PETER KIWANUKA
Commercial Solar Engineer / Designer
Chicago,IL
Summary
Motivated Solar Engineer with over 5 years of experience in solar energy system design, project development, and energy storage applications. Adept at managing project flow from initial concept through procurement, construction, and commissioning. Proficient in AutoCAD, PVSyst, and MS Excel with strong knowledge of electrical components, NEC standards, and interconnection processes. Seeking to contribute to the mission of building sustainable solar PV systems while leveraging expertise in renewable energy and project management.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Project Engineer II
Advanced Solar Products
06.2020 - 02.2024
- Lead engineering design and execution for commercial solar projects (50kW to 5MW), overseeing all phases from development to commissioning.
- Collaborate with engineering and construction teams to design solar photovoltaic (PV) systems for commercial projects, ensuring compliance with local code and industry standards.
- Utilize AutoCAD to create accurate, efficient system designs; reviewed and interpreted technical drawings, schematics, and specifications for seamless integration into project workflows.
- Support development teams during feasibility studies, site assessments, and technical analysis to ensure optimal project execution.
- Oversee site visits, evaluating suitability for solar installations, performing shading analysis, and ensuring adherence to project specifications.
- Lead permitting efforts, preparing and submitting documentation, and liaising with regulatory bodies to ensure all permits are in place for timely execution.
- Serve as the primary technical contact for clients, contractors, utilities, and stakeholders, providing updates and addressing concerns.
- Manage client portfolios and daily requirements, and communicate important milestones to the relevant parties.
PV Design Engineer
New Columbia Solar
05.2019 - 03.2020
- Provided technical design and oversight for commercial solar systems, coordinating with internal and external teams to ensure high-quality project execution.
- Successfully met challenging client requirements by developing tailored engineering solutions that exceeded expectations.
- Streamlined the design process for increased efficiency by utilizing advanced CAD software tools.
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously while adhering to strict deadlines and maintaining a high level of attention to detail.
- Collaborated with permitting agencies, utilities, and clients to streamline project timelines and ensure all milestones were met.
- Addressed design challenges and evaluated alternative design models to meet project requirements.
PV Design Engineer
Model Energy
03.2016 - 03.2019
- Created solar designs for residential and commercial projects.
- Communicated with clients about project specifics and provided engineering recommendations based on project needs.
- Prepared detailed mechanical, electrical, and structural design drawings for solar PV systems sufficient for permitting and construction using AutoCad.
- Developed electrical and solar PV site plans utilizing GIS information or survey.
- Applied state and national codes to system designs.
- Delivered quality and timely product to clients while providing guidance through as-built and post install procedures and or updates.
- Prepared documentation packages, including specifications, bill of materials, assembly instructions, and test procedures.
Regional Manager
10 Federal
03.2014 - 03.2016
- Coordinated with contractors and managed construction projects and renovations to properties.
- Provided property management and oversaw tenant selection, lease management, insurance, and tax accounting for rental properties.
- Increased occupancy objective of 80% to 99%.
- Monitored staff performance regularly, providing feedback for improvement.
- Expanded regional presence by researching potential markets, developing strategic partnerships, and opening new locations.
- Analyzed key metrics and developed actionable solutions to close gaps, reduce operational deficiencies and financial risks.
Design Engineer
American Tower
12.2012 - 05.2013
- Performed structural analyses of new or existing communication structures
(including guyed, self-supporting, monopoles and their foundations).
• Prepared formal, written reports detailing tower capacity and recommendations for modifications needed to increase capacity. - Worked with administrative and CADD staffs to complete required closeout documentation.
- Reviewed engineering request information for completeness.
- Answered various structure-related inquiries from internal and external clients.
- Conducted thorough design reviews and implemented necessary changes.
- Worked closely with project managers to meet deadlines and deliver high-quality products.
Plant Engineer
Progress Energy
06.2011 - 12.2012
- Supervised various project teams to maintain and install plant equipment, ensuring plant efficiency.
- Forecasted cost, quantity and budget of engineering equipment, manpower and labor.
- Rotated through plant operations and maintenance groups to build knowledge in power plant philosophies, processes and practices.
- Created and developed preventive or corrective measures in plant operation processes.
- Multi-tasked in fulfilling daily routines of operating, inspecting, maintaining, starting up and shutting down units and plant equipment as well as working on engineering projects.
- Coordinated with vendors on procurement of new equipment providing technical specifications as needed.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Civil Engineering
05.2024 - 05.2024
Skills
Engineering Design
Cross-Functional Team Coordination
Solar PV and Energy Design
Strong Communication and Team Collaboration
Project Flow Management and Construction Support
Autodesk AutoCAD
Helioscope
PV Watts
PV Cad/PV Case
PVsyst
Subcontractor Management
BlueStream
MS Excel
Procore
Electrical Design and NEC Standards
Site Assessment & Resource Analysis
Timeline
North Carolina State University - Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering
05.2024 - 05.2024
Project Engineer II - Advanced Solar Products
06.2020 - 02.2024
PV Design Engineer - New Columbia Solar
05.2019 - 03.2020
PV Design Engineer - Model Energy
03.2016 - 03.2019
Regional Manager - 10 Federal
03.2014 - 03.2016
Design Engineer - American Tower
12.2012 - 05.2013
Plant Engineer - Progress Energy
06.2011 - 12.2012