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May 1, 2026
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Jacobs ranked No.1 in Engineering News-Record’s (ENR) 2026 Top 500 Design Firms list. Widely considered the industry benchmark, the annual list ranks the 500 largest U.S.-based designs firms, both publicly and privately held, based on design-specific revenue.
“Our clients are navigating a convergence of challenges, from the rapid, large-scale buildout of artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure, economic and geopolitical disruption to rising global demand for new drugs and therapies,” says Jacobs Chair and CEO Bob Pragada. “It reflects what we see clients across our industry need: a trusted advisor for end-to-end solutions, from planning and shaping their capital programs through delivery of their most complex projects and assets.”
In an analysis of the rankings, ENR pointed to an expected $1.75 trillion in AI-related infrastructure spending that’s driving growth. Speaking on CNBC’s “Mad Money” in March, Bob called Jacobs’ work in data centers — which jumped 62.2 percent, surging our project pipeline by 500 percent — a "real growth engine" for the company.
Jacobs' top ranking reflects our leadership position in managing major infrastructure programs across diverse sectors. Among the notable projects highlighted in ENR's analysis is Auckland, New Zealand's Central Interceptor wastewater tunnel mega project, which we’ve supported since 2014.
“We find that continuity of long-term client relationships between an owner and their engineering partner, combined with a global approach to design, allows our clients to best meet ambitious goals,” says Jacobs President Patrick Hill. “We’ve long helped our clients anticipate future growth and change in regulation, technology and population. There’s an increasing focus on climate extremes, resilience and meeting higher community expectations.”
“Completing the acquisition of PA Consulting marked a step change this year, bringing strategy, digital and delivery closer together,” says Jacobs President Shannon Miller. “Our biggest success is the impact we’re delivering by enabling clients to make better decisions earlier, move faster and create more resilient outcomes for the communities they serve.”
Jacobs also ranked strongly across multiple sector subcategories:
Top Rankings:
- No.1 Manufacturing
- No.1 Sewer and Waste
- No.1 Telecommunications
Top 3 Rankings:
- No.2 in Transportation
- No.2 in Industrial Process
- No.3 in General Building
- No.3 in Water
Read the full list and analysis (ENR subscription required): ENR 2026 Top 500 Design Firms: AI Boom Buoys Design Revenue | Engineering News-Record
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