Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Expert Civil Engineering Solutions in Northwest Wisconsin
Cooper Engineering has been delivering comprehensive civil engineering solutions for 75 years, serving public and private sector clients across diverse industries. Our full-service approach spans project planning, design, and construction oversight, ensuring seamless execution from concept to completion. With a team of seasoned professionals, we combine deep regulatory knowledge with technical expertise to minimize delays and optimize project outcomes. Our commitment to cost-effective strategies balances immediate construction needs with long-term maintenance considerations, consistently meeting client timelines and budgetary goals. We specialize in transportation infrastructure, municipal development, environmental remediation, and industrial projects, supported by in-house materials testing capabilities.Our employee-owned structure fosters a culture of accountability and innovation, driving our mission to create sustainable infrastructure solutions that benefit communities. Through strategic grant acquisition assistance and compliance expertise, we help clients navigate complex funding requirements. Our aviation division collaborates with federal agencies to modernize airfield infrastructure, while our natural resources team provides wetland management and ecosystem restoration services. With offices in northwest Wisconsin, we maintain a regional focus while delivering national standards of excellence. Our legacy of technical proficiency and client-centric service continues to position us as a trusted partner for engineering challenges of all scales.
Services
Structural Engineering
Water Resource Management
Environmental Remediation
Transportation Infrastructure
Municipal Development
Site Development Design
Railroad Engineering
Natural Resources Services
Construction Oversight
Material Testing
Details
- Year established: 1950
Highlights and features
- We offer 75 years of regional civil engineering expertise with national technical standards
- Our employee-owned structure ensures personalized accountability and long-term commitment
- We provide end-to-end services from grant acquisition through construction oversight
- Our in-house materials testing lab ensures quality control at every project stage
- We maintain FAA and WBOA partnerships for specialized aviation infrastructure projects
Services
Structural Engineering
Our structural engineers deliver comprehensive design and inspection services for bridges, culverts, industrial supports, and commercial buildings. We specialize in transportation infrastructure and railroad structures, providing solutions that meet AASHTO and FHWA standards. Our team ensures structural integrity through detailed analysis and construction phase oversight.
Water Resource Management
We provide complete water resource solutions including stormwater management, dam safety assessments, and watershed planning. Our expertise covers both supply and wastewater systems, with specialized capabilities in WPDES permitting and high-capacity well installation for municipal and industrial clients.
Environmental Remediation
Our environmental team handles remediation projects from initial assessment through agency coordination and site closure. Services include Phase I assessments, wetland delineation, and contaminated site cleanup, ensuring compliance with federal and state environmental regulations throughout the remediation process.
Transportation Infrastructure
We design safe, efficient roadways and bridges for state highways, rural roads, and urban streets. Our services include traffic studies, pedestrian accommodations, and compliance with AASHTO standards, with specialized experience in municipal and campus transportation planning.
Material Testing
Our in-house materials testing lab provides aggregate, concrete, and asphalt analysis. We conduct both field sampling and laboratory testing to ensure construction materials meet specified standards, supporting quality control for infrastructure and industrial projects.
People
Bruce Markgren
President
With decades of civil engineering experience, Bruce leads Cooper Engineering's strategic direction while maintaining active involvement in major infrastructure projects across the region.
Steve Poethke
Vice President Structural Engineering
As structural engineering lead, Steve oversees bridge and industrial structure design projects, bringing specialized expertise in load calculations and construction phase engineering support.
Kelley Draeger
Vice President Business and Operations
Kelley manages financial operations and administrative functions, ensuring efficient resource allocation and compliance with corporate governance standards across all engineering projects.
Brad Volker
Vice President Aviation and Municipal
Brad directs aviation infrastructure projects and municipal development initiatives, maintaining key partnerships with FAA and local government agencies for airfield modernization programs.
Aaron Scharf
Vice President Transportation and Municipal
Aaron specializes in transportation planning and municipal infrastructure design, with extensive experience in state highway improvements and urban street development projects.
Questions
What engineering services does Cooper Engineering offer?
We provide structural, transportation, environmental, and municipal engineering services, along with materials testing, aviation infrastructure design, and natural resources management.
How long has Cooper Engineering been in business?
Our firm has delivered engineering solutions since 1950, maintaining continuous family ownership until transitioning to employee ownership in 1997.
What geographic areas do you serve?
While based in northwest Wisconsin, we serve clients throughout the state with specialized expertise in regional infrastructure challenges.
Can you assist with project funding acquisition?
Yes, our team helps clients navigate federal and state grant programs, including economic development and municipal assistance funding sources.
Do you provide construction phase services?
We offer comprehensive construction oversight including materials testing, staking, and compliance monitoring to ensure design specifications are met.