When was the last time you felt encouraged to try something new? To take a risk? Or embrace challenges that matter to you? At Keller, you can do it all. Here, we create the space, tools, and support for people to follow their passions and build a meaningful career. Check out the following stories of three people who took the leap and found unique ways to grow.
AUSTIN EMERICK: FINDING A FOUNDATION TO BUILD ON
Austin serves as a Structural EI at Keller today, but he began his journey in a different role. Initially, he was on the transportation team in the Salem office. He enjoyed both transportation and structural courses in school, but it wasn’t until he entered the workforce that his true passion became clear.
“I was supporting some site design work when I was asked to design a few retaining walls,” he said. “I just felt more engaged with the structural design compared to the other work I was doing.”
That realization set things in motion. With support from senior staff, Structural Team leaders, and Human Resources, Austin successfully made the switch to the Structural Team and never looked back.
“Their support made the shift possible, and I’ve been able to focus on work I find truly rewarding,” he said.
Since then, Austin’s career has continued to expand. He’s served as Acting City Engineer for Willamina, OR, which has given him broad exposure to land use planning, stormwater management, facility master plans, and subdivision development. Plus, Keller’s Mentorship Program has allowed him to connect with other disciplines and senior engineers on the Structural Team who make the time to explain principles in depth rather than just providing solutions.
Looking back, Austin credits Keller’s culture for creating space to explore and grow. “Something is always going to happen, and it’s a lot easier to manage when everyone is focused on the problem and not pointing fingers,” he said. “That mindset makes it safe to pivot and pursue the work that excites you.”
KAITLIN THOMAS: WRITING HER OWN FUTURE
Sometimes change comes fast, and sometimes it comes gradually. For Kaitlin, landing her role at Keller was a gateway to taking her career in a new direction.
She first heard about Keller at a campus presentation. Despite her architecture background, the company’s supportive culture and focus on growth sold her on joining the team. Kaitlin started as an Engineering Technician, bringing her extensive project management talents to the table. It didn’t take long before her curiosity drew her into the technical side of civil engineering.
“I wanted to really understand what was being designed and see the finished products in person,” she said. With her team’s support, she visited project sites to observe designs being built, which sharpened her eye for both technical accuracy and efficiency.
That curiosity soon opened doors that allowed her to take on more responsibility within the Site Civil Team. “After demonstrating those skills, Keller offered me a site civil project management role upon graduation,” she said. The transition reflects her growth, as well as Keller’s commitment to recognizing talent and giving employees room to pursue new challenges.
Kaitlin has since explored new opportunities. She’s worked closely with interdisciplinary teams, broadened her perspective, and she’s now moved into City Engineering. It’s an experience she sees as the next step in becoming a true “jack of all trades.”
Through it all, mentorship and support have been central to her time with Keller.
“I’ve had several opportunities to work on projects I’d never experienced before, and each time a teammate was there to guide me,” she said.
Reflecting on her growth, she credits Keller’s culture of encouragement:
“Everyone is in the process of learning. Every day, there is a chance that you might discover a new subject that sparks your interest.”
-Kaitlin Thomas
PETER OLSEN: EMBRACING THE UNKNOWN
Who would’ve thought a few university interviews would eventually lead Peter to take the helm as Keller’s Oregon Area Manager and Salem Office Manager?
Career paths sometimes unfold in ways that are not strictly direct or linear. And Peter’s trajectory is proof of that.
“After initially visiting Meridian and getting to know more about the company, I was drawn to the wide range of projects and cities we worked with to address infrastructure challenges,” he said.
Peter started out as an entry-level Project Engineer with a master’s degree, reporting to respected and award-winning Civil Engineer, David Kinzer. “This allowed me to work with a variety of project managers, and explore different areas of the company,” he said.
Peter has always been ambitious. And that ambition soon led him to a massive, life-changing challenge: opening Keller’s first office in Salem, OR, just months after getting his PE license.
“As I look back, I sometimes wonder what leadership was thinking, but it’s been a very rewarding journey.”
Over time, Peter expanded his role. He gained valuable project management experience while diving into business development and client relationships.
Through the twists and turns, Keller’s supportive culture has been a key factor.
“Whenever I had a misstep, my supervisor and leadership always focused on what we need to learn from it, rather than casting blame or dwelling on a mistake.”
For him, the experience shows ambition backed by trust and support can blow open the doors to opportunity. It may not be a straight or clear path, but it’s always meaningful.
THE SECRET INGREDIENT TO SUCCESS
Whether it’s personal or professional, growth can take many forms. It’s about taking risks, trying new things, and finding work that fires you up—what gets you out of bed in the morning.
Whatever your passion and wherever you want to go, we give you the tools, support, and freedom to make it happen. Because when our people advance professionally, they’re in a better position to create a meaningful impact. And that has a positive impact on our communities, too.
Ready for a career that challenges you, gets you curious, and makes a real difference?
See our available positions here.