How to Apply to Peter Kiewit Sons

Key Takeaways

Kiewit is an employee-owned company (ESOP), which shapes its culture around accountability, long-term thinking, and shared success — reflect this ownership mentality in your application and interviews.
Safety is the single most important cultural value at Kiewit; your resume and interview responses should demonstrate genuine, proactive commitment to safety regardless of the role you're pursuing.
Many positions are traveling roles requiring mobility across project sites — clearly communicate your flexibility and past experience with travel-based work to strengthen your candidacy.
With approximately 329+ open positions across multiple business units, take time to identify the specific Kiewit district or division that best matches your experience and apply to targeted roles rather than submitting generic applications.
Kiewit's SuccessFactors ATS processes applications through keyword matching and screening questions — tailor your resume with industry-specific terminology from the job description and complete all application fields thoroughly.
Quantify your experience with specific project metrics (dollar values, crew sizes, production rates, project types) to stand out in a pool of construction and engineering professionals.
Kiewit values long-term career development — express your interest in growing within the organization and be prepared to discuss your professional development goals during interviews.
The interview process is practical and experience-focused; prepare detailed stories about specific projects, challenges you've overcome, and results you've delivered rather than relying on generic answers.

About Peter Kiewit Sons

Peter Kiewit Sons', commonly known as Kiewit, is one of the largest and most respected construction and engineering organizations in North America. Founded in 1884 and headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, the company operates across a diverse portfolio including transportation, water/wastewater, power, oil and gas, building, mining, and industrial markets. With approximately 28,000 employees and a reputation built over more than 140 years, Kiewit is consistently ranked among the top contractors by Engineering News-Record (ENR). The company is employee-owned through an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan), which is a defining element of its culture — fostering a strong ownership mentality among its workforce. Kiewit is known for its decentralized operating structure, with distinct business units such as Kiewit Power Delivery, Kiewit Nuclear Solutions, Kiewit Offshore Services, and Kiewit Infrastructure. The company culture commonly emphasizes safety, integrity, hard work, and a 'nobody gets hurt' safety philosophy. Kiewit typically attracts professionals who thrive in demanding, project-driven environments and who value long-term career growth within a financially stable, privately held organization.

Application Process

1
Explore Opportunities on the Kiewit Careers Portal
Begin your application journey at Kiewit's dedicated careers page (kiewitcareers.kiewit.com). With approximately 500 active job postings at any given time, you can filter roles by business unit, location, job category, and experience level. Kiewit's roles span field positions (superintendents, foremen, craft workers), engineering roles, safety and environmental specialists, project management, and corporate functions. Take time to understand which Kiewit district or business unit aligns with your expertise — for example, Kiewit Nuclear Solutions, Kiewit Power Delivery, or Kiewit Offshore Services each have distinct project types and requirements. Many roles are designated as 'traveling,' meaning you should be prepared for project-based relocation.
2
Create a Profile in the SAP SuccessFactors System
Kiewit uses SAP SuccessFactors as its applicant tracking system (ATS). You will need to create a candidate profile, which typically involves entering your contact information, uploading your resume, and completing any required fields. It's important to fill out all sections thoroughly, as SuccessFactors allows recruiters to search candidate profiles using keywords and filters. Having a complete profile increases your visibility for both the specific role you apply to and potential future opportunities. Save your login credentials, as you can use the same profile to apply to multiple positions and track your application status.
3
Tailor Your Resume and Complete the Application
Once you've selected a position, submit a tailored resume and complete all application questions. Kiewit's roles often require specific certifications (OSHA 30, PE license, CDL, NCCO, etc.), so ensure these are prominently listed. For field roles like superintendents, emphasize project types, crew sizes managed, and specific scopes of work. For engineering roles, highlight relevant software proficiencies, project experience, and technical specializations. The SuccessFactors system may also include screening questions — answer these carefully, as they are commonly used to filter candidates early in the process.
4
Phone or Video Screening with Recruiting Team
Candidates who pass the initial screening typically report being contacted by a Kiewit recruiter or HR representative for a phone or video interview. This initial conversation commonly covers your background, interest in Kiewit, willingness to travel or relocate (critical for many positions), salary expectations, and availability. For field positions, expect questions about your specific trade experience, safety record, and familiarity with relevant construction methods. This is also your opportunity to ask about the specific project or district you'd be joining.
5
Technical or Panel Interview with Hiring Managers
Following the recruiter screen, many applicants report participating in one or more interviews with the hiring manager, project manager, or a panel of team members. For engineering and specialist roles, these interviews commonly include technical questions related to your discipline, problem-solving scenarios, and discussions about past project experience. For superintendent and field leadership roles, expect detailed questions about how you've managed crews, maintained schedules, handled safety incidents, and delivered projects on budget. Behavioral interview questions aligned with Kiewit's core values — particularly safety, integrity, and teamwork — are commonly reported.
6
Background Check, Drug Screening, and Onboarding
Kiewit is widely known for maintaining rigorous safety and compliance standards. Candidates who receive an offer typically undergo a comprehensive background check and drug screening. For certain roles, particularly those in nuclear, offshore, or government-related projects, additional security clearances or medical examinations may be required. Once cleared, onboarding commonly includes safety orientation (reflecting Kiewit's 'Nobody Gets Hurt' philosophy), company culture training, and project-specific mobilization. For traveling roles, expect coordination regarding project site logistics, housing, and per diem arrangements.

Resume Tips for Peter Kiewit Sons

critical

Emphasize Safety Record and Certifications Prominently

Safety is arguably the most important cultural pillar at Kiewit. Regardless of your role — whether you're applying as a Safety Specialist, Superintendent, or Engineer — your resume should prominently feature your safety certifications (OSHA 10/30, MSHA, First Aid/CPR, confined space, fall protection, etc.), your personal safety record, and any safety leadership initiatives you've led. If you've achieved zero-incident milestones on projects, state this clearly with project context. For safety-specific roles, include your experience with safety management systems, incident investigation, and regulatory compliance (OSHA, EPA, DOT).

critical

Quantify Project Experience with Specific Metrics

Kiewit is a results-driven organization that values measurable outcomes. Your resume should include specific project values (e.g., '$150M highway interchange project'), crew sizes managed (e.g., 'supervised 45-person crew'), project durations, and scope details. For engineers, include quantities like miles of pipeline, MW of power generation capacity, or cubic yards of concrete placed. For superintendents, detail the types of work (earthwork, structural concrete, underground utilities, mechanical installation) and the scale of operations you've overseen. This specificity helps recruiters and hiring managers quickly assess your experience level.

critical

Highlight Willingness to Travel and Relocate

Many of Kiewit's positions — particularly superintendent, field engineer, and specialist roles — are designated as 'traveling.' This means you may be assigned to projects across the country or even internationally. Your resume should clearly state your willingness and ability to travel or relocate. If you have a history of working on remote or traveling projects, list the locations and durations. This is a common differentiator in Kiewit's hiring process, as project-based mobility is essential to their operating model.

critical

Use Industry-Specific Keywords for SuccessFactors Parsing

SAP SuccessFactors uses keyword matching to help recruiters filter and rank candidates. Study the job description carefully and incorporate relevant technical terms naturally throughout your resume. For example, if applying for a Concrete Superintendent role, include terms like 'formwork,' 'rebar placement,' 'batch plant operations,' 'ACI certifications,' 'concrete mix design,' and 'post-tensioning.' For environmental roles, use terms like 'SWPPP,' 'NPDES,' 'Phase I/II ESA,' 'wetland delineation,' and 'environmental compliance.' Mirror the language used in the job posting without keyword stuffing.

recommended

Showcase Experience with Kiewit's Core Market Sectors

Kiewit operates across distinct sectors including transportation/infrastructure, power delivery, nuclear solutions, offshore services, water/wastewater, building, and mining. Tailor your resume to highlight experience that directly aligns with the business unit you're targeting. If applying to Kiewit Nuclear Solutions, emphasize any nuclear-grade quality experience, NQA-1 standards familiarity, or work in regulated nuclear environments. For Kiewit Power Delivery, highlight transmission line, substation, or renewable energy project experience. This sector-specific alignment demonstrates that you understand the unique demands of the work.

recommended

Include Relevant Software and Technology Proficiencies

Modern construction and engineering roles at Kiewit commonly require proficiency in industry-standard software. For engineers, list tools like AutoCAD, Revit, MicroStation, Primavera P6, Bluebeam, Civil 3D, or STAAD Pro as applicable. For project management roles, mention experience with Procore, Primavera, or earned value management systems. For survey roles, include GPS/GNSS equipment, robotic total stations, and data collection software. Listing these tools helps your resume pass both automated screening and manual review by technically-minded hiring managers.

recommended

Format for Clean ATS Parsing — Avoid Complex Layouts

While a visually appealing resume is nice, SuccessFactors and other ATS platforms can struggle with complex formatting. Use a clean, single-column layout with standard section headers (Experience, Education, Certifications, Skills). Avoid tables, text boxes, headers/footers with critical information, and graphics. Use standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Submit in .docx or .pdf format as specified. Ensure your name, contact information, and key qualifications appear in the main body of the document rather than in graphical elements that may not parse correctly.

ATS System: SAP SuccessFactors

Kiewit uses SAP SuccessFactors as its applicant tracking and talent management platform. SuccessFactors is an enterprise-grade cloud-based HR suite widely adopted by large organizations. For job seekers, this means your application is processed through a structured digital workflow that includes resume parsing, keyword matching, screening question evaluation, and recruiter search functionality. SuccessFactors creates a candidate profile from your submitted information, which recruiters can search and filter based on skills, experience, location preferences, and other criteria. Your profile may remain in the system for consideration for future roles even if you're not selected for the initial position you applied to.

Complete every field in your candidate profile — SuccessFactors allows recruiters to filter by incomplete vs. complete profiles, and thorough profiles typically receive more visibility in recruiter searches.
Use keywords from the job description naturally throughout your resume and profile, as SuccessFactors employs keyword matching to help recruiters identify qualified candidates from large applicant pools.
Submit your resume in .docx or .pdf format for optimal parsing — SuccessFactors' resume parser handles these formats most reliably, ensuring your experience and qualifications are correctly extracted into searchable fields.
Answer all screening questions completely and honestly — these are commonly used as initial pass/fail filters, and incomplete or mismatched answers may result in automatic disqualification before a recruiter reviews your application.
Keep your candidate profile updated even after applying — if your certifications, experience, or availability change, updating your profile ensures you remain visible and accurate for future opportunities across Kiewit's 500+ active positions.
Apply to specific roles rather than submitting generic applications — SuccessFactors tracks applications by requisition, and targeted applications with tailored resumes typically perform better than mass submissions.

Complete SAP SuccessFactors Resume Guide →

Interview Culture

Kiewit's interview process commonly reflects the company's core values of safety, integrity, hard work, and stewardship.

Many applicants report that interviews are thorough, direct, and heavily focused on practical experience rather than abstract hypotheticals. For field leadership roles such as superintendents and foremen, interviews typically dive deep into your hands-on construction experience — expect to discuss specific projects in detail, including how you managed schedules, controlled costs, resolved conflicts, and maintained safety standards. Interviewers commonly want to understand not just what you did, but how you led teams and made decisions under pressure. For engineering and technical roles, interviews often include a mix of technical competency questions and behavioral assessments. You may be asked to walk through your design experience, discuss how you've handled engineering challenges, or explain your approach to quality control and constructability reviews. Kiewit's engineer-contractor model means they value engineers who understand field conditions, not just theoretical design. The employee-ownership culture at Kiewit is a significant factor in interviews. Interviewers commonly assess whether candidates demonstrate an ownership mentality — taking accountability, thinking about the bottom line, and showing initiative beyond their job description. Questions about your long-term career goals and commitment to the industry are typical, as Kiewit tends to invest in employees for the long term. Safety is discussed in virtually every Kiewit interview, regardless of the role. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've promoted safety culture, addressed unsafe conditions, or handled safety incidents. The company's 'Nobody Gets Hurt' philosophy is deeply embedded, and demonstrating genuine commitment to safety is commonly reported as a decisive factor in hiring decisions. Dress appropriately for the interview context — business professional for office roles, and business casual or appropriate field attire for project-site interviews.

What Peter Kiewit Sons Looks For

Unwavering commitment to safety — demonstrated through certifications, personal safety record, and proactive safety leadership on past projects
Proven field or technical experience directly relevant to the specific role and Kiewit business unit, with quantifiable project accomplishments
Willingness and ability to travel extensively or relocate to project sites, which is fundamental to Kiewit's project-based operating model
An ownership mentality consistent with Kiewit's ESOP culture — taking personal accountability for results, costs, and quality
Strong work ethic and ability to thrive in demanding, fast-paced construction environments with long hours and challenging conditions
Leadership skills including crew management, mentoring, and the ability to build productive teams on diverse project sites
Integrity and ethical conduct aligned with Kiewit's long-standing reputation for doing business the right way
Technical competence with relevant industry tools, software, codes, and standards specific to the role's discipline
Problem-solving ability and adaptability — construction projects are dynamic, and Kiewit values people who can think on their feet
Long-term career commitment — Kiewit commonly invests in developing employees and typically values candidates who see construction as a career, not just a job

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of positions does Kiewit typically hire for?

Kiewit hires across a wide spectrum of construction and engineering roles. Common positions include field leadership (superintendents, foremen, general foremen), engineering (civil, mechanical, electrical, structural), project management, safety specialists, environmental specialists, quality assurance/control, surveying, estimating, and corporate functions. Roles span multiple business units including infrastructure, power delivery, nuclear solutions, offshore services, water/wastewater, building, and mining. Many positions are available at both entry level (including internships and co-ops) and experienced professional levels.

What does 'traveling' mean in Kiewit job titles?

Positions marked as 'traveling' at Kiewit typically require you to relocate to various project sites as assignments change. Construction projects are temporary by nature, so when one project is completed, you would commonly be reassigned to another project that could be in a different city or state. Traveling roles often come with per diem allowances, project housing assistance, or other travel-related benefits. This is a fundamental aspect of Kiewit's operating model, and candidates should be genuinely prepared for this lifestyle before applying to traveling positions.

How does Kiewit's employee ownership (ESOP) work?

Kiewit is one of the largest employee-owned companies in North America. Through its Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), eligible employees receive shares of company stock as part of their compensation package. This means employees have a direct financial stake in the company's success, which commonly fosters a culture of accountability, cost-consciousness, and long-term commitment. While specific ESOP details are determined by the company's plan documents, this ownership structure is frequently cited as a major benefit and cultural differentiator by Kiewit employees.

What certifications should I highlight when applying to Kiewit?

The certifications most valued depend on the specific role. For safety positions, OSHA 30-Hour, CHST (Construction Health and Safety Technician), CSP (Certified Safety Professional), and First Aid/CPR are commonly relevant. For engineering roles, a PE (Professional Engineer) license, EIT/FE certification, or relevant discipline-specific credentials are valuable. For field roles, certifications like CDL, crane operator certifications (NCCCO), rigging qualifications, and trade-specific licenses are important. For quality roles, CWI (Certified Welding Inspector), ACI certifications, or ASQ credentials may be relevant. Always check the specific job posting for required and preferred certifications.

Does Kiewit offer internship or entry-level programs?

Yes, Kiewit commonly offers internship and co-op programs for college students, as evidenced by postings like 'Quality Intern Summer 2026.' These programs typically provide hands-on experience on active construction projects and are commonly used as a pipeline for full-time hiring after graduation. Kiewit actively recruits at many universities with strong engineering and construction management programs. Entry-level positions for recent graduates are also regularly available across engineering, field operations, and corporate functions. Starting in an internship or entry-level role is a common pathway to a long-term career at Kiewit.

How long does the Kiewit application and hiring process typically take?

The timeline varies based on the role, business unit, and project urgency. Many applicants report the process taking anywhere from two to six weeks from initial application to offer, though some urgent field positions may move faster and some specialized roles may take longer. The process commonly includes application review, recruiter phone screen, one or more interviews with hiring managers, and then background check and drug screening. Staying responsive to communications and having your certifications and references readily available can help expedite the process.

What is Kiewit's stance on safety, and how does it affect hiring?

Safety is Kiewit's paramount value, encapsulated in their 'Nobody Gets Hurt' philosophy. This is not merely a slogan — it permeates every aspect of operations and hiring. During the application and interview process, candidates are commonly evaluated on their safety awareness, past safety record, and commitment to maintaining a safe work environment. A history of safety violations or a cavalier attitude toward safety protocols would likely be a significant concern. Conversely, demonstrating proactive safety leadership, relevant safety certifications, and a genuine personal commitment to zero incidents can significantly strengthen your candidacy.

Can I apply to multiple positions at Kiewit simultaneously?

Yes, the SuccessFactors system allows you to apply to multiple positions using the same candidate profile. However, it's generally recommended to be strategic and selective rather than applying to every open position. Tailor your resume for each application to match the specific requirements of that role. Recruiters can see all positions you've applied to, and applying to too many unrelated roles may signal a lack of focus. Instead, identify the two to four positions that best match your skills and experience, and submit strong, targeted applications for each.

What is the work culture like at Kiewit on a day-to-day basis?

Kiewit is commonly described as having a hardworking, results-oriented culture with high expectations for performance and accountability. The employee-ownership model creates a sense of shared purpose, and many employees report strong camaraderie on project sites. Work hours in field positions can be demanding — 50-60+ hour weeks are not uncommon during peak construction periods. The company typically values people who are self-motivated, take initiative, and are willing to go above and beyond. At the same time, Kiewit is known for investing in employee development through training programs, mentorship, and career advancement opportunities within its large organizational structure.

Sample Open Positions

Check Your Resume Before Applying → View 329 open positions at Peter Kiewit Sons

Related Resources

Similar Companies

Sources

Kiewit Careers Portal — Kiewit Corporation
Kiewit Corporate Website — About Us — Kiewit Corporation
ENR Top 400 Contractors — Engineering News-Record
SAP SuccessFactors Recruiting Overview — SAP SE
Kiewit Safety and Health — Kiewit Corporation