2025 Rising Star Award Winner Julie Jacobs, PE
Julie Jacobs, PE
Airfield Engineer | Detroit, MI
Julie Jacobs is a standout leader in her market and a mentor for young professionals nationwide. She is known for her professionalism, preparedness, and ability to make others feel heard. Julie’s commitment to culture-building is unmatched, she’s led dozens of events that unite teams across offices and disciplines. Her work has earned unsolicited praise from top aviation clients, who describe her as a superstar and a true asset to RS&H.
Julie began her career working in roadway engineering. A few years in, she decided to move from Michigan to California. In the time leading up to her move, she found herself reconsidering her career and searching for that next step. She recalls, “Shortly before the move, one of my closest friends, Alex DeHaan, reached out to me to share his experiences at a great company he had chosen in the aviation world. Intrigued, I flew to Los Angeles to meet a team of R&SH employees supporting the West Coast. What was intended to be a quick meet-and-greet turned into a two-hour conversation with Byron Chavez and his team. By the end of the meeting, I knew this was where I wanted to be and who I wanted to work alongside. Without hesitation, I moved to California, started on a new career path, and without knowing it, made a decision that would change my life forever in so many different and amazing ways.” Since then, she’s returned to Michigan, where she supports aviation clients in the Midwest.
Julie says her most accomplished moment in her career thus far is the role she’s played on the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport Runways 9R/27L Reconstruction Project. She recalls, “It’s a complex, high-stakes effort that has challenged every part of my technical and leadership abilities. It has been an incredible journey, filled with unexpected challenges and moments of triumph. There are times when I step back to look at how far we have come and think…this is what growth looks like!” When thinking about career growth, Julie remarked, “The project has taught me resilience, adaptability, and the true power of collaboration. We’re not across the finish line yet, but considering what we’ve achieved, I’m so proud of where we are and even more excited about what’s ahead.”
The Rising Star award recognizes an associate with 10 years or less of industry experience who consistently demonstrates high performance, earns and maintains the respect of peers, and collaborates with teams. Julie thrives on teamwork and believes it’s the heart and soul of our work. She shared, “I’ve learned that the best outcomes stem from creating an environment where every team member’s expertise is valued, incorporated, and encouraged. Teamwork requires mutual respect, accountability to one another, integrity in what we deliver to our customers and each other, and celebration in our collective successes.”
When asked about this award specifically, Julie comments, “Receiving this award means so much to me! It reflects not only my individual efforts but also the collective input of the teams and mentors who have shaped my journey. This award serves as a reminder that growth takes many forms: through experience, by listening and learning, and by helping others succeed. Professionally, this award encourages me to continue to commit to fostering collaboration and maintaining the standards of excellence that define RS&H and who we are.”
Julie recharges her work battery in more ways than one, saying “Anyone who knows me knows I could give Lorelai Gilmore a run for her money when it comes to coffee consumption. However, caffeine isn’t my only recharge strategy.” Depending on the day, Julie likes to jam out to her favorite music in her office, catch up with her team by sharing a few laughs and chatting about what’s happening in everyone’s world. Other times, it’s joining in on smack talk from the various fantasy sports leagues her office plays in. As Julie puts it “Every day looks a little different, but I’ve learned that it’s the small things like good coffee, good music, good conversation that keep me energized and motivated. I’m reminded to appreciate the little moments that make the workday meaningful.”
