Jessica Smith, P.E.
Jessica Smith, P.E. is a Business Development Senior Specialist at Olsson, focusing on national sales strategy, business development, and client relationship management within the water sector. She began her career in groundwater cleanup for the U.S. Air Force, later transitioning into business development and national sales strategy roles in water engineering. Jessica has built a diverse career that includes experience at Apex Systems, mastering formal sales processes, and at a startup selling environmental compliance software. Her ability to bridge technical engineering knowledge with sales expertise has allowed her to successfully lead revenue strategy initiatives and pursue complex engineering projects at a national scale.
Throughout her career, Jessica has excelled in developing go-to-market strategies, leading pursuit teams, and cultivating strong client relationships. She believes that engineering and sales are complementary, and that technical excellence must be paired with clear communication and trust to drive sustainable business growth. Among her career highlights, she identifies reaching a national sales strategist role as her most notable professional achievement. Her professional philosophy centers on collaboration, integrity, and actionable execution to achieve organizational goals while empowering colleagues and clients alike.
Outside of work, Jessica is deeply committed to community service and environmental stewardship. She has actively volunteered with children’s fundraising initiatives and supports firefighter and veteran causes. Growing up on a family farm instilled in her discipline, resilience, and a strong work ethic, while earning a full academic scholarship in engineering reinforced persistence and self-belief. Jessica enjoys traveling, camping, skiing, hiking, photography, drawing, reading, hosting dinner parties, working out, and spending quality time with her two dogs. She is passionate about advancing water sustainability and continues to seek opportunities for professional growth while fully excelling in her current role.
• Professional Engineer
• University of Nebraska-Lincoln - BSE
• BNI Global
• CEMS
• Society of American Military Engineers (SAME)
• American WaterWorks Association
• RMA Children's Foundation
• Colorado Women's Chamber of Commerce
• Rotary International
• Minds Matter
• Society of American Military Engineers
What do you attribute your success to?
Jessica attributes her success to grit, agility, and integrity paired with a willingness to pivot, learn new skill sets, and apply them strategically across disciplines. She believes her ability to bridge technical expertise with relationship-driven business development has been key to her growth.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Don’t be afraid to pivot. Skills compound over time, and the ability to learn, adapt, and apply knowledge in new ways creates long-term career resilience.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Lean into discomfort and trust your ability to learn. You don’t have to follow a straight line your technical background, communication skills, and relationship-building abilities can coexist and strengthen one another.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Challenges include funding constraints and a nationwide shortage of engineers. Opportunities lie in AI integration, innovative water solutions, and emerging contaminant treatment, as well as the growing need for professionals who can translate technical work into strategic value for clients.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, adaptability, and follow-through. Jessica values showing up prepared, honoring commitments, and building trust-based relationships that last beyond a single project or sale.