A Construction Management Career on the Move with Jacob Martin, PE

October marks Careers in Construction Month, a time to spotlight the diverse opportunities within our industry and the professionals who bring infrastructure projects to life. This month, we sat down with Jacob Martin, PE, Assistant Resident Engineer at RS&H’s Tucson office, to discuss his unique career path and the lessons he has learned along the way. 

Jacob’s journey exemplifies the dynamic nature of construction management careers—from his beginnings as a project engineer in Houston to pioneering RS&H’s first construction management project in Arizona. His story reveals how embracing challenges and seizing opportunities can transform both individual careers and organizational growth. 

What does your current role entail, and how has it evolved during your tenure at RS&H? 

My career has primarily focused on bridge projects, where I’ve balanced technical duties with construction management responsibilities. Over the past five years, I’ve steadily progressed into leadership roles with RS&H. In my current role as Assistant Resident Engineer, I strive to deliver exceptional service to our clients while managing every aspect of a project. I take pride in understanding the details, ensuring that the highest standards are met throughout our work.  

Can you tell us about a pivotal project in your career? 

The main pivotal moment has been coming here to Tucson for the 22nd Street Kino Parkway to Tucson Boulevard project with the City of Tucson. I started with RS&H in Houston, Texas, and had a great experience there. However, for personal reasons, I wanted to be more out West. I explored opportunities with RS&H in Colorado and Arizona, and I felt that Tucson presented the best chance to expand my previous experience. 

It was more challenging and a little uncomfortable, because it involved things I hadn’t done before. It was a valuable opportunity for me to grow both personally and professionally. Although construction hasn’t started yet, this project has already provided numerous opportunities to learn. We’ve done more for our client to get this project going than I’ve ever done before, and it’s allowed me to understand all the background work that goes into a project before construction even begins. 

What has it been like to be part of the first construction management team in Arizona? 

It has been a challenging yet rewarding experience. Entering a new market has provided a unique opportunity to understand the local industry, the people, and the distinct challenges clients face here. Starting from the ground up has allowed me to build foundational knowledge while simultaneously enhancing RS&H’s presence in Arizona. 

What initially drew you to RS&H, and what has kept you here? 

What initially attracted me to RS&H was the people. I knew a handful of individuals who had joined the firm from previous workplaces I’d encountered in my career, each with good recommendations. It’s the people here who have also made me want to stay. 

One of the most remarkable aspects of RS&H is its accessibility across all levels of leadership. I’ve had meaningful conversations with leadership, from our vice presidents to our CEO, Lisa Robert, PE. In many places, such access doesn’t exist. It helps make RS&H feel like a cohesive team. You’re on the same team as the colleagues you work with on projects, all the way to the people leading the firm.  

How has RS&H supported your professional and personal growth? 

I think the word I would use is opportunity. RS&H has helped me grow by providing opportunities to expand my skills, not just move up. For example, the firm allowed me the opportunity to relocate. It’s about increasing your bandwidth as an individual. I’m about to take the Crucial Conversations course, which is one of our internal leadership programs offered. I feel like that’s a great way to expand my skills in working with people and to better serve my team. 

What guidance would you offer someone exploring a construction management career? 

I would say embrace the challenges. In construction management, you may work longer hours or face challenging timeframes. Embracing that is the biggest thing, because these experiences become great learning opportunities that you will use throughout your career. I look back to my first year, or even my time as an intern, and I still use those experiences to deal with certain situations today. 

It’s not always going to be an easy road, but embracing the challenges allows you to learn and adapt, making the path smoother as you continue. I would also advise leaning on trusted people and mentors. Please don’t take it all on by yourself. Reach out to others and seek their advice to tackle those challenges head-on. 

Jacob’s path from project engineer to pioneering new markets illustrates the industry’s capacity for professional growth, geographic mobility, and meaningful client impact. 

The construction industry needs dedicated professionals who can embrace challenges, foster innovation, and build the infrastructure that connects our communities.  

Explore our open positions and discover how you can build your future with RS&H.