Kyle Welch

Senior Mechanical Engineer
Energy

When Kyle Welch first arrived at college, his plan was to earn master’s degrees of both Aerodynamics and Material Sciences and then pursue a living designing golf clubs. Instead, he found his place here and discovered our organization’s core values aligned with his better than he could have imagined.

Kyle handles program and project management, subcontractor management, contract management and more for our Solar group. Leveraging his time in the field and his experience executing EPC projects, he also takes a leadership role in safety and the overall execution of his projects. He is eager to be a part of the evolution in the energy market toward sustainable options — not just the ability to take ownership and help drive this change, but also to work alongside current and future contributors to create positive change.

What’s something most people don’t know about you?

Let's play “Two Truths and a Lie.” I played Ultimate Frisbee professionally for two years. I am a two-time national champion puppeteer. I have Bob Ross–type skills on an Etch-A-Sketch. Trick question: all three facts are true!

How do you and your team make the world a better place?

As the world continues its transition to the use of renewable energy, I am thrilled to be a part of the team that is at the forefront of this transition. Although the long-term solution for the world’s energy demand is still unknown, we do know that renewable energy is a very important piece to this ever-developing and complex situation.

What’s the coolest part of your job?

I have been blessed throughout my career with both great projects and great clients. While I have enjoyed all the fun trips and team-building events, I have yet to come across anything that is more enjoyable than watching a project move from conception to completion — from the knowledge gained by the engineer to the pride of the frontline team as they install the work to the gratification of the client successfully supporting end users. Although each project will always have its own complexities and challenges, the growth and satisfaction of each contributing member throughout the process always remains. Knowing that what we do matters, that is pretty cool.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Although I have never been one for living in the past, the challenge I give myself daily is to “get comfortable being uncomfortable.” Pursue challenges, circumstances and opportunities that are outside your comfort zone. It is in these moments and through those experiences that you not only grow, but also find enjoyment that you may have never known existed.

If you could pick up a new skill in an instant, what would it be?

Languages (all of them)! I can dabble in a few languages, but I've never been completely comfortable communicating with native speakers. Being fluent in multiple languages will always be a lifetime goal.