Performance Engineering continues to gain national attention for combining rapid growth with a people-first workplace culture, earning two prestigious 2025 awards from the Zweig Group: Best Firms to Work For and Hot Firm.
The Montana-based civil engineering firm was recognized as one of the 100 fastest-growing Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) firms in the U.S. and Canada with the Hot Firm award, while also earning a spot on the Best Firms to Work For list for the second consecutive year — a reflection of its strong internal culture and employee satisfaction.
“From the beginning, we wanted Performance Engineering to be a place where people could thrive — where they’re excited to come to work, feel ownership in what they’re building, and know they’re making a difference,” said Scott Aspenlieder, Co-Founder and Principal. “We’ve grown quickly, but we’ve done so with intention — staying grounded in our values, investing in relationships, and never losing sight of why we started this firm.”
Founded in Montana, Performance Engineering provides a comprehensive suite of services across the Rocky Mountain West, including civil engineering, surveying, and construction management. The firm has distinguished itself not only by its expanding client base but also by its unwavering focus on its team.
Zweig’s Best Firms to Work For award evaluates firms based on employee engagement and corporate practices, using the industry’s largest dataset — more than two million data points annually — to assess workplace culture.
“Being named a Best Firm to Work For two years in a row means the world to us,” Aspenlieder added. “We’ve always believed that if you take care of your people, they’ll take care of your clients — and this award is a reflection of that commitment.”
The Hot Firm award recognizes companies that have demonstrated exceptional financial performance and growth, with criteria including revenue milestones and percentage of income derived from core AEC services.
“We’re proud of where we are today, but we’re even more excited about where we’re headed,” said Craig Dalton, Co-Founder and Principal. “We’ll keep pushing to innovate, expand, and deliver the best possible results for our clients and communities.”
Dalton emphasized that Performance Engineering’s success is driven by its people: “This is a place where you can do meaningful work and grow your career, while being part of a team that truly values you. We’re always looking for talented, motivated individuals who share our values and want to help shape the future of engineering in Montana and beyond.”
By: DNU staff