What Hanson Professional Services Inc. does

Hanson Professional Services Inc. is an employee-owned engineering consulting firm founded in 1954 and headquartered in Springfield, Illinois, delivering full-service engineering, planning, and allied technical services across eight primary verticals: Aviation, DOT/Tollway, Railway, Power, Municipal, Federal, Healthcare, Education, and Industrial. Aviation, surface transportation, railway, and power are the anchor segments, with major clients including the FAA, Illinois DOT, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, BNSF Railway, Ameren, FEMA, and Orlando International Airport. The firm employs approximately 600 staff across 25+ U.S. offices and one Canadian office in Calgary, and reports project work in every U.S. state and internationally.

The firm's delivery stack combines conventional engineering with a technology-enabled workflow that includes CAD, BIM, GIS, drone-based surveying under an FAA exemption (granted 2015), mobile LiDAR, 3D laser scanning, and digital twin modeling. Its proprietary Decision Optimization Technology (DOT) is government asset management and capital planning software commercialized through the DOT-US joint venture with Ontario-based Infrastructure Solutions Inc. (formed 2021). Internal groups such as the Design Technology Group embed CAD, BIM, and GIS specialists across projects, while SkySpark analytics support monitoring-based commissioning and BridgeWatch supports flood-event bridge monitoring.

Hanson's revenue is generated primarily through fee-for-service engineering and consulting engagements, supplemented by licensing revenue from DOT. Engagements are scoped and priced per project under long, government procurement-aligned sales cycles (RFQ/RFP). Disclosed gross revenue reached $145.8 million in 2024, up from $100.6 million when the firm first crossed the $100M threshold in 2020, and the company is ranked No. 182 on the 2025 ENR Top 500 Design Firms list. The company has pursued growth through sustained tuck-in M&A, including Naismith Engineering (2016, Texas), Engineered Rail Solutions (2017, rail), and Amherst Consulting (2021, aviation/Florida), and is positioning for advanced air mobility (AAM) and vertiport planning via partnerships with UrbanV, Electra Aero, Regent, BETA Technologies, and Signature Aviation.

Name

Hanson Professional Services Inc.

Legal name

Hanson Professional Services Inc.

Website

https://hanson-inc.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1954

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Hanson Professional Services Inc. is an employee-owned engineering consulting firm founded in 1954, serving government and commercial clients across aviation, transportation, railway, power, municipal, and industrial infrastructure markets in the U.S. and Canada.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Engineering Consulting Services

NAICS

Engineering Services (541330), Environmental Consulting Services (54162)

SIC

Services-Engineering Services (8711)

akta.pro primary industry

Civil & Structural Engineering Consulting (BPAHAIAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Infrastructure Planning, Capital Programs & Project Delivery Offices (PMOs) (BPAIALAJ), Instrumentation, Controls & Automation Engineering Consulting (BPAHAIAM)

Keywords

• Engineering consulting services
• Airport engineering
• Infrastructure design
• Asset management software
• Railway engineering

Headquarters

HQ city

Springfield

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices30 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Engineering and Consulting Services: Hanson generates revenue primarily through fee-for-service engineering, planning, and allied consulting engagements. Projects span infrastructure design, construction support, program management, and technical advisory across aviation, transportation, power, water, and other sectors. Revenue is project-based with long sales cycles tied to government procurement cycles.
2. Proprietary Software (DOT): Revenue from licensing and deployment of the Decision Optimization Technology (DOT) government asset management and capital planning software through the DOT-US partnership with Infrastructure Solutions Inc. Software supports pavement, wastewater, and multi-asset management for municipal and government clients.
3. Grant Application and Administration Services: Hanson provides grant writing, application development, and grant administration services for municipal and aviation clients seeking federal and state funding. Revenue earned as a professional service component within broader project engagements.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Hanson Professional Services Inc. is a full-service civil engineering consulting firm providing engineering, planning, and allied technical services to government agencies and private-sector clients across aviation, transportation, railway, power, water, geotechnical, structural, and industrial disciplines. The firm delivers the full project lifecycle from planning and design through construction support and long-term asset management, augmented by its proprietary Decision Optimization Technology (DOT) software for government asset management and capital planning.

Product overview

Hanson Professional Services Inc. is an employee-owned engineering and consulting firm offering a comprehensive portfolio of services centered around its proprietary Decision Optimization Technology (DOT) software platform for asset management and capital planning, complemented by a Design Technology Group providing CAD, BIM, and GIS workflows. The firm's core offerings include engineering services across aviation, building structural, civil sitework, geostructural, MEP, power, railway, surface transportation, sustainability, water, and environmental disciplines, supported by technology-enabled capabilities in data collection (drones, 3D laser scanning, mobile LiDAR), geospatial tools, and digital twin solutions. The SMART Airports initiative represents a market-specific technology offering. The technology-based approach integrates these tools and methodologies across all project delivery to promote data continuity, integrity, and long-term value for clients.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Decision Optimization Technology (DOT): Proprietary asset management and capital planning software offered through DOT-US partnership
• SMART Airports
• Design Technology Group

Products and services

• Decision Optimization Technology (DOT) Proprietary government asset management and capital planning software that supports lifecycle decision-making, asset optimization, and strategic planning for infrastructure assets such as pavement, wastewater, and multi-asset portfolios for municipal and government clients.
• Asset Management and Technology Services Four-step asset management process encompassing data collection and inventory, geospatial tools, decision support, and software integrations with advisory services for operational and change management, delivered to government and municipal clients.
• Engineering and Consulting Services Portfolio
• SMART Airports
• Data Collection Services
• Grant Application and Administration Services
• Program Management Services
• Commissioning and Energy Services

Quantifiable outcome

• $145.8 million gross revenue in 2024
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers16 records

Segments9 records

Ideal customer profiles7 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability5 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• UrbanVcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026UrbanV is a vertiport developer and partner in Hanson's advanced air mobility (AAM) ecosystem. Hanson collaborates with UrbanV on vertiport planning, infrastructure strategy, and AAM deployment support for airports.
• Signature AviationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Signature Aviation (fixed-base operator) is a key partner in Hanson's advanced air mobility ecosystem. Hanson supports airports in coordinating with Signature on AAM infrastructure deployment, particularly at Orlando International Airport where Signature operates FBOs.
• Electra AerocoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Electra Aero is an eVTOL aircraft manufacturer and AAM partner. Hanson collaborates on vertiport planning and infrastructure readiness for Electra's aircraft operations.
• Regent (Regent Craft)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Regent is a seaglider/eVTOL manufacturer and AAM partner. Hanson works with Regent on waterfront and coastal airport AAM infrastructure planning.
• BETA TechnologiescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026BETA Technologies is an eVTOL aircraft manufacturer. At Orlando International Airport, BETA conducted real-world AAM operations (up to nine legs per day, 36-minute turn times, $16.80 per leg energy cost, 100% dispatch reliability) with Hanson's airport planning support.
• Infrastructure Solutions Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Hanson entered a U.S.-based partnership called Decision Optimization Technology–United States (DOT–US) with Ontario, Canada-based Infrastructure Solutions Inc. to deliver the DOT government asset management and capital planning software. This is a strategic co-development and distribution partnership for Hanson proprietary software.
• Amherst Consulting Co. LLCcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Hanson acquired Amherst Consulting Co. LLC, a full-service engineering consulting firm in Maitland, Florida, that focuses on aviation planning, programming, design, and construction contract administration services.
• Maurer-Stutz Inc.minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017Hanson and Maurer-Stutz Inc. recognized by ACEC Illinois with an Honor Award for a water control system at Emiquon Preserve. Also collaborated on ASCE Project of the Year award for the Emiquon project.
• Engineered Rail Solutions LLCcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017Hanson acquired Engineered Rail Solutions LLC, a McHenry, Illinois-based firm that provides logistical and market analysis, engineering design services, and operational improvements, especially in the rail and material handling industries nationwide. Originally formed strategic alliance in 2016, fully acquired in 2017.
• Engineered Rail Solutions LLCcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2016Hanson formed a strategic alliance with Engineered Rail Solutions LLC, a McHenry, Ill.-based firm providing logistical and market analysis, engineering design services, and operational improvements in the rail and material handling industries. Later fully acquired in 2017.
• Naismith Engineering Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2016Hanson acquired Corpus Christi, Texas-based Naismith Engineering Inc., expanding its Texas presence and adding specialized engineering capabilities in the region.
• Bowen Civil Engineering Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2013Bowen Civil Engineering Inc. joined Hanson, expanding the company's civil and transportation engineering services and establishing an office in Jacksonville, Florida.
• ParsonsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2011Hanson-Parsons joint venture selected by the Illinois Department of Transportation to perform a Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement for the Chicago to St. Louis High-Speed Rail corridor.
• MEA Group Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2007Hanson acquired MEA Group Inc. in Sarasota, Florida, to expand its aviation market as well as promote its other services in other geographic areas. Sarasota office remains a key Florida hub.
• Tryck Nyman & Hayes Inc.minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2006Hanson and Tryck Nyman & Hayes Inc. formed TNH-Hanson LLC to accommodate work for a $20 million realignment project for Alaska Railroad Corp. The joint venture enabled combined expertise for Alaska-based railroad engineering projects.
• Wilson & Company Inc.minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2006Hanson, in a joint venture with Wilson & Company Inc., provided design engineering services for Union Pacific Railroad's $83 million, 260-acre intermodal terminal in Salt Lake City.
• Kenneth Balk & AssociatescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2000Hanson acquired Kenneth Balk & Associates, giving Hanson a St. Louis regional office, expanding the company's transportation services in the St. Louis metro area and Missouri, and adding specialized hydrographic surveying capability.
• BARC GroupminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1997The acquisition of the BARC Group in Wayne, New Jersey, expanded Hanson's telecommunications capabilities.
• Ralph Hahn and AssociatescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1997Hanson merged with Springfield, Illinois-based Ralph Hahn and Associates, adding architectural, mechanical and electrical engineering services and office locations in the Orlando region and West Palm Beach, Florida.
• Shannon & Wilson Inc.minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1988The joint-venture association of Hanson Shannon & Wilson Inc. was formed to pursue nuclear and other special multidiscipline projects.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Kimley-Horn: Private, employee-owned (ESOP) multi-discipline engineering consulting firm. Similar model: multi-market (aviation, transportation, development, energy), project-based professional services, top-tier internship/employer brand. Highly comparable operating model and culture to Hanson.
• Michael Baker International: Engineering consulting firm with deep transportation, rail, aviation, water and federal practices. Strongest overlap in rail and DOT engineering, and a comparable full-service consulting model (though larger and publicly held).
• Mead & Hunt: Privately held employee-owned engineering and architecture firm headquartered in Middleton, Wisconsin, with aviation, transportation, water, and power practices. Closest in size, ownership structure, vertical mix, and Midwest geographic overlap.
• Clark Dietz: Illinois-based engineering consulting firm with transportation, water/wastewater, environmental, and municipal practices. Direct Midwest geographic peer with overlapping client base (IDOT, Illinois municipalities).
• MSA Professional Services: Mid-size employee-owned engineering, architecture, and planning firm focused on municipal, transportation, water, and parks/recreation infrastructure in the Upper Midwest. Comparable size, private ownership, and public-sector client mix.
• Crawford, Murphy & Tilly: Midwest-based (Illinois-headquartered) engineering consulting firm covering aviation, transportation, water, and environmental markets. Comparable size and aviation/transportation market overlap with Hanson.
• Bolton & Menk: Employee-owned Midwest-based (Minnesota) engineering and planning firm serving municipal, transportation, water, and aviation clients. Strongly comparable ownership model and regional market overlap.

Broad incumbents

• Stantec: Global engineering, architecture, and environmental services firm. Overlaps with Hanson across infrastructure, water, and aviation markets at much larger scale.
• HDR Inc. Large employee-owned (before 2022 transition) global engineering, architecture, and consulting firm with deep transportation, water, and aviation practices. Competes with Hanson across all primary markets but at much greater scale.
• Jacobs Solutions: Global professional services firm with significant transportation, water, aviation and federal engineering practices. Competes with Hanson for FAA, USACE, and DOT contracts but at multi-billion scale.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/playlist?list=PL4JahDA0go8r-jmzB61wmki6URbmgz6jR
• Xx.com/hanson1954
• Facebookfacebook.com/hanson-professional-services-inc-119667132848
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/116552

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles23 records

Subsidiaries11 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Hanson Professional Services Inc.