Our employee-owners are the foundation of Alliant’s success—their innovation, integrity, and commitment drive us forward and make Alliant a top workplace.
Join us for our series, “Life as an Owner,” where we highlight the people who bring our values to life.
Meet Jordyn Pinnello, a Professional Engineer in Alliant’s Land Development group based in our Minneapolis office. Since joining Alliant in 2020 after graduating from Iowa State University, Jordyn has helped shape communities across Minnesota through her thoughtful designs and collaborative approach.
We sat down with Jordyn to learn more about her passion for engineering, the projects that have inspired her, and what being an employee-owner means to her.
Why did you choose engineering as a career, Jordyn?
I’m originally from Cary, Illinois, in the northwest suburb of Chicago. I’ve always loved seeing how communities come together and evolve. Civil engineering gives me the chance to help design the spaces where people live and connect, which is what drew me to the field in the first place. After earning my degree in Civil Engineering from Iowa State, I was eager to explore a new city. When I discovered Alliant at the Iowa State career fair, I knew it would be the perfect place to begin my career in Minneapolis — a city that values innovation and community, just like Alliant. Over five years later, I continue to develop my expertise and leadership as a Professional Engineer while making an impact on the communities around me.
You’ve likely worked on a wide range of projects—can you share about one that stands out to you?
I’ve had the opportunity to work on many rewarding projects over the past five years, and one that stands out is Sienna Grove in Woodbury. It was one of the first large projects where I served as the lead engineer and completed much of the design work myself. Seeing it progress from plans on a screen to a real, thriving neighborhood has been incredibly fulfilling.
Phase 2 of construction began this summer, and it’s amazing to be able to drive family and friends through a community that I helped design. Watching those ideas come to life is what makes this work so meaningful.
Are you involved in any professional organizations or initiatives through Alliant?
I’ve been part of Trailblazers, Alliant’s STEM initiative, since the very beginning of the internal committee, and it’s been such a rewarding experience. We’ve organized some amazing activities to introduce students of all ages to STEM careers. One highlight was our Engineering Summer Camp for elementary students. We spent a week teaching them about civil engineering through fun, hands-on projects. Watching their excitement and curiosity grow reminded me how important it is to expose young students to engineering early on.
Trailblazers Engineering Camp for the Minnetonka Boulevard Reconstruction project
How has Alliant supported your professional growth or helped you reach your goals?
I really value the size and culture of Alliant. It’s big enough to take on impactful, large-scale projects but small enough that everyone has a voice in the process. From early on, I was trusted with real responsibility and encouraged to learn by doing. That hands-on experience has been key to my professional growth and helped me earn my PE last year.
What advice would you give to someone considering a career in this industry?
Be open to every opportunity, especially early in your career. Whether it’s trying a new type of project or saying yes to something outside your comfort zone, those experiences are how you discover what you love most. When I first started at Alliant, I always reminded myself, “I don’t know what I don’t know yet.” Keeping that mindset helped me learn, stay curious, and turn every challenge into a learning moment.
Left: Briarcroft Housing Development | Right: Jordyn collaborating with fellow employee-owners
What are you passionate about outside of work?
I really enjoy traveling and have a long list of new cities I want to visit. A few years ago, I traveled to Dubai and India for my best friend’s wedding, and it was one of the coolest experiences I have ever done. I also really enjoy living in Minneapolis and getting to take advantage of all that the city has to offer. I love going for long walks or runs in new neighborhoods or around a lake. I also am a pretty big foodie and love trying new restaurants!
If you had to choose, what’s been your favorite Alliant event?
That’s a tough one because Alliant hosts so many great events, but I’d have to say the Summer Outing on the St. Croix River last year. It was such a beautiful day on the boat, and I even won a camping grill in the raffle, which made it even more fun!
What do you think sets Alliant apart as a place to build your career?
From the beginning, I noticed that people at Alliant truly care about the work they do, and about each other. Every project comes with its own challenges, but our teams are full of hardworking, dedicated employee-owners who want to see our clients and Alliant succeed. It’s inspiring to work in an environment where collaboration, respect, and pride in our work are at the heart of everything we do.
As employee-owners, every relationship we build and every project we complete contributes to something bigger. At Alliant, we’re not just shaping communities, we’re shaping our future together.
You can be part of it too. Explore career opportunities and discover what it means to be an employee-owner like Jordyn.