RESILIENCE + REINVENTION

Five Years Later - COVID-19’s Lasting Impact on the Engineering Industry

BRETT HILLESHEIM

It started with a trickle—news reports from across the globe of a fast-spreading virus, murmurs of possible disruptions. But in March 2020, the trickle became a flood. Offices closed overnight. Construction sites that had been bustling with activity just days before fell silent. Meetings that once took place in conference rooms were suddenly confined to video calls, and project managers scrambled to assess how to keep work moving forward in a world that seemed to have ground to a halt. For many in the engineering industry, the pandemic was a test of resilience unlike anything they had faced before.

Five years later, the engineering industry continues to grapple with its enduring effects. From supply chain disruptions to accelerated technological adoption, the challenges and innovations spurred by the pandemic have reshaped the profession in lasting ways. While the initial crisis has passed, its lessons remain crucial for navigating the evolving landscape of global engineering.

THE IMMEDIATE SHOCK: A TURNING POINT

When the pandemic struck in early 2020, the engineering sector faced unprecedented disruptions. Construction sites shuttered, supply chains ground to a halt, and projects were delayed indefinitely. According to a 2021 report from the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), nearly 60% of engineering firms experienced significant project delays or cancellations during the first year of the pandemic.

But amidst the challenges came a pivotal realization: the need for resilience. Firms quickly pivoted to remote work environments, leveraging digital collaboration tools and cloud-based platforms to maintain operations. Those early adaptations laid the groundwork for a more agile and connected industry.

Tim Morgan of HNTB recalls, "We were trying to make accommodations and ensure that we had everything in place for remote work with an uncertainty of how long that would last. It was really just that—uncertainty."

Jennifer Etheridge, founder and president of Aulick Engineering, reflected on the uncertainty of those early days: “Almost overnight, things changed, and we knew the future would be different, but there was so much uncertainty about what that meant. However, we had a few things in our favor. Communication was key to us moving forward together as a team.” Her firm’s remote-friendly setup allowed them to transition smoothly and maintain productivity despite the chaos.

ACCELERATED DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

The COVID-19 pandemic was not merely a public health crisis—it was a global stress test for infrastructure, workforce adaptability, and digital transformation. For the civil engineering industry, it forced an abrupt pivot toward remote operations, automation, and data-driven decision-making. Five years later, the tools and technologies hastily implemented for survival have become fundamental pillars of the industry’s new operating model.

Long before 2020, the civil engineering industry was steadily integrating digital tools, but adoption was often slow, fragmented, and dependent on firm-specific initiatives. The pandemic changed that overnight. Suddenly, remote monitoring, predictive maintenance, and digital collaboration tools were not just innovations but necessities.

At the forefront of this shift was the Internet of Things (IoT), which saw an exponential rise in applications for real-time infrastructure monitoring. By embedding sensors into bridges, roads, and utility networks, civil engineers could collect vast amounts of data, detect structural weaknesses early, and predict maintenance needs—all without stepping on-site. Smart Factories also became a game-changer, using IoT and AI-driven analytics to automate manufacturing processes, optimize resource use, and improve supply chain resilience.

Digital twins—virtual replicas of physical infrastructure—emerged as one of the most consequential innovations. Previously seen as an advanced but non-essential tool, digital twins became indispensable during the pandemic. Engineers leveraged these models to inspect assets remotely, simulate stress tests, and optimize urban infrastructure performance in real-time. Today, digital twins are central to infrastructure resilience strategies, especially in smart cities and large-scale transportation networks. According to AtkinsRéalis, an engineering, procurement, and construction services firm, the pandemic accelerated the industry's shift toward digital - “The COVID-19 pandemic paved the way for digital transformation in a range of sectors, particularly as more people became reliant on digital tools for communication.”

This reliance has extended beyond communication. AI-driven design and planning tools are now standard in many firms, allowing engineers to run complex simulations in seconds, optimize materials usage, and reduce waste—an essential advantage as sustainability pressures mount. Five years post-pandemic, hybrid work models and virtual collaboration remain deeply embedded in the industry. Companies have recalibrated their workforce structures, balancing in-office collaboration with remote flexibility. While site visits remain critical, AI-powered drones and remote sensing technologies have minimized the need for constant on-site presence, enhancing safety and efficiency.

This transition has also reshaped the talent pipeline. Etheridge notes that firms now rely on remote collaboration to access expertise nationwide. “Remote collaboration has allowed us to bring together a more experienced team to solve problems, without the significant cost of travel or relocation.”

Yet, this transformation has introduced new challenges. The industry faces a growing labor shortage, exacerbated by early retirements during the pandemic and a declining number of graduates entering civil engineering. This has intensified the reliance on digital tools—not as a replacement for human expertise but as a force multiplier for efficiency and precision.

Tim Morgan, the Georgia/ Alabama Office Leader of HNTB, highlights the unique paradox. “The pandemic left us with the highest demand for infrastructure work in history, but also one of the most challenging labor markets. The need to innovate and collaborate effectively has never been greater.” The pandemic catalyzed a period of forced adaptation that ultimately propelled the industry forward. From AI-enhanced project planning to digital twins guiding infrastructure resilience, civil engineering has entered a data-driven era that is shaping how cities, transportation networks, and utilities are designed, maintained, and optimized.

SUPPLY CHAIN DISRUPTIONS AND RESILIENCE

The COVID-19 pandemic did not simply disrupt global supply chains— it fundamentally reshaped the way engineering firms approach procurement, logistics, and risk management. Five years later, these disruptions continue to reverberate across the industry, influencing everything from material sourcing to project scheduling. What was once seen as a short-term crisis response has now evolved into a long-term strategy: resilience is no longer a goal but a necessity. Before 2020, supply chains in the civil engineering sector operated with a just-in-time efficiency that prioritized cost savings over contingency planning. The pandemic shattered this model, exposing vulnerabilities in raw material sourcing, manufacturing, and transportation. Project delays became the norm as firms struggled to secure critical inputs like steel, concrete, and electronic components.

In response, engineering firms restructured their procurement strategies to mitigate risk. Local sourcing and supplier diversification emerged as critical approaches, reducing dependency on singlesource vendors and distant manufacturers. The adoption of advanced manufacturing techniques, such as 3D printing and prefabrication, gained traction as firms sought more control over production timelines and materials. Despite these adaptations, challenges persist. According to an Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics data, construction input costs have risen by 38.7% compared to pre-pandemic levels. Materials such as iron, steel, and natural gas have seen price spikes exceeding 50%, driven by a combination of global conflicts, rising labor costs, and continued logistical bottlenecks.

While firms have made strides in risk mitigation, some issues remain largely beyond their control. Lead times for critical components have extended dramatically, forcing project managers to adopt new strategies for scheduling and procurement. For instance:

• Electrical switchgear, transformers, and AV components now require 42 to 60 weeks for delivery—significantly impacting infrastructure projects that rely on these essential materials.

• Shipping costs remain volatile, with ongoing port congestion and geopolitical instability adding unpredictability to global freight movements.

• Skilled labor shortages in manufacturing have further slowed production rates, compounding supply chain delays.

Maria Davidson, founder and CEO of Kojo, underscores the importance of strategic planning and proactive procurement in navigating these challenges, “Transportation is an enormous piece of the cost, and having a competitive quote process and tracking system is essential.”

Morgan highlights the necessity of an industry-wide shift in mindset: “The pandemic forced us to rethink not just where we get our materials, but how we build. The resilience strategies we put in place then are now fundamental to how we operate.” The civil engineering sector has always been defined by its ability to adapt to new challenges. Five years after the COVID-19 pandemic began, supply chain resilience is no longer an afterthought—it is a core pillar of project planning and execution. The lessons learned in crisis have reshaped the industry, ensuring that future disruptions, whether economic, geopolitical, or environmental, will be met with greater preparedness and flexibility.

LABOR SHORTAGES AND WORKFORCE CHALLENGES

The pandemic exacerbated existing labor shortages in the construction sector. Factors such as health concerns, quarantine requirements, and travel restrictions led to increased absenteeism and a decline in available skilled labor. A study analyzing COVID-19 test results in Los Angeles found that construction workers had the highest rate of asymptomatic positivity, highlighting the sector's vulnerability.

According to the Associated Builders and Contractors, the construction industry needs to recruit more than half a million workers to meet demand. Nearly 2 million construction workers are expected to leave their jobs in the coming years, creating an ongoing challenge for firms seeking skilled labor. Employers have begun investing in workforce development programs, apprenticeship initiatives, and new recruiting strategies to attract younger professionals to the field.

Morgan emphasizes the importance of in-person collaboration: "One of the big drivers of being together and collaborating is developing young people. You can’t develop people virtually the same way you can when they are in the office, absorbing what’s going on around them."

Jennifer Etheridge of Aulick Engineering noted a cultural shift within her organization as well: “We realized it was time to retire the traditional 8-5 in-office workday, at least for some. People have different needs and strengths, and some are more productive when they have the flexibility to plan their day.” This newfound empathy and adaptability in the workplace, she hopes, will endure long beyond the pandemic.

EMPHASIS ON SUSTAINABLE INFRASTRUCTURE

There is a heightened focus on sustainability within the industry. The pandemic underscored the need for resilient and environmentally friendly infrastructure. Civil engineers are now prioritizing projects that align with green recovery initiatives, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable development. This shift is evident in the increased design of projects to achieve BREEAM status, the industry's standard for environmental assessment.

AtkinsRéalis highlights the critical role of civil engineering in building a greener future. “Civil engineering is one of the defining modes of production that affects the environment and human health,” the company states. With infrastructure accounting for 79% of global greenhouse gas emissions, sustainable practices remain a top priority for civil engineers.

Jennifer Etheridge echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the responsibility of engineers in shaping a greener future: “The pandemic reinforced how interconnected our built environment is with our health and sustainability. We’ve seen a push for more energy-efficient buildings, improved air filtration, and designs that incorporate natural elements to create healthier spaces for communities.”

Many firms have embraced renewable energy sources and innovative construction methods to reduce their environmental footprint. For example, the use of recycled materials in concrete and asphalt has become more widespread, and advancements in carbon capture technology are helping engineers design infrastructure that mitigates emissions from the outset.

ADOPTION OF REMOTE AND FLEXIBLE WORK PRACTICES

The necessity of social distancing measures prompted the industry to adopt remote and flexible work arrangements. While on-site presence remains crucial for certain tasks, many civil engineering firms have embraced hybrid work models, utilizing digital collaboration tools to maintain productivity. This shift has led to increased efficiency and a reevaluation of traditional work practices within the industry.

Etheridge emphasized how this shift changed workplace culture: “We learned to see each other as humans. Suddenly, we were in each other’s homes, managing work while balancing family life. This built a new level of empathy and understanding that continues to shape how we operate.”

AtkinsRéalis emphasizes the role of flexibility in civil engineering’s recovery. “Hybrid and flexible working has become the new normal,” they observe. While on-site work remains essential for managing construction projects, remote options have increased efficiency and

adaptability. To address the challenges faced by new engineers in remote settings, many employers have introduced initiatives to build community and belonging.

A FUTURE BUILT ON LESSONS LEARNED

As the engineering industry looks ahead, the lessons of the pandemic remain deeply ingrained. Firms have become more adaptable, technology-driven, and focused on resilience. Collaboration across borders has improved, thanks to digital tools that bridge physical distances.

Etheridge foresees a mixed future, where remote collaboration allows access to top talent worldwide, but warns that on-theground expertise must not be overlooked:

“The downside is that the project may suffer if we are not careful because not every task can be accomplished from the other side of the screen.” Engineering firms will need to balance innovation with traditional fieldwork to ensure high-quality outcomes.

At its core, the pandemic highlighted the essential role engineers play in shaping a world that can withstand crises. Whether designing infrastructure to withstand climate change or creating technologies that support remote collaboration, the industry’s response to COVID-19 has laid a foundation for a more innovative and resilient future.

"You could argue that we had never been challenged as much as we were during the pandemic," says Morgan. "But overall, the industry rose to the challenge, and it’s put us in a good position as investment in infrastructure continues today."

As AtkinsRéalis continues to tackle top challenges in city living and infrastructure, they reaffirm their commitment to uplifting communities and achieving net-zero emissions by 2030. “We want to create a safer and better tomorrow,” the company declares, reflecting the engineering sector’s enduring drive for progress and positive change.

Five years later, the scars of the pandemic may still be visible, but so too are the strides forward. The engineering industry’s ability to adapt, innovate, and persevere serves as a testament to its enduring commitment to building a better world.