About Us

SALEM Engineering Group, Inc., is a multi-disciplined national engineering and environmental consulting firm offering services in the following disciplines:

  • Geotechnical Engineering & Drilling
  • Environmental Consulting
  • Engineering Geology & Hydrogeology
  • Construction Inspections & Materials Testing
  • Civil Engineering Design & Land Surveying
  • Forensic Engineering and
  • Structural Engineering

Our high level of customer service coupled with our multi-disciplined approach to managing projects bring a significant advantage in project development from inception through the final construction phase to our clients.  Having cultivated an excellent rapport over many years of successful repeat collaborations, we continue to regularly work for many repeat clients and preferred developers.  We take great pride in developing and cultivating long-term relationships with our clients, their design professionals, and construction teams. 

 

OUR BEGINNING

SALEM Engineering Group, Inc. began as a one-man operation in 2003, incorporated in Fresno, California, by Mr. R. "Sammy" Salem. Fifteen years prior to founding SALEM Engineering Group, Inc. Mr. Salem began his engineering career as a staff engineer for an established Central California firm, and over the years, worked for two other well-known Central Valley-based engineering firms where he gained practical experience while taking on increasingly more challenging technical and supervisory roles at his previous employer's most active branch office in Southern California.

After its founding, SALEM Engineering Group, Inc.’s local reputation for economic and high-quality engineering services spread quickly. As a relatively young company, SALEM Engineering Group, Inc. successfully retained several large long-term contracts to provide Geotechnical and Environmental Engineering, as well as Construction Inspection and Material Testing services, with several nationally-recognized retail chains.

As SALEM Engineering Group, Inc.'s local success grew exponentially, business demands from throughout the State of California necessitated an expansion. In 2007, SALEM Engineering Group, Inc. opened two satellite offices, one in Bakersfield and the other in Rancho Cucamonga (Ontario), California. A fourth satellite office in Stockton, California, was established in 2009; followed by our fifth satellite office in San Jose, California in 2012. Most recently, SALEM Engineering Group, Inc. opened two additional offices in Dallas, Texas and Denver, Colorado.

Currently employing over 80 personnel - including Professional and Geotechnical Engineers, Professional and Engineering Geologists, Hydrogeologists, Registered Environmental Assessors, Special Inspectors and Field Technicians, and Complementary Laboratory Staff - SALEM Engineering Group, Inc. continues to grow as a result of its commitment to its clients and employees to be ethical, innovative, responsive, and single-minded in its goal to be the go-to source for competent, reliable, cost-effective engineering solutions and services.

Founder of Salem Engineering Group, Inc.

 

R. Sammy Salem

CEO & Founder of SALEM Engineering Group, Inc.

Like thousands of professionals who have dreamed about starting their own consulting business, I had a dream too. My journey from working for other consultants to running my own business has been a challenging but rewarding experience. I started Salem Engineering Group, Inc. in March 2003 because I wanted to take control of my destiny, and longed for a career with more accountability and engagement with my clients and projects.

I started SALEM Engineering Group, Inc. with just me. Starting an engineering firm isn’t easy or glamorous. It’s downright hard -- harder than you might imagine. It’s not just about having the technical skills to fulfill client demands; it was also about marketing my skills and branding SALEM Engineering Group, Inc. as a company to separate SALEM Engineering Group, Inc. from my competitors and to win new business.

I was inspired to start SALEM Engineering Group, Inc. by my strong belief and confidence knowing how to outpace others in the race to success. As a high energy person, I typically out-maneuver, out-think, and out-strategize others in the workplace. This ability worked more to my advantage when running my own business. As a leader, I needed to visualize the road ahead and lay the groundwork for others to follow. I know someone in every business needs to be out front leading the charge and I have always been that person... moving at the speed of light! 

Leadership Team

RICHARD P. OPP

  Managing Partner 
Vice President

MARIA G. RUVALCABA

  Managing Partner 
Business Development / Client Services Manager

DAVID C. WRIGHT

Managing Partner
Field Operation Manager  

BRUCE E. MYERS

Sr. Geotechnical Engineer / Engineering Geologist 

DEAN LEDGERWOOD

Northern California Geotechnical Manager

Clarence T. Jiang

Sr. Geotechnical Engineer

JAMES ROBERT

Senior Hydrogeologist

ARCADIA WILLIAMS

Testing & Inspections Project Manager