Business Details
9 Years
experience
Your Trusted Water Resource Engineering Partner
Founded in 2017, Riley Engineering was established to address socioeconomic challenges stemming from inadequate water infrastructure, particularly in underserved communities. As the first Navajo Nation member to earn a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, our principal engineer combines academic expertise with lived experience to deliver water resource solutions for residential, commercial, municipal, mining, and tribal clients. Our team of licensed engineers, hydrologists, and technical specialists leverages proprietary tools like WaterCOSTE and WaterTRANS to optimize water distribution systems, stormwater management, and land development projects.Guided by core values of integrity, excellence, and community service, we support clients through all project phasesfrom feasibility studies to construction oversightwhile maintaining certifications with the Arizona Board of Technical Registration and BBB A+ accreditation.
Services
Hydrology Studies
Open-Channel Hydraulics
Water Distribution Systems
Land Development
Construction Support
Details
- Year established: 2017
Highlights and features
- First Navajo Nation Ph.D. in Civil Engineering leads water resource innovation
- Proprietary tools WaterCOSTE and WaterTRANS optimize infrastructure costs
- Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise with tribal community expertise
- 49+ years average team experience in arid region hydrology challenges
- Integrated services from watershed modeling to construction oversight
Associations and certifications
- Arizona Board of Technical Registration (No. 20565-0)
- Arizona Unified Certification Program (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise)
- Better Business Bureau (A+ Rating)
- Navajo Nation Business Regulatory Department (Priority 1)
What people say
Professional, courteous
Creative and forward thinking
Problem-solving approach
Technical excellence
On-time delivery
Services
Hydrology Studies
Our hydrology experts analyze surface water flows using HEC-HMS and MATLAB models to address drought management and water supply challenges. We develop watershed models and statistical rainfall analyses that help municipalities plan for future water needs while complying with regulatory requirements. Our team's 30-year legacy of peak runoff methods informs infrastructure design across southern Arizona.
Water Distribution Systems
From groundwater wells to neighborhood networks, we design potable water systems using EPANET and proprietary WaterTRANS software. Our engineers optimize pipeline routes and materials while WaterCOSTE software provides accurate cost estimates for pipes up to 72 inches in diameter. This comprehensive approach ensures efficient, sustainable water delivery solutions for municipal clients.
Open-Channel Hydraulics
We specialize in floodplain modeling and drainage design using HEC-RAS software to mitigate flood risks in arid regions. Our certified floodplain managers develop channel designs and flow control structures that protect communities from flash floods while maintaining ecosystem health in high-sediment environments.
Land Development
Our multidisciplinary team provides complete site development services including grading plans, utility design, and stormwater detention systems. Using AutoCAD Civil 3D, we create cost-effective solutions for complex sites in flood-prone or water-scarce areas while ensuring regulatory compliance throughout the development process.
Construction Support
We provide full-cycle construction support from bid documents to as-built reporting using CSI MasterFormat standards. Our team with field construction experience ensures design intent is maintained while addressing real-world challenges during infrastructure implementation for water resource projects.
People
Ronson Chee
Principal Engineer
Dr. Chee founded Riley Engineering after becoming the first Navajo Nation member to earn a Civil Engineering Ph.D. He oversees technical operations and project delivery, leveraging 15+ years of experience in water distribution systems and hydrology.
Gwen Woods
Water & Wastewater Engineer
Dr. Woods manages Indigenous community projects with expertise in water treatment systems and distribution modeling. She holds dual engineering and environmental certifications and has taught at multiple educational levels.
Michael Zeller
Senior Drainage Engineer
With 49 years of experience, Mr. Zeller specializes in arid region hydrology and floodplain management. He developed Pima County's Hydrology Manual and has led over 1,000 water resource projects in southern Arizona.
Chris Horstman
Site Civil Engineer
Mr. Horstman combines architectural and engineering expertise to solve large-scale water resource challenges. He develops innovative drainage solutions using programming tools and maintains active involvement in K-12 water education programs.
Jaeho Shim
Drainage Engineer
Dr. Shim specializes in sediment transport modeling and watershed assessments. His research background includes 3D erosion monitoring systems for military installations and geomorphic analysis for regional flood control districts.
Questions
What water resource engineering services do you specialize in?
We specialize in hydrology studies, water distribution systems, open-channel hydraulics, land development, and construction support for water infrastructure projects.
Do you work with tribal communities?
Yes, as a Navajo-owned firm, we have specialized expertise in tribal water infrastructure projects and have completed multiple assignments on the Navajo Nation.
What geographic areas do you serve?
While based in Tucson, we serve clients across Arizona, the Navajo Nation, and the broader Southwestern United States.
What makes your engineering approach unique?
Our proprietary modeling tools, arid region expertise, and combination of academic research with practical construction experience create innovative water solutions.
Can you handle both design and construction phases?
Yes, we provide full lifecycle support from initial design through construction oversight and final documentation.
What certifications do you hold?
We are Arizona-registered engineers, DBE-certified, and maintain Priority 1 status with the Navajo Nation regulatory department.
