Engineers’ Club of Philadelphia names its Engineer of the Year

Engineer of the Year Bill Thomsen

The Engineers’ Club of Philadelphia announced that William Thomsen, P.E., senior vice president, COO of National Services, president and CEO at Urban Engineers of New York, has been elected as the 2021 Delaware Valley Engineer of the Year.

This distinguished award recognizes a standout local engineer who emulates the qualities and talents that define professional excellence, civic duty, society leadership, and community stewardship.

Thomsen was selected by representatives of local, multi-disciplinary, engineering and technical societies and will be recognized during Delaware Valley Engineers Week, Feb. 18-27, 2021, which is part of the national observance of Engineers Week.

“Bill is a prime example of the immense talent we have in the Delaware Valley,” said Bob Wright, chair of the Delaware Valley Engineers Week Committee. “From his notable accomplishments in the engineering industry throughout the country to his commitment to community engagement, Bill is a standout honoree and a role model for the profession.”

With more than 30 years of experience at Urban Engineers, Thomsen now oversees the offices in Urban Engineer’s national footprint and plays a key role in planning and executing the firm’s long-term goals and strategy.

Early in his career, Thomsen gained construction experience working with Conrail and extended his education as part of Conrail’s engineering management program. He then joined Urban Engineers in Philadelphia, working on iconic projects like the Center City Commuter Connection and the Airport High Speed Line. Over the course of his expansive career, Thomsen has contributed to many notable projects, including the Second Avenue Subway and East Side Access efforts in New York, the Los Angeles Metro Program, and One World Trade Center.

“I’m thrilled to be recognized by this esteemed group of professionals. I’ve worked in the Delaware Valley for quite some time, and for these folks to give me this award is truly an honor,” Thomsen said in response to being elected the 2021 Delaware Valley Engineer of the Year. “I certainly owe this recognition to my partners and the employees at Urban Engineers for all the successes that we have had collectively. I couldn’t have done any of this alone.”

Thomsen earned his bachelor’s degree in civil and environmental engineering from Clarkson University and a master’s in engineering management from Drexel University. In addition, his community engagement extends far and wide as Thomsen has served as the past president of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), Philadelphia Section, and as a member of the executive committee for the American Public Transportation Association. 

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