Jacobs earns 18 No.1 rankings across Engineering News-Record’s full 2026 market review
After ranking No. 1 overall in Engineering News-Record’s (ENR) Top 500 Design Firms preview earlier this year, Jacobs has now earned No. 1 rankings in 17 market categories, according to the full market review published this month. Together, these results give Jacobs a total of 18 No. 1 rankings across ENR's full 2026 market review.
Jacobs’ No. 1 rankings across data centers, semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, airports, water treatment and other categories reflect our central position in today’s major growth trends, from the capital-intensive artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure buildout to growing demand for novel drugs and therapies and widespread critical infrastructure modernization.
In Data Centers, Jacobs’ significant lead reflects both a decades-long leading market presence and a fast-growing pipeline amid the rapid expansion of AI computing infrastructure. Jacobs’ data center factored gross profit pipeline was more than three times the prior-year level as of July 27, 2026, with opportunities extending into 2028.
In Semiconductors, Jacobs’ top ranking reflects our global presence and 30-year relationships in the design and engineering of complex, large-scale chip manufacturing facilities that are critical to powering today’s most advanced technologies. Jacobs has designed more than half of major greenfield fabrication plants (fabs) across the United States, Europe and the Middle East, and has worked with companies including Intel and Micron. ENR previously recognized a Jacobs-designed fab as its 2025 Project of the Year.
In Airports, Jacobs ranked No. 1 for the second consecutive year. As air travel demand puts pressure on aging infrastructure, passenger flow and operational performance, Jacobs is working with owners and operators across the airport lifecycle to plan and deliver infrastructure that expands capacity, improves passenger experience and supports long-term resilience. Jacobs is currently delivering solutions at more than 150 airports globally.
Jacobs ranked No. 1 in a range of Water sector subcategories, including Sanitary and Storm Sewers, Sewer and Waste, Wastewater Treatment, and Water Treatment – Desalination Plants, reflecting the company’s global solutions across the full water cycle and complete asset lifecycle. Jacobs operates and maintains more than 300 water systems and facilities in North America and delivers large-scale programs such as Thames Tideway Tunnel, the United Kingdom’s largest-ever water infrastructure project.
In Pharmaceuticals, Jacobs’ top position builds on a legacy in Life Sciences dating back to the company’s founding in 1947. Today, as breakthrough treatments are quickly moving from research to commercialization and global demand for new therapies rises, Jacobs plans, designs and delivers specialized pharmaceutical and biotechnology facilities.
Full list of No. 1 rankings in ENR full 2026 review:
- No. 1 overall, Top 500 Design Firms
- No. 1 Aerospace
- No. 1 Airports
- No. 1 Auto Plants
- No. 1 Data Centers
- No. 1 Electronic Assembly
- No. 1 Government Offices
- No. 1 Health Care
- No. 1 Manufacturing
- No. 1 Pharmaceuticals
- No. 1 Pulp & Paper
- No. 1 Sanitary and Storm Sewers
- No. 1 Semiconductors
- No. 1 Sewer and Waste
- No. 1 Solar Power
- No. 1 Telecommunications
- No. 1 Wastewater Treatment
- No. 1 Water Treatment, Desalination Plants
Other notable rankings:
- No. 2 Bridges (improved from No. 4)
- No. 2 Industrial Process
- No. 2 Marine & Port Facilities
- No. 2 Mass Transit & Rail
- No. 2 Transportation
- No. 2 Water Transmission Lines and Aqueducts
- No. 2 Wind Power
- No. 3 General Building
- No. 3 Highways
- No. 3 Water
- No. 3 Water Supply
Widely considered the industry benchmark, ENR’s annual list ranks the 500 largest U.S.-based design firms, both publicly and privately held, based on design-specific revenue in a wide variety of sectors and markets.
Read the full review and rankings (ENR subscription required): ENR 0706 2026 Top 500 Design Firms Review
