Burns Engineering, a nationally recognized engineering solutions provider for transportation, critical infrastructure, and the broader built environment, has received a strategic investment from OceanSound Partners, a private equity firm focused on technology and technology-enabled services supporting government and highly regulated sectors. Existing leadership — including Matthew and John Burns — will retain significant ownership and continue in their current roles.
Founded in 1960, Burns provides specialized engineering, technical design, and consulting services across aviation, rail, power, utilities, higher education, mission-critical operations, and healthcare. The company’s work spans electrical, mechanical, and technology systems engineering, serving as a foundation for modernizing essential systems and building next-generation infrastructure.
With more than 360 employees across 13 offices, Burns is widely regarded as a trusted partner for agencies and infrastructure operators delivering high-complexity, mission-critical projects. The company ranks among the top 20 electrical design firms in the U.S. and #30 on the MEP Giants list of North America’s top firms.
The investment is expected to accelerate Burns’ expansion, strengthen its engineering capabilities, and support strategic acquisitions amid rising national demand for infrastructure modernization and specialized engineering expertise.
KEY QUOTES:
“For more than six decades, Burns has built trusted, long-term relationships by solving our clients’ most complex engineering challenges. The pace of change across our end markets — from electrification and grid modernization to the expansion of digital and transportation infrastructure — is creating unprecedented opportunities. OceanSound’s experience makes them an ideal partner as we enter this next chapter of growth.”
Matthew Burns, President & CEO of Burns
“Our success is driven by deep technical expertise, a commitment to client service, and a culture that empowers our people to innovate on behalf of our customers. Together with OceanSound, we will strengthen the capabilities and resources that have earned Burns its reputation for reliability, collaboration, and project excellence.”
John Burns, SVP & COO of Burns
“Investment in the modernization and resilience of U.S. infrastructure continues to accelerate, creating strong, long-term demand for specialized engineering and technology services. Burns plays a vital role in designing the electrical, power, and technology systems that enable electrification, grid modernization, and the rapid buildout of AI-driven infrastructure. We’re excited to partner with the Burns team to scale their capabilities across these mission-critical markets.”
Joe Benavides, CEO and Founder of OceanSound Partners
“Burns’ deep technical expertise and longstanding customer relationships have made it a trusted name in critical infrastructure engineering. We look forward to helping Burns accelerate growth through targeted initiatives and highly strategic acquisitions that deepen its presence in complex, fast-growing end markets and expand its geographic reach.”
Addison Nordin, Principal at OceanSound Partners
