CHICAGO — Burns & McDonnell is expanding operations in Chicago and plans to double the size of its local workforce — hiring 300 diverse professionals — within the next three years. The growth in the region is part of the 100 percent employee-owned engineering, architecture, construction, environmental and consulting firm’s nationwide effort to hire more than 1,000 professionals annually.

“We’ve been a part of and supported the Chicago community for more than two decades,” says Scott Newland, senior vice president and general manager of Burns & McDonnell in Chicago. “We’re committed to creating new STEM career opportunities in the region and building a talented team of professionals to help design and construct the infrastructure that serves as the backbone of our city.”

Backed by an international network of 7,000 professionals, the Chicago team provides a wide range of aviation, design-build, electrical transmission and distribution, power generation, manufacturing, mission critical, facility, transportation, water and environmental services.

Known for its dynamic company culture, Burns & McDonnell has been recognized as one of Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For, Daily Herald’s Best Places to Work in Illinois, and by more than 20 additional publications across the U.S. as a best place to work. The firm was also recognized for its commitment to the community with the United Way of Metro Chicago’s 2018 Growth & Innovation Award and the Hispanic American Construction Industry Association’s 2019 Mentor/Protégé Award. Newland says the secret to the award-winning culture is employee ownership.

“Employee ownership is at the core of our firm. We act like we own the place — because we do. It fosters a culture of accountability, entrepreneurship, inclusion and teamwork. In turn, this environment helps us attract and retain the most creative, technical and client-focused professionals in the industry — a team ready to take on the toughest challenges our communities and clients face.”

In addition to hiring experienced professionals, Burns & McDonnell will be focused on hiring new graduates and inspiring the next generation of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) professionals through its K-12 outreach and internship programs.

“Through mentorship and our STEM programs, we’re building a deeper talent pipeline and hoping to spark interest in STEM careers at an early age,” Newland. says “These types of programs are crucial in diversifying our industry. The connections and collaborations among a diverse workforce make us stronger, smarter, more efficient and more creative.”

The firm has two offices in Chicagoland: a 75,000-square-foot space in the heart of downtown at 200 W. Adams St., and another in Downers Grove, Illinois. The downtown office was recently expanded to accommodate growth and will be undergoing a second 25,000-square-foot expansion in 2022.

About Burns & McDonnell

Burns & McDonnell is a family of companies made up of 7,000 engineers, architects, construction professionals, scientists, consultants and entrepreneurs with offices across the country and throughout the world. We strive to create amazing success for our clients and amazing careers for our employee-owners. Burns & McDonnell is 100 percent employee-owned and is proud to be on Fortune’s 2018 list of 100 Best Companies to Work For.