Stanley Consultants is a multi-discipline consulting engineering firm with a focus on energy, water, transportation and the environment.

Joined March 2013
“One day I was sitting at my desk in Iowa, and the next I was traveling halfway around the world to support a major project.” What began as a summer internship at Stanley eventually led Jeff Zihlman to an unexpected assignment in the United Arab Emirates that opened the door to a career in federal airfield work. Now a Technical Operations Leader, Jeff shares why some of the best career opportunities are the ones you never planned for. Read the full interview: ow.ly/4AzO50ZWSiI
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Nearly 52 GW of utility-scale battery storage is operating in the U.S. today. Another 54 GW is already planned through 2028. What will it take to bring the next 54 GW online? See what utilities should consider before moving forward with a BESS project: ow.ly/9VOm50ZNvmF
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We have been named an Iowa Top Workplace by @DMRegister for the third year in a row! With roots in Iowa dating back more than a century, we're proud to continue building on our legacy of improving lives while fostering a workplace where employees can grow, contribute and thrive.
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What if your next idea could help a community maintain access to safe water and sanitation during an emergency? Together with CWEEL and AEE, we’ve launched the WASH Innovation Challenge, where we’re seeking innovative, practical solutions that improve water, sanitation and hygiene services for communities facing crises, from natural disasters to infrastructure disruptions. Whether your idea focuses on rapid deployment, disease prevention, energy efficiency, long-term sustainability or improving local capacity, we want to hear it. Submissions close November 9, 2026. View challenge details and submit your concept: ow.ly/26wb50ZVY7P
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A three-peat worth celebrating! Led by President, CEO and Chair Kate Harris, Stanley Consultants has been named a 2026 Women-Led Top Workplace by @WomenInno for the third consecutive year. The award celebrates organizations whose most senior leader is a woman and recognizes the stand-out workplace cultures they have helped build.
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#StanleyProjectSpotlight – Michigan State University added up to 27 MW of flexible generation at its T.B. Simon Power Plant with three new reciprocating engines. We provided engineering and construction support for the $47 million upgrade, integrating new infrastructure into a compact campus site while limiting noise impacts to nearby student housing. Learn more about the project: ow.ly/sLRA50ZSpuF
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Recent public records requests from AI service providers have raised new concerns about water utility operational data. A recent EPA advisory urged utilities to stay vigilant, noting that SCADA logs, flow rates, water quality baselines, storage levels, energy use and equipment run times can reveal how a system behaves. As utilities modernize, regular OT cybersecurity assessments can identify connected assets, risks and potential operational disruptions. ow.ly/BmJe50ZU5eT
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More than 10,000 traffic crashes were recorded in one southwestern community between 2018 and 2024, including 229 fatal or serious injury incidents. But history alone doesn't tell the full story. Our latest blog looks at how road safety analyses can identify risks before crashes occur and inform more strategic safety investments. ow.ly/CqYA50ZPRLB
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#StanleyProjectSpotlight – When the Johnsburg Road bridge in McHenry County, IL, began deteriorating well ahead of its 50-year design life, we were brought in to design the replacement superstructure. When we found that UHPC joints alone would not eliminate cracking above the beam joints, our team designed the replacement with carbon fiber-reinforced polymer wrap beneath the beams to better protect the structure. The solution is expected to double the bridge’s service life and saves an estimated 18 months in delivery. Learn more about the project: ow.ly/Ur0N50ZFS3o
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How can utilities move more power through transmission infrastructure that’s already in place? High-voltage direct current (HVDC) technology could help increase transmission capacity by up to 250% as data center demand rises. Realizing that potential takes careful planning from feasibility and siting to permitting, design and construction. Learn how we're supporting the infrastructure behind grid modernization: ow.ly/ReaI50Z7ZG9
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Stanley Consultants has supported the U.S. Air Force at more than 80 installations worldwide. On the Air Force’s 79th birthday, we celebrate all who serve and support its mission.
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The Wrangell Water Treatment Plant has been named ENR Northwest’s 2026 Best Water/Environment Project in the region. Congratulations to the entire project team and our project partners, @DOWLengineers Learn more about how the plant is Alaska's first to use machine learning: ow.ly/nKjs50ZIPRB
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Battery energy storage system (BESS) design can look very different from one utility to the next. Take a look at how utilities can best approach BESS design, from defining the system’s role to evaluating technology, integration and long-term performance: ow.ly/FCQM50ZLzcQ
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We are hiring across the country, with 70+ open positions spanning a range of disciplines. Find your next opportunity at an employee-owned company: ow.ly/YyKJ50ZCvjX
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Twenty-five years later, the deep memories of September 11, 2001 remain. Today, we honor those who were lost, the brave who risked themselves to save others and the lives that were forever changed. #NeverForget
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#StanleyProjectSpotlight – Central Street is a heavily traveled corridor in Evanston, Illinois, linking the city’s north-side neighborhoods with Northwestern University and Lake Michigan. When the aging bridge over the North Shore Channel reached the end of its service life, we led planning and design for a new single-span bridge. The new design eliminates in-channel supports to further protect aquatic habitat during sensitive fish spawning periods. Traffic and business access were maintained throughout construction, and the project was completed under budget. ow.ly/tAsC50ZmSi7
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#StanleyProjectSpotlight – In Saverton, Missouri, we led the final design for a new fish passage on the Upper Mississippi River. The 500-foot fishway uses 40 boulders weighing five tons each to create changes in elevation and water flow that mimic a natural river channel, giving native fish a route upstream. The design also includes permanent monitoring equipment to track fish movement and inform future restoration efforts along the river. Learn more about the project: ow.ly/hoNq50ZvTRU
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🏆 The Dangerous Cargo Pad and Combat Arms Training and Maintenance Facility at Cannon Air Force Base has been recognized with a 2026 Best Buildings Award from the Associated General Contractors of New Mexico in the Federal & Heavy category. The project supports military readiness with new airfield infrastructure and a modern training facility for base personnel. Learn more: ow.ly/3o7K50ZFQea
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#StanleyProjectSpotlight – In Palm Beach County, we were proud to partner with @MyFDOT to restore and rehabilitate SR-15. Our engineering design services improved safety, accessibility, and connectivity through ADA upgrades, roadway resurfacing, enhanced lighting, updated signing and pavement markings, and new sidewalk connectivity. The pavement design incorporated fiber-reinforced asphalt as part of a pilot effort to boost performance and durability. The project earned recognition with an @FTBAInc Best in Construction Award in the Rural Project category.
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We are proud to be named to @CSEmag's 2026 MEP Giants ranking, which recognizes top firms based on mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineering revenue and showcases some of the industry's most significant projects.
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