Business Details
28 Years
experience
Trusted Engineering Services in Auburn, CA
Blackburn Consulting was founded in 1998 with a steadfast commitment to excellence in engineering solutions. Our mission centers on delivering thoughtful, cost-effective approaches to complex challenges while fostering employee growth within our employee-owned structure. With over 25 years of expertise in public works projects, our senior professionalsmany with 25+ years of regional experienceprovide hands-on project management and strategic decision-making. Our collaborative culture, evidenced by our Employee Share Ownership Plan launched in 2018, ensures every team member shares in our vision of client-focused success.We maintain active roles in industry associations and adhere to rigorous standards across geotechnical, environmental, construction, and forensic services. Our responsive approach eliminates bureaucratic delays, prioritizing timely communication and practical solutions tailored to client needs. Accredited by leading regulatory bodies, our laboratory services support data-driven outcomes for infrastructure projects of all scales. Through decades of service in Northern and Central California, weve built a reputation for technical expertise and unwavering dedication to project success.
Services
Geotechnical Design
Geo-environmental
Construction Services
Forensics
Laboratory Services
Details
- Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
- We are an employee-owned engineering firm committed to client-focused solutions
- Our senior professionals have 25+ years of Northern California project experience
- We provide hands-on project management without bureaucratic delays
- Our laboratory maintains accreditations from four major regulatory agencies
- We offer continuous field support with registered engineers available during construction
Associations and certifications
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- California Department of Transportation
- Department of the State Architect
- AASHTO Accreditation Program
What people say
Exceptional field staff
Qualified and competent
Practical approach
Responsive construction services
Proactive problem-solving
Services
Geotechnical Design
Our licensed professionals deliver site-specific geotechnical recommendations that reduce lifecycle costs. We provide practical construction guidance aligned with Caltrans, FHWA, and USACE standards while maintaining clear communication with agencies and contractors. Our engineers ensure code compliance and constructability through detailed analysis of subsurface conditions.
Geo-environmental
We specialize in soil and groundwater contamination remediation using innovative solutions. Our team navigates regulatory frameworks from initial assessment to final compliance, addressing historic mining residues, industrial contaminants, and naturally occurring hazardous materials. We develop strategic plans that maintain project timelines while achieving environmental compliance across diverse site conditions.
Construction Services
Our certified inspectors provide comprehensive construction oversight from single-visit inspections to full project management. We offer materials testing, field reporting, and proactive issue resolution to prevent delays. Cross-trained staff and engineer-reviewed documentation ensure quality control while maintaining cost efficiency through optimized resource allocation during all project phases.
Forensics
We investigate construction defects with technical expertise in expert testimony and dispute resolution. Our professionals consult with stakeholders to clarify complex issues and provide documented evidence for legal proceedings. With experience in both plaintiff and defendant cases, we deliver thorough analysis of construction failures through field investigations and laboratory testing of material samples.
Laboratory Services
Our 6,000 sq ft accredited lab performs soil, rock, concrete, and asphalt testing with engineer-reviewed results. We support clients with specification development, test selection, and result interpretation to ensure material compliance. Our capacity handles high-volume projects like levee construction while maintaining quality standards through registered engineer oversight of all testing protocols.
People
Thomas W. Blackburn
President
With over 25 years of engineering experience, Tom Blackburn leads our firm's strategic direction. He specializes in geotechnical engineering and has managed complex infrastructure projects across California. His expertise in problem-solving was instrumental in high-profile trials and arbitrations.
Robert B. Lokteff
Principal Geotechnical Engineer
As a senior geotechnical engineer, Robert provides technical leadership for our engineering projects. He has extensive experience in geotechnical investigations and construction oversight, ensuring practical solutions that balance technical requirements with real-world constraints.
Wendy M. Supinger
Chief Financial Officer
Wendy manages our financial operations and employee ownership program. With deep knowledge of engineering project economics, she ensures financial sustainability while supporting our employee-owned business model through strategic fiscal management.
Bryce W. Moore
Director of Construction Services
Bryce oversees our construction management team with expertise in field operations and quality control. He develops inspection protocols and trains staff in best practices for materials testing and construction monitoring across transportation and water infrastructure projects.
Grace M. Blackburn
Principal
As a principal engineer, Grace contributes technical expertise to geotechnical projects and client relations. She maintains active involvement in project delivery while supporting business development initiatives that align with our engineering excellence standards.
Questions
What engineering services do you specialize in?
We provide geotechnical design, environmental remediation, construction management, forensic investigations, and accredited laboratory testing for infrastructure projects.
Which areas do you serve?
Our primary service areas include Northern and Central California, with offices in Auburn, Sacramento, Fresno, and Escondido.
Are your laboratory services accredited?
Yes, our laboratory maintains accreditations from USACE, Caltrans, DSA, and AASHTO Accreditation Program for materials testing.
How do you handle complex construction projects?
Our senior engineers maintain hands-on involvement throughout each project, providing real-time problem-solving and quality control to prevent delays and cost overruns.
What makes your firm different from competitors?
As an employee-owned firm, we combine 25+ years of regional expertise with direct principal involvement and a collaborative culture focused on client success.
