Stantec is an international design, engineering and consulting firm headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, delivering services across infrastructure, buildings, water, environment and energy sectors. The company provides architecture, engineerin...
"I enjoy the sense of purpose here — projects have real community impact." That is a common line you will hear from colleagues. Many staff describe their experiences in a candid, friendly way: you will find supportive teammates, strong technical peers, and people who care about sustainability and design quality. At the same time, some employees say it can feel bureaucratic at times and that workload can spike around project deadlines. Overall, these voices paint a picture of a company where collaboration matters and where "working at Stantec" often means doing meaningful, visible work.
The company culture at Stantec balances professional delivery with community-minded values. There is a clear emphasis on safety, ethical work, and environmental responsibility, and many teams embed those values into day-to-day decisions. You will notice a consultative environment where technical excellence and client service are prioritized. Formal processes and a matrix structure can slow some decisions, but they also create consistency across global teams. In short, the company culture at Stantec is project-focused, mission-driven, and collaborative.
Work-life balance at Stantec varies by role and region. Many employees say they appreciate flexible scheduling and the ability to work remotely when needed, which helps with family and personal commitments. At the same time, project-based work sometimes leads to long hours during critical phases. If you value predictability, you will likely find some roles more steady than others; if you do project delivery, be prepared for busier periods. Overall, work-life balance at Stantec is reasonable but tied to project cycles.
Job security is moderate to strong for most employees. The firm serves a broad client base across infrastructure, water, and buildings, which spreads risk. However, as with any large consultancy, there are times of restructuring or regional adjustments tied to market conditions. Employees with in-demand technical skills, professional licenses, and strong client relationships will find the most stability. There is a structured approach to performance management and workforce planning.
Leadership is generally experienced and technically competent, with an emphasis on strategic growth and sustainability. Senior leaders communicate company priorities through regular updates and town halls. Management style can vary across regions and business lines; some leaders are praised for transparency and mentorship, while others are seen as more risk-averse. The executive team has a long-term view and invests in integrating acquisitions, though that integration sometimes creates short-term management complexity.
Managers tend to receive mixed but constructive reviews. Many managers are described as supportive, technically savvy, and focused on team development. There are accounts of managers who provide clear expectations and good feedback loops. Conversely, some employees report uneven managerial experience where autonomy is limited or priorities shift quickly. If you join, your immediate manager will greatly shape your day-to-day experience.
Training and development are clear priorities. There are organized technical trainings, leadership courses, and tuition assistance programs for continued education. Mentorship programs and on-the-job learning are common, and the company supports professional licensing and certifications. Learning paths are available for both technical and leadership tracks, and you will be encouraged to grow your skillset through internal and external programs.
Opportunities for promotions exist but are often competitive. The firm offers dual career ladders (technical and managerial), which helps employees progress without forcing them into people management. Promotion timelines can be influenced by business needs and budget cycles, so advancement can be steady rather than rapid. High performers who build client relationships and demonstrate leadership will have the best promotion prospects.
Salaries are generally market-competitive and vary by discipline and geography. Typical approximate ranges (USD) are:
Bonuses and incentives are tied to performance and business results. There are performance-based bonuses, project incentives, and sometimes profit-sharing or equity elements for senior staff. Bonus eligibility and amounts vary by level and region. High performers who contribute to client growth or key projects may see meaningful incentive pay.
Health and insurance benefits are robust and standard for large professional firms. Plans typically include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability coverage. There are wellness programs and employee assistance programs to support physical and mental health. Benefit details and employer contributions vary by country and local office, but benefits are generally competitive.
Engagement is supported through town halls, team retreats, community volunteer days, and professional networks. There are affinity groups and internal events that foster connection and professional networking. Employees often praise volunteer and community engagement initiatives as highlights of their employer experience.
Remote work support is established with collaboration tools, cloud platforms, and flexible policies. Many roles are hybrid-friendly, and distributed teams are common. The company invests in IT and collaboration infrastructure so remote team members can contribute effectively. There may be regional differences in formal remote-work policies, so it is useful to confirm expectations with your team.
Average working hours are around 40 hours per week for many roles, with seasonal or project-driven increases to 45–55 hours during critical phases. Some roles, particularly client-facing or senior project leadership, will require additional availability for client meetings and deliverable deadlines.
Attrition is moderate and reflects industry norms for consulting and engineering firms. Like many global professional services companies, there have been periodic restructures and targeted layoffs tied to market shifts or post-acquisition integration. Overall, the firm aims for stability and retains many long-tenured employees, especially those in specialized technical roles.
Overall, this is a solid employer for professionals who value meaningful infrastructure work, technical growth, and a mission-driven environment. The company offers competitive pay, good benefits, and clear development programs. There are trade-offs around bureaucracy and project-driven hours, but for many, the positives outweigh the negatives. On balance, the company rates around 4.0 out of 5 for career-minded professionals seeking stability, growth, and impactful projects.
Read authentic experiences from current and former employees at Stantec
Supportive leadership, strong portfolio of municipal projects, clear technical standards and mentorship.
Promotion cycles are slow and administrative overhead can be heavy on some projects.
Hands-on field work and great mentorship from senior scientists.
Frequent travel windows and tight reporting deadlines can be exhausting.
Flexible remote schedule, collaborative teams, competitive contractor pay.
Contract roles have limited upward mobility and few long-term benefits.
Good training programs and exposure to varied projects.
Low raise frequency and office politics sometimes get in the way of good work.
Colleagues are supportive; strong focus on diversity and community involvement at Stantec.
Sometimes slow decision-making and extra layers of bureaucracy.
