In this episode, I talk with Everett Litton, P.E., Vice President at WSP in the U.S., about what powers major underground construction engineering projects across North America and beyond, from early career moments that shaped his leadership to the role of mentorship in driving the industry forward.
Engineering Quotes:



Here Are Some of the Questions I Asked Everett:

What first inspired you to choose engineering as a career, especially in underground construction engineering, and was there a defining moment that shaped that decision?
Out of the 1,100+ miles of tunneling and trenchless projects you’ve worked on, which ones have been the most exciting and why, from a technical or leadership perspective?
Can you share more about your international, human-focused projects and what lessons you’ve learned from those experiences?
With your experience managing projects across different countries and geologies, how do you handle the complexity of underground construction engineering with varying teams and regulations?
Can you explain what the Down for That initiative is, what kind of impact it's having, and why it’s meaningful to you?
Since underground construction engineering is such a niche area, do you find it harder to attract people to the field?
How have organizations like UCA and NASTT helped you grow professionally, and what advice would you give young engineers about getting involved in industry groups?
What final piece of advice can you give civil engineers who want to grow as leaders in technical or project-focused roles?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Underground Construction Engineering Leadership Insights That Drive Purpose and Impact:


A childhood spent building trails and dams in the woods, along with hands-on work in construction, leads to a strong interest in engineering. An internship involving rock drilling introduces him to underground construction engineering and defines the direction of his career.
Projects that protect natural environments and improve water quality stand out as the most rewarding. These efforts align technical work with a clear purpose that benefits both people and the planet.
International work in places like Bolivia and Nicaragua shows how engineering can directly improve lives through access to clean water and sanitation. These projects offer powerful lessons in humility, purpose, and the global role of civil engineers.
He begins each project by identifying its purpose and using that as a constant guide through technical challenges. This approach brings clarity when navigating different geologies, client expectations, and regulatory requirements.
The Down for That initiative connects students with the underground construction engineering field through site visits, conferences, and professional interactions. It helps expand awareness of career paths that are often overlooked in traditional engineering education.
Attracting people begins with awareness, which is often the hardest part. Once students gain exposure to the field, they tend to stay because of the strong community and meaningful work.
Young engineers are encouraged to join one group they connect with, stay involved, and allow relationships to grow over time.
Enjoying the work is key to long-term success, along with staying humble and speaking up with confidence when ideas arise. Finding that balance creates space for both learning and leadership.

More Details in This Episode…
About Everett Litton, PE
Everett Litton, P.E. is a vice president and senior technical principal at WSP in the U.S. within the firm’s Geotechnical & Tunneling National Business Line in St. Louis, Missouri. Everett has over 18 years of experience in the underground construction industry,