Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Michael Pilch

Summary

Dynamic and innovative cross-functional leader by example with a strong foundation in engineering, project management, continuous improvement, and energy management. Proven track record of driving results through resourceful problem-solving and strategic thinking while fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders. Committed to inspiring and guiding teams toward achieving shared goals and implementing effective solutions that enhance operational efficiency. Passionate about leveraging expertise to create a positive impact within organizations and contribute to sustainable growth.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Commercial and Industrial Account Representative

NiSource
08.2024 - Current
  • Act as a strategic energy advisor to NIPSCO BusinessLink clients, offering expert guidance on rates, tariffs, and energy programs.
  • Deliver tailored rate analyses and usage insights to commercial and industrial customers to support informed decision-making.
  • Represent NIPSCO at key community and industry events, strengthening customer engagement and brand presence.
  • Partner with internal departments to ensure safe, efficient energy delivery and resolve service-related issues.
  • Support distributed generation programs including net metering and feed-in tariffs, and coordinate planned outages.
  • Cultivate and maintain strategic relationships with customer decision-makers and major account stakeholders.
  • Collaborate with legal and regulatory teams on contract reviews, easement acquisition, and compliance matters.

Sr Project Manager

NiSource
05.2023 - 08.2024
  • Lead and manage Commercial, Builder/Developer, and Rural Extension projects focused on gas/electric distribution and transmission for new business development.
  • Oversee multiple electric and gas infrastructure projects concurrently, ensuring progress across various stages of execution.
  • Operate under tight deadlines and complex schedules while maintaining high standards of quality and compliance.
  • Collaborate within cross-functional teams to achieve shared objectives and deliver successful outcomes.
  • Foster strong relationships with internal departments and external stakeholders to support project alignment and customer satisfaction.

Field Engineering

NiSource
01.2017 - 05.2023
  • Deliver engineering solutions that align with customer needs and company objectives, ensuring adherence to financial targets and budgetary constraints.
  • Lead maintenance and system improvement projects to address compliance requirements and operational challenges within established timelines.
  • Prepare and manage complex CAD drawings, permits, easements, and documentation using advanced digital systems.
  • Monitor and evaluate electric system performance, identify areas for improvement, and implement strategic solutions to enhance reliability and efficiency.

Plant Engineering Manager

SMS Group
01.2014 - 01.2017
  • Developed over 400 detailed project estimates with a ~70% award rate, demonstrating strong analytical and proposal skills.
  • Directed multimillion-dollar initiatives spanning new business development, product innovation, and inventory optimization.
  • Led the Safety Department, implementing risk management strategies and best practices that resulted in zero OSHA recordables.
  • Oversaw four cross-functional teams in designing and deploying 5S workstations, increasing productivity by 35% with a six-month payback period.

Education

MBA With Focus in Engineering Management -

University of Southern Indiana
Evansville, IN
01.2024

Mechanical Engineering Technology -

Purdue University
Hammond, IN
01.2014

Skills

  • Leadership
  • Engineering
  • Project Management
  • Lean Six Sigma
  • Energy Management
  • Electric Utility
  • Natural Gas Utility
  • Maintenance
  • Manufacturing
  • Safety
  • Sales
  • Emotional Intelligence
  • Collaboration
  • Communication
  • Organization
  • Innovative

Certification

  • Project Management Professional (PMP)-Project Management Institute, Newtown Square, PA
  • Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (LSSBB)-Six Sigma Global Institute, Boston, MA
  • Certified Energy Manager (CEM)-Association of Energy Engineers, Atlanta, GA
  • Computer-Aided Design (CAD)-Purdue University, Hammond, IN

Timeline

Commercial and Industrial Account Representative

NiSource
08.2024 - Current

Sr Project Manager

NiSource
05.2023 - 08.2024

Field Engineering

NiSource
01.2017 - 05.2023

Plant Engineering Manager

SMS Group
01.2014 - 01.2017

MBA With Focus in Engineering Management -

University of Southern Indiana

Mechanical Engineering Technology -

Purdue University