Culture & Careers

Culture & Careers

Our people define who we are

Core Values

Our core values were discovered by looking across the company and asking: what makes our people truly exceptional? The answer became our five core values—authentic to who we are and how we thrive. Grounded in the best traits of our people, these values guide how we hire, grow, and lead. They capture the culture we’ve built and the future we’re committed to shaping together.

Driven and Committed to do Whatever it Takes

Creative Problem Solvers

Excellence Mindset

Treat Everyone with Respect, Humility, and Compassion

Do What's Right with Professionalism and Integrity

Since 1975

Our History

On October 20, 1975, two engineers — Bob Adams and Dr. Kermit Smith — took a bold step. What began as a two-person firm called East Engineers in Kinston, North Carolina, has grown into The East Group — a multidisciplinary team of engineers, architects, landscape architects, interior designers, surveyors, project managers, and designers serving clients across the region for half a century.

From the early days of hand-drafted maps and TI-30 calculators to today’s BIM workflows, 3D laser scanning, drone technologies, and cloud-based collaboration, our founders established a company rooted in technical excellence, integrity, and service. They understood early on that these values would create something lasting — a place where doing what’s right and putting People First. Always. would define who we are.

We are deeply grateful to our clients, who have trusted us with their facilities, communities, and visions — and to our employees, whose dedication, creativity, and collaboration have shaped who we are. Every project, partnership, and person has contributed to our success and to the legacy that began in 1975.

1975

On October 20, 1975, two engineers — Bob Adams and Dr. Kermit Smith — took a bold step beginning a two-person firm called East Engineers. Opening the first office in Kinston, NC, they set in place a vision to serve eastern North Carolina.

1980

Architecture is added, and the firm evolves beyond engineering—laying the groundwork for a fully integrated practice.

1997

The firm adopts the name The East Group, reflecting its multidisciplinary identity across engineering, architecture, and surveying.

1998

Expansion into Greenville, NC supports continued growth and broader regional reach.

2000

Operations fully transition to Greenville; the former Kinston office is donated and repurposed as what is now the Ram Neuse Museum.

2007

The firm expands into Interior Design, broadening its design and deepening its focus on creating spaces that enhance the human experience.

2010

The Raleigh office of Freeman White joins The East Group, strengthening its presence in the Triangle and expanding healthcare planning and design expertise.

2013

Landscape Architecture is added, expanding its multidisciplinary offerings and deepening its commitment to integrated, community-centered design.

2025

The East Group celebrates 50 years of service—honoring a legacy built on people, partnership, and thoughtful design with a strong look ahead.

Today

The East Group continues to grow as a people-first, multidisciplinary firm—serving mission-driven clients across industrial, healthcare, and infrastructure markets.

Careers & Open Positions

A Place to Build Your Career—and Belong

We offer more than competitive benefits; we create an environment where you can thrive in your career, enjoy balance at home, and feel supported every step of the way. Here’s how:

Culture & Stability

  • Culture of Care: A supportive team that rallies when life gets hard and celebrates when life goes well.
  • Long-Term Stability: Many employees spend their entire careers here. We hire with intention so you can confidently “retire from here” after a fulfilling career.
  • Shared Success: Company-wide bonuses under our philosophy, “if we make it, we share it.”

Health & Wellness

  • Competitive Benefits Package: Medical, dental, and vision coverage with generous company contributions, plus a 401(k) with immediate eligibility and company match.
  • Unlimited Sick Time: Flexibility to care for yourself without worry.
  • Parental Leave: Paid leave to support growing families.

Work & Life Balance

  • Work-Life Balance: A focus on regional clients means you’re home evenings and weekends—not constantly on the road.
  • Flexibility: Work options tailored to individual needs.
  • Relocation Assistance: Support available for employees moving to join our team.
  • Beautiful Workspaces: Collaborative, welcoming offices in Greenville and Raleigh designed to inspire.
  • Fun & Connection: Monthly “Lunch-n-Laughs”, family outings, company picnics, holiday parties, and wellness challenges.

Growth & Opportunity

  • Professional Growth: Paid training, continuing education, and support for licensure and professional memberships.
  • Multiple Career Tracks: Opportunities to advance on technical, project management, leadership, or hybrid career paths—the sky is the limit.
  • Collaborative Environment: Exposure to multidisciplinary projects in civil, MEP, structural engineering, landscape architecture, survey, architecture, and interior design.
View Open Positions

I love working at The East Group. The genuine kindness and authenticity of each and every person at the company truly sets this workplace apart. It’s a place where you are surrounded by people who care, have your back, and treat one another with respect.

Colleen Bandle, Landscape Architectural Designer

Our leadership is committed to helping each person grow professionally and achieve their career goals. It's been rewarding to work alongside such talented people, who I consider my family, in an environment that encourages collaboration, development, long-term success, and most importantly fun.

Ken Howell, BIM Manager

It has been a privilege to begin my full-time career here after interning with The East Group for four years. Every day I am surrounded by some of the brightest and most thoughtful minds in the industry. I am incredibly grateful to be a part of such a welcoming and inspiring team.

Shelley Anderson, Architectural Designer

I started as an intern while I was in college and was fortunate to accept a full-time position after graduation. Over the past four years, I have progressed from a college intern to a Senior Mechanical E.I. and Project Manager, gaining experience and taking on increasing responsibilities along the way. One of the things I value most about TEG is the people. The people I work with every day truly feel like family.

Sarah Hicks, Sr. Mechanical Engineer Intern | Project Manager

Meeting the people of The East Group felt like a homecoming. We have a vision to improve lives with projects that we can be proud of. I work to support TEG’s mission and I enjoy seeing the public benefit and my colleagues succeed. Having experienced TEG it would be hard to work anywhere else.

Todd Tripp, Sr. Civil Engineer

After more than 20 years in accounting, I’ve learned how much the right fit matters. I’m thankful to be part of a team that values thoughtful work, clear communication, accountability, and genuine care for people. Leadership has also been refreshingly down to earth, approachable, and transparent, which speaks volumes about the culture here.

Erin Stinson, Accounts Payable Specialist

The culture here is unlike anywhere I’ve experienced - it’s welcoming, people-first, and rooted in values that you can actually feel in the day-to-day. TEG doesn’t just talk about its values - it lives them out, and when they say you’re family, they truly mean it.

Kenisha Battle, Receptionist