Employee Testimonials

“Neel-Schaffer was my No. 1 choice because the company reflects my interests and goals. Neel-Schaffer values diversity, community, and growth. After interning, I realized this company could help me advance my career to the next level.”

Justice Moran – Graduate Engineer

Madison, MS – Joined Neel-Schaffer in 2021

“If you want to feel like a statistic, this company will not be a good fit for you. Neel-Schaffer has elected great leaders who value all employees and the reputation of the company. In my first year I’ve had the chance to work in different parts of the state, and have been given more freedom and responsibility than you may find in other companies. It’s exciting to think about how our work supports the community, and I know the future is bright for Neel-Schaffer.”

William Axson, EIT - Civil Engineer

Columbia, SC - Joined Neel-Schaffer in 2017

“I have enjoyed working on a large variety of projects: Residential, commercial, industrial, and public. It is very satisfying to work as team to solve a difficult design problem. Since my start with Neel-Schaffer I have experienced challenges in all types of projects, and our team has done an excellent job in meeting those challenges.”

Matt Keeney - Structural Engineer

Tuscaloosa, AL - Joined Neel-Schaffer in 2017

“I began at Neel-Schaffer in November 2008 after working in another state. I wanted to move home to Mississippi, and the Neel-Schaffer family welcomed me with open arms.  Since my return, I’ve started a family and have been able to work on a variety of exciting projects for my hometown as well as others. Neel-Schaffer encourages growth through training and/or professional development for all employees. I look forward to many more challenges and opportunities as I continue my career with this great company.”

Richie Ashley, PE - Project Manager

Biloxi, MS - Joined Neel-Schaffer in 2008

“One thing that attracted me to Neel-Schaffer was the company’s excellent reputation among federal, state and local agencies, as well as among its peers. I am impressed by the level of expertise and the support from all the employees to ensure the success on various client’s projects. From the start, I found that there is a family atmosphere that desires the best for every member. I am looking forward to many years to come with such a great company.”

Michael Morris, PE - Senior Project Manager

Nashville, TN - Joined Neel-Schaffer in 2016

“When I joined Neel-Schaffer in 2007, I left a small firm of 20 employees after 11 years to join a much larger staff. Making that move and leaving that comfort zone was not easy for me, but that challenge enabled me to grow as a professional and as a person. We have a diverse group of professionals with the expertise needed to handle all types of civil engineering projects, big or small. I never had those resources readily available to support me before. That team effort allows me to provide clients with a variety of services to satisfy needs.”

John Cunningham, PE - Starkville Engineer Manager

Starkville, MS - Joined Neel-Schaffer in 2007

“As I look back over my 30 years with Neel-Schaffer, I find it quite rewarding to know how far the Neel-Schaffer family has grown. I started as Planning Intern in the Hattiesburg (MS) office in 1988 as a student at the University of Southern Mississippi, and I watched us grow from a 40-person firm to a much larger one, providing a variety of professional services. The key to our success has been by hiring and developing people with a strong sense of community, with a desire to provide quality work to clients we serve each day. Thank you, Neel-Schaffer, for allowing me to grow my career by moving my family to the Mississippi Gulf Coast in 1999. Our Gulf Coast office provides service to what has become one of the company’s top municipal clients, the City of Biloxi. I am excited to see what the future holds.”

Craig High - Senior Planner

Biloxi, MS - Joined Neel-Schaffer in 1989

“When I joined Neel-Schaffer, I quickly realized that this employer was everything I had hoped for in a work place environment.  Neel-Schaffer is very team oriented and committed to helping our community.  The benefits are great and the employees are like family to me.  As a mother of three, I am very grateful for Neel-Schaffer and their ability to accommodate their employees when family time is needed.  I plan to spend the rest of my career with my Neel-Schaffer family.”

Andrea Patt - Administrative Services Manager

Baton Rouge, LA - Joined Neel-Schaffer in 1999

“As a recent addition to the Neel-Schaffer team, I get to work with many experienced professionals on  a variety of transportation projects, which is exactly what I hoped for when I started this job. I have gained so much valuable experience during my first year here. The office also provides flexibility for my work-life balance. I am looking forward to furthering my career while becoming a part of the family at Neel-Schaffer.”

Mai Nguyen, PE - Engineer

Baton Rouge, LA - Joined Neel-Schaffer in 2015

“When I joined Neel-Schaffer, I was excited by the prospect of working with a team of experienced and talented professionals.  I can honestly say that my expectations have been exceeded and I have been given the opportunity to grow as an engineer in ways that I could not have imagined.  I have gained so much experience on the projects that I have worked on and I look forward to continuing to grow with Neel-Schaffer.”

Ellen Burke Howard, PE, PTOE - Engineer

Baton Rouge, LA - Joined Neel-Schaffer in 2014

“In the 15-plus years I have been employed at Maptech, I have been afforded opportunities to further my professional career that I would not expect to have received at any other organization.  These opportunities have provided me with the necessary experience and confidence to perform at a level greater than I could have ever imagined.  God has blessed me and my family by being surrounded with individuals who work for an organization that encourages good sound family and professional values.  I am extremely grateful for my achievements, but they are not my own.  I believe the only thing that limits my continued growth is myself.”

Chris Pesnell, PS, CFedS - Surveyor

Pearl, MS - Joined Maptech in 2000

“My journey with Neel-Schaffer started over 20 years ago when I met Mr. Neel for the first time at Mississippi State University when he presented me with the Neel-Schaffer scholarship. I knew then I wanted to work for his company. I was offered the opportunity to join the Neel-Schaffer team in 1999 and have never regretted my decision to come aboard. Throughout my career here, I have enjoyed working on a variety of transportation projects as well as expanded my network throughout the transportation community. Most importantly, I love the work atmosphere! Neel-Schaffer treats its employees like family and I’m truly blessed to be a part of this phenomenal family. I look forward to finishing out my career as a Transportation Engineer with this company.”

Theresa Carter, PE - Transportation Engineer

Birmingham, AL - Joined Neel-Schaffer in 1999

“Over the past 15-plus years with Neel-Schaffer, I’ve had the opportunity to assist both public and private clients in achieving their project goals. Neel-Schaffer helps the communities in which we live and work, and that do-the-right-thing attitude impressed me from the beginning. Though we are a for-profit company, emphasis is always given first to the public, client, and employee. Employee’s achievements are always appreciated and rewarded appropriately. I am glad that I made the choice to come work for Neel-Schaffer.”

Vijay Kunada, PE, PTP, PTOE - Engineer Manager

Lafayette, LA - Joined Neel-Schaffer in 2006

“More than 20 years ago, as a freshman in college with ambitions of becoming a math teacher, I took a part-time position with Neel-Schaffer in Laurel (MS) as an administrative assistant. After a few months working alongside a great group of engineers I was encouraged to pursue a degree in civil engineering. I was offered a position with Neel-Schaffer as an engineer intern in Columbus (MS) after completing my education. During now more than 20 years with the firm, I have worked in three Neel-Schaffer locations, which has afforded me the opportunity to have several outstanding mentors. I have come full circle in that I now practice engineering and manage the office in Laurel, where it all started. Through college, marriage, starting a family and pursuing my career, Neel-Schaffer has been much more than just an employer.”

Mandy Hegwood, PE - Engineer Manager

Laurel, MS - Joined Neel-Schaffer in 1997

“I relocated to Mississippi from New Jersey in 2012, and the team at Neel-Schaffer could not have been more accommodating. They really went out of their way to help me feel like I was joining a new family, not leaving one behind. Working at Neel-Schaffer has been extremely rewarding and I look forward to the different challenges that land on my desk every day.”

Chris Trebisky, PE, PS, PP, LEED - Civil Engineer/Project Manager

Madison, MS - Joined Neel-Schaffer in 2012

“I came to Neel-Schaffer more than 15 years ago looking to diversify my workload. Since that time, I have been given opportunities to work on a wide variety of projects and to interact with many of our clients. I am thankful to my managers for continuously providing ways for me to obtain the training I need to do new tasks. They also generously support my continuing education and active participation in professional organizations. I truly appreciate all of the amazing opportunities that I have been given during my time at Neel-Schaffer!”

Becky Rogers, PE, PTP - Transportation Engineer

Birmingham, AL - Joined Neel-Schaffer in 2006

“During my time with Neel-Schaffer I have worked with many wonderful individuals who will go the extra mile to help you out. The thing that stands out the most for me is the willingness of our employees to give you a helping hand no matter which office they might be in. Many individuals – One team.”

Jorge D. Ferrer - CAD Manager

Maitland, FL – Joined Neel-Schaffer in 2009

Quote Mark

Working for Neel-Schaffer is not just a job. It’s a career – or even more than that: “One of the most valuable experiences while working here is feeling like part of a big family.”

Career Opportunities

Welcome, and thank you for stopping by to check out the variety of employment opportunities we offer around the Southeast. Orlando, Dallas, New Orleans and Nashville are just a few of the cities in which we operate.

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Minority Scholarship Program

Neel-Schaffer established a minority scholarship program for engineering students in 1990 and has since awarded more than $300,000 in scholarships to students across the Southeast. The first recipient of the Neel-Schaffer minority scholarship...

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Internships

Neel-Schaffer offers a variety of internship opportunities in various departments and locations around the Southeast. Often, our interns work hand-in-hand on major projects with experienced professionals...

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