Game Changer Spotlight: Mark Onken

ISG Welcomes Municipal Engineering Leader Mark Onken to Public Works Team

ISG welcomed Mark Onken, PE, in October 2025, expanding the firm’s Public Works expertise across the Twin Cities metro and beyond. With more than a decade of experience leading municipal infrastructure projects throughout the Midwest, Mark brings technical depth, leadership, and innovative solutions to ISG’s growing Public Works team.

His move to ISG represents more than a career transition; it is a reflection of shared values and a commitment to collaboration, creativity, and community impact.

A respected consulting engineer, Mark has spent his career helping cities plan, design, and upgrade their utility and roadway systems. His work spans street reconstruction, public utility improvements, and regional wastewater conveyance projects. He has led efforts from concept through construction, using both traditional and trenchless methods to modernize aging infrastructure and improve long-term system reliability.

Before joining ISG, Mark spent over a decade at another consulting firm, where he was known for wearing many hats and developed a passion and reputation for tackling challenging municipal and public works projects that others tend to shy away from. In doing so, earning client and peer trust through unique yet practical solutions and a collaborative approach. He also serves as Treasurer on the Board of Directors for the Midwest Chapter of the North American Society for Trenchless Technology (NASTT), where he advocates for advancing best practices in sustainable, less-invasive construction methods.

A Connection That Came Full Circle

Mark’s path to ISG started a few years ago through a professional connection with Jake Guzik, a fellow engineer he worked alongside for nearly a decade. The two stayed in touch after Jake joined ISG, catching up about projects and career growth. Over time, those conversations gave Mark a glimpse into what made ISG stand out, with a culture rooted in trust, collaboration, and opportunity.

“When I met with the Public Works and Civil Engineering teams, those values really came to life,” Mark said. “Their enthusiasm, openness to new ideas, and genuine commitment to professional development made my decision to join ISG an easy one. The team here understands that when you align people with their strengths, you unlock their best work. Everyone is rowing in the same direction, and you can feel the momentum.”

A Team That Values Every Voice

Mark has hit the ground running since joining ISG, contributing to municipal and water/wastewater projects while bringing a thoughtful, hands-on approach to design and constructability. He values ISG’s structure, where every team member, regardless of title or tenure, has a voice in shaping solutions.

For Mark, ISG represents the best of both worlds: the structure and resources of a growing, multi-disciplinary firm, paired with the flexibility and autonomy to drive meaningful impact. The culture encourages creativity, embraces professional development, and supports balance between work and life.

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Mark Onken, PE
Civil Engineer
Mark.Onken@ISGInc.com
952.426.0699