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Innovation and Technologies

Innovation at CDM Smith is powered by digital technology, driven by curiosity for what is possible, and energized by experts grounded in the unwavering commitment to create smarter solutions for our clients. By investing in research and development, advanced technologies and the people who use them, we unlock new value for our clients while empowering our teams to shape what’s next. For clients seeking a trusted partner able to combine technical mastery with visionary thinking, the choice is clear. This is how we adapt to change and drive it—together.

Turning ideas into real world impacts

Better decisions earlier—when they matter most.

Access to smarter data, advanced modeling and real time insight reduces uncertainty and allows you to act with confidence, not hindsight.

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Projects move faster with fewer surprises.

Digital workflows, automation, technical tools and connected systems improve predictability, shorten timelines and reduce costly rework.

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Higher quality outcomes, not just more information.

We apply technology to strengthen accuracy, consistency and reliability—helping deliver results that stand up to technical, regulatory and public scrutiny.

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Risk is identified sooner and managed more proactively.

From planning through delivery and operations, potential issues are uncovered earlier, supporting smarter risk management and mitigation.

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Investments work harder and go further.

Data driven planning helps maximize value, prioritize spending, and align solutions to optimize long term performance and achieve resilience goals.

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Better preparation and resiliency for what’s next.

Innovation focused on adaptability, scalability and future readiness ensures programs or projects can evolve as conditions, technology and expectations change.

Trinnex®

Through our wholly owned subsidiary, Trinnex, we help our clients move faster in their digital transformation. With our deep infrastructure experience, AI-driven software tools and consulting partnership, we transform fragmented data to drive confident decision-making. We empower our clients to modernize operations, ensure compliance and tackle their toughest hurdles—from aging infrastructure and workforce gaps to evolving cybersecurity risks.

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Digital Engineering Services

The world’s infrastructure challenges demand new ways of thinking and working. Through digital engineering solutions, we combine automation, data and dependability to create intelligent platforms that transform how projects are planned, designed and built. The result is faster delivery, improved quality and better outcomes for clients facing complex demands. For our teams, it’s an opportunity to work at the intersection of engineering, data and technology to solve complex problems in smarter, more innovative ways.

Research and Development

Research and development is where curiosity becomes tested, validated and ready for real world impact. Our R&D efforts accelerate promising work across a wide range of topics from PFAS treatment to advanced water solutions and the latest clean energy technology—supporting breakthrough methods, tools and technologies that help clients stay ahead of the curve. They also create a culture of innovation for our employees that helps inspire and grow our next generation of technical leaders. 

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Sky Wave at CDM Smith®

Sky Wave fuses geospatial intelligence, machine-learning analytics and patent-pending digital field capture with our fleet of advanced drones. Our long-range, American-made fixed-wing platform and precision sensors collect richer data, faster. Machine-learning models turn high-resolution data into automated analysis and decision-ready reports—shrinking timelines, boosting accuracy, and helping clients make better calls with confidence from first flight to final decision.

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We’re living in the era of digital transformation — and we’re not just participating. We’re leading. The race is on to harness technology to drive accuracy, productivity and quality into measurable results for our clients. We intend to show the market that CDM Smith sets the pace.” 

Tim Wall

Chairman and CEO

Our aim is simple: become the digital engineering firm of the future. That means unleashing speed and quality through design automation, connected data and repeatable standards — so clients get better outcomes and our teams can do their best work.

Andrea Springer

Director of Digital Engineering Solutions

Real innovation is more than a big idea — it’s a tested, validated solution clients can rely on. We apply rigor to prove what works, and we protect the know-how behind it, so our clients benefit from methods that are both dependable and truly differentiated.”  

Brandie Cookston

Director of Technical Advancement

At CDM Smith, digital isn’t about more technology; it’s better value for our clients and our people. When we apply AI, automation and better data intentionally, we improve consistency, speed and quality across all we do — and clients feel that difference in every engagement." 

Jennifer Prescott

Chief Digital and Information Officer

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Ready to take the next steps?

We love collaborating with passionate individuals and organizations. If you want to talk about potential projects, reach out to our experts. If you're interested in joining our team, check our careers page for open positions or internships.