C&I Engineering Named Top Workplace for 2024
Author: Andy Nghiem – Top Workplaces USA Today
C&I Engineering is a leading, employee-owned engineering firm that has been delivering high-quality solutions since its founding in 1983. Based in Louisville, Kentucky, C&I stands out for its collaborative culture and client-centered approach, working as an extension of its clients’ teams to ensure the highest level of service and precision in every project.
Driven by a passion for excellence, C&I’s team of industry experts focuses on creating long-lasting client relationships through innovative design, safety, and a commitment to quality. With a rich history of adaptability and success across multiple industries, the company tackles complex engineering challenges while maintaining its core values of integrity, ownership, and continuous improvement.
As a workplace, C&I features a unique employee-owned structure, which fosters a deep sense of accountability and commitment across all levels of the organization. Through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), every associate holds a stake in the company, cultivating a culture of collaboration, respect, and pride in their work. This ownership mentality not only drives efficiency and innovation, but also leads to long-term client partnerships and elevated safety standards.
“At C&I Engineering, every associate is an owner of our company,” said Zach Gostling, human resources manager at C&I Engineering.
The work atmosphere at C&I is defined by collaboration, innovation, and a strong sense of teamwork. With experts across all engineering disciplines, the company fosters an environment where associates work closely together to tackle complex projects and deliver high-quality results. This collaborative spirit is paired with a supportive culture that values open communication and encourages personal growth.
“Our associates enjoy the challenge of working on unique projects in a variety of environments, including C&I office locations and client facilities,” Gostling said.
As an employer, C&I seeks team members who are responsible, eager to learn and embrace challenges with a forward-thinking mindset. Recruits are expected to prioritize team success, demonstrate adaptability, and contribute to an environment that fosters growth and authenticity. C&I looks for candidates who are motivated to continuously improve their skills and are excited to take on diverse and complex projects across various industries.
C&I offers a variety of opportunities for career advancement. Associates are encouraged to pursue professional certifications, such as becoming a licensed professional engineer or earning a Project Management Professional (PMP) designation. The company also promotes career growth through its Subject Matter Expert (SME) program and other professional development initiatives. With seven locations across the U.S., C&I provides opportunities for relocation and exploration of new markets, further enhancing career advancement potential within the organization.
At C&I, employees are offered a range of unique office perks that contribute to its vibrant company culture.
“Our company culture is evident every day in our offices and is displayed through company-sponsored events such as golf leagues, intramural sports teams, social gatherings, holiday parties, charitable volunteering, and employee recognition programs,” Gostling said.
Additionally, C&I’s robust benefits package includes tuition reimbursement, a wellness program, 401(k) matching, and the aforementioned Employee Stock Ownership Plan.
C&I prioritized work-life balance by offering flexible work schedules and remote work options that allow associates to manage their professional and personal commitments effectively. The company recognizes the importance of well-being and encourages employees to take advantage of their allotted paid time off. This empathetic approach helps create a supportive atmosphere where associates feel empowered to maintain an healthy balance between their work responsibilities and personal lives, ultimately contributing to higher job satisfaction and productivity. By fostering an understanding environment, C&I Engineering ensures that its team members can thrive both professionally and personally.
“The company is empathetic to the challenges of work-life balance,” Gostling said.
C&I Engineering is an exceptional place to work, offering a dynamic blend of professional growth, collaborative culture, and personal support. With its employee-owned structure, robust benefits, and commitment to innovations, C&I provides an environment where team members are both challenged and valued. The company’s dedication to mentorship, career advancement, and work-life balance ensures that associates succeed. At C&I, the team truly embodies the idiom “building bridges, not walls” –creating connections with clients, colleagues, and communities while delivering engineering excellence every step of the way.
“I intend to stay with C&I for as long as I can. I feel like my professional skills are valued here and they encourage me to continue to grow,” according to an employee testimonial on Indeed.com. “The work-life balance here is great due to the optional four-day work weeks and work-from-home days on Mondays and Fridays. My coworkers are supportive, interesting, and very skilled at what they do. I’d recommend C&I to anyone!”
C&I Engineering was also awarded The Cultural Excellence Awards for Employee Appreciation and Employee Well-Being.