Charles Frangos, PE

Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder | Licensed Civil Engineer | Navy Veteran

Charles Frangos is a licensed civil engineer with 15 years of experience in infrastructure planning and a strong commitment to both his profession and community. A third-generation Greek American from the western Chicago suburbs, Charles followed in his grandfather’s footsteps by joining the U.S. Navy after high school. From 1997 to 2002, he served as a Naval Aircrewman, amassing over 1,500 flight hours as an In-Flight Technician aboard the P-3 Orion aircraft. His service included tactical sorties during Operations Southern Watch and Enduring Freedom in the Persian Gulf, as well as combat missions in Afghanistan in support of the Global War on Terror, earning the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for his distinguished service.

Charles holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), where he was an active leader in the academic community. As president of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) student chapter, he helped drive initiatives that benefited both students and the profession. He also co-founded “Veterans in Engineering,” a group dedicated to supporting veterans transitioning to civilian careers. During his time at UIC, Charles traveled to rural Guatemala with Engineers Without Borders, contributing to the design and implementation of a clean water distribution system to improve public health.

In 2015, Charles co-founded Orion Engineers, building on his experience at two mid-sized engineering firms. His expertise in infrastructure planning has been pivotal to the success of the firm. Outside of his professional work, Charles is dedicated to humanitarian efforts, focusing on aiding the homeless and supporting vulnerable children. He also serves as the Post President of the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME), leading fundraising efforts for veterans’ service organizations and charitable causes.

Charles resides in Chicago with his partner, Dafne, and their two children, Will and Sofia.