Our Story

Riley Engineering is a 100% Native American (Navajo) owned civil engineering firm founded by Dr. Ronson Riley Chee, Ph.D. The firm is named in honor of his late maternal grandfather Riley Jones and late nephew Riley Honani. Riley is also Mr. Chee’s middle name. Mr. Chee is proud to call Leupp, Arizona his hometown. Experiencing firsthand the hardships and socio-economic challenges on the Navajo Nation Mr. Chee was burdened to help improve the living conditions on the Navajo Nation. With infrastructure deficiencies contributing to the socio-economic challenges Mr. Chee created Riley Engineering to better serve the Navajo Nation as well as other Native and Tribal Nations.

Ronson R. Chee, Ph.D., P.E.

Mr. Ronson Chee has been practicing in the civil engineering field for over 12 years. Mr. Chee has earned Bachelor of Science, Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Civil Engineering at the University of Arizona where he specialized his studies in water resources engineering. He has served in many capacities within the civil engineering field throughout his professional career including: computer aided drafter and designer; technical discipline lead; project engineer; project manager; client manager; and business developer. His duties as a civil engineer have included: civil design using AutoCAD; performing technical calculations and advanced hydrologic and hydraulic modeling; preparation of technical reports; preparation of design drawings, construction plans and specifications; preparation of construction cost estimation; field construction oversight; preparation of proposals and engineering fees. Mr. Chee is also active in the academic research area where he has submitted and has successfully been published in a technical peer-reviewed engineering journal. Mr. Chee also serves in other capacities outside of engineering. He currently serves as a board member on the Navajo Engineering and Construction Authority. 

Our Mission

“To provide highest value of professional engineering service to our clients by: building lasting relationships and earning their trust; promoting high technical competency in our workforce; providing exceptional customer service; and solving complex problems through innovative and state of the art engineering methods.”​​

Our Values

Integrity
Riley Engineering is a consultant you can trust. At Riley we care, and are committed to doing things right no matter what the task is. Riley Engineering’s foundational principle is: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, …” (Col. 3:23).
Passion
At Riley, engineering and design is our passion. You will work with engineers and designers who will be engaged and responsive. We care about your project and needs as though it were our own.
We Listen
As a client we know that you understand your needs better than anyone else. We do our best to listen and fully understand the problem first, then determine how we may be of assistance. We don’t engage in a project unless we are confident we are the right team to help.​​