Aurora Technical Services, LLC (Aurora) is a Houston-based civil engineering firm that provides full-service design, consulting and construction management services for cities, counties and other public agencies. Aurora focuses on serving public infrastructure projects including water, wastewater and construction field services.
Founded by Rafael Ortega, PE in 2015, the vision was to create a firm driven by a relationship-based business model. This team would provide tailored engineering solutions by working in close collaboration with its clients as more of a partner than an outside consultant. The firm's success over the past several years in its growth and reputation in the industry has proven that this mindset was the right way to go.
The Aurora team is comprised of experienced engineers who focus on developing cost-effective solutions to challenging problems on a daily basis. We are committed to exceeding your expectations and delivering the superior technical services Aurora has become known for.
To our clients, we promise to:
Bring value to your project
Be responsive
Meet deadlines
Always go the extra mile
Featured Project
84” Water Transmission Line (Project 25D), IH-45 to West of Sharmon Rd; NHCRWA, Houston, TX (2020-2021)
Aurora designed approx 9,300 LF of 84” water transmission line along easements and CenterPoint Corridor, from Plaza Verde Dr to 2,300 LF west of Sharmon Rd. The project was a part of NHCRWA’s (Authority) 2025 water supply system plan, a multi-year project which will carry water from the City’s Northeast Water Purification Plant (NEWPP) to a new SH 249 Regional Pump Station and Storage Facility.
The project faced several key challenges: (1) multiple tunnel crossings of BW8, CPE high voltage transmission lines/towers, and gas/petroleum pipelines (2) crossing of the active Woodgate fault, (3) multiple private properties and recent developments impact.
During the initial project phase, Aurora conducted a Route Study to assess the feasibility of various alignments. As a result, Aurora obtained approval from the Authority with a recommended final alignment which shortens BW 8 tunnel crossing from 2,000 LF long at a skewed angle to 500 LF long at an optimal perpendicular angle while minimizing impact to private properties and avoiding impact to the recent developments.
News
When establishing Aurora Technical Services, the thought process was simple: deliver solid, innovative engineering and provide solutions that work. This approach is based on the principal engineer’s experience serving municipalities and agencies on some of the largest and most complicated water and wastewater systems in the U.S. This experience spans from California to Florida and from the Great Lakes to Texas. Major assignments completed include projects for the City of Houston, Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department and San Francisco Public Utility Commission—some of the country’s largest water and wastewater agencies, and leaders in the industry.