U.S. staffing System One acquires Pathfinder consulting firm
PENNSYLVANIA and NEW JERSEY, UNITED STATES — System One is expanding its footprint in the infrastructure and project consulting space with the acquisition of Pathfinder, a New Jersey-based firm specializing in outsourced project management and training services for heavy industries.
According to a report from Staffing Industry, the deal signals the Pittsburgh-based staffing company’s continued push into higher-value consulting services, although financial terms were not disclosed.
Expansion into project consulting and infrastructure services
Pathfinder, based in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, serves clients across utilities, energy, mining, and pharmaceutical sectors, offering expertise in project assurance, controls, and capital program delivery.
The acquisition strengthens System One’s position in supporting large-scale infrastructure and industrial projects through more specialized consulting capabilities.
“Pathfinder’s deep expertise in project assurance, controls and capital program delivery is highly complementary to System One’s critical infrastructure platform,” System One President and COO Greg Lignelli said in a press release.
“Together, we strengthen our ability to support owners with independent insight, specialized technical resources and disciplined project execution,” Lignelli added.
The integration of Pathfinder is expected to deepen System One’s ability to provide end-to-end project support, combining staffing solutions with technical consulting and training services.
The move also reflects a broader industry trend of staffing firms evolving into hybrid service providers that blend workforce deployment with advisory capabilities.
Strategic growth through acquisitions and leadership continuity
Under the agreement, Pathfinder will continue operating as a System One company, maintaining its leadership structure. Steve Cabano, the former owner, will remain as president of Pathfinder, ensuring continuity for existing clients and ongoing projects.
“System One provides the scale and capabilities that allow Pathfinder to expand our impact while continuing to deliver the independent, technically grounded guidance our clients rely on,” Cabano said.
System One, which ranks as the 22nd-largest staffing firm in the United States, has been actively expanding its consulting and technology services portfolio.
In January, the company acquired Cypress Consulting of Bethesda, Maryland, a firm specializing in data center and network consulting, automation, and security.
Outsourcing and integrated service models
The acquisition reflects a growing shift in the outsourcing and staffing industry, where firms are increasingly moving beyond traditional workforce placement into integrated consulting and technical delivery models.
By combining staffing scale with specialized consulting expertise, companies like System One are positioning themselves to serve clients managing complex infrastructure demands and capital-intensive projects.
This hybrid approach is becoming a key competitive advantage as industries such as energy, utilities, and pharmaceuticals seek more comprehensive, efficiency-driven external partners.
