and extending the life of existing structures is as important as building new ones. Budget constraints in many regions, paired with a growing emphasis on sustainability, mean that rehabilitating aging infrastructure will remain a top priority. The proposed legislation’s focus on responsible use of federal funds and streamlined approvals could also support this trend, encouraging communities to preserve what they have while planning for the future.

What should hiring managers focus on? Hiring managers may want to seek out talent who can balance technical expertise with creative problem-solving, the kind of professionals who can help make the most of limited resources while delivering safe, long-lasting solutions.

Mission-Critical & Industrial:

While tax credits for renewable energy projects could begin phasing out by 2028 if the bill advances, other parts of the mission-critical and industrial sector may gain ground. For instance, natural gas, nuclear, and other energy developments could benefit from faster permitting and protections against federal delays, through a compensation program funded by 5% enrollment fees and 1.5% annual premiums. And with data center demand continuing to rise, engineers in these sectors will have plenty to contribute.

How can firms position themselves to thrive? Firms that diversify their capabilities, blending expertise in traditional and emerging energy systems, and in data center and industrial facilities — will be well-placed to navigate changes and capture new opportunities.

High-Rise & Urban Development:

Though fewer respondents chose high-rise and urban development, this sector remains essential in regions facing population growth and housing pressures. As cities balance densification with infrastructure renewal, engineers who can integrate urban projects into broader community needs will continue to add value.

A Stronger Workforce for a Stronger Industry:

Another encouraging piece of the proposed legislation is its focus on workforce development. If passed, it would expand Pell grants and 529 savings plans to help those training for the skilled trades — a meaningful step toward growing the next generation of construction and engineering professionals.

So, how can we as an industry support this future talent?

As agency recruiters, we may not create the internships or training programs ourselves, but we play a vital part in shaping the future by connecting forward-thinking firms with the experienced leaders who can mentor, guide, and build strong teams. By championing firms that invest in growth and by helping senior engineers step into roles where they can make a difference, we help strengthen the talent pipeline that will sustain our industry for years to come. The strength of our future workforce depends on the guidance, opportunities, and collaboration we help foster today — and those efforts will shape the talent pipeline that drives our industry forward.

Get in touch