Aaron Luesse
Chicago
Summary
Civil Engineer with extensive experience in engineering design, project management, and construction litigation. Dedicated to addressing complex challenges and driving meaningful change. Proven track record of delivering innovative solutions that enhance project outcomes and foster collaboration among diverse teams.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Project Manager
Invenergy LLC
Chicago, IL
09.2023 - Current
- Led contract negotiations for BTA, PPA, MIPA, BOS, and various other service order agreements ranging from $100k to $200M.
- Managed Solar, Substation, and Transmission Line Engineering efforts from conceptual stages to IFC.
- Successfully executed multi-year $400M+ solar construction projects from development to COD including electrical, civil, structural, environmental, SCADA, vegetation, drain tile, county & landowner coordination, and off-take management.
- Analyzed cost scheduling and risk factors using Microsoft Project and Primavera to effectively address and resolve potential operational issues.
- Directed and empowered teams of engineers, site construction personnel, land agents, developers, and other stakeholders to ensure successful project completion.
- Analyzed project performance metrics to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
Assistant Distribution Engineer & Assistant Project Manager
Burns & McDonnell
Chicago, IL
01.2022 - 09.2023
- Created detailed and complete civil engineering design plans for underground electrical distribution systems
- Managed finances and scheduling for projects ranging from $100k to $2.5M dollars, including cost forecasting, change orders, resource allocation, project audits, and contingency routing to maximize profitability
- Evaluated and solicited bid packages from subcontractors while overseeing successful work once awarded
- Constructed successful bids for overhead and underground phase 1 and phase 2 distribution projects
- Coordinated project kickoffs, weekly meetings, and client interface calls to drive projects to success
Associate Consultant
Breakwater Forensics
Chicago, IL
05.2020 - 01.2022
- Built complex analyses and presentations based on financial and scheduling evidence for expert witness reports for use in trial and arbitration for large scale construction projects
- Analyzed opposing counsel expert reports to formulate rebuttal strategies and mitigation of construction claims
- Performed quality control of deliverables to external legal counsel and clients
- Reviewed complex and detailed construction evidence and information to determine relevancy and usability in claims
Education
Bachelor of Science - Civil and Environmental Engineering
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL12.2020
Skills
- Excel & Excel Programming
- AutoCad Civil 3-D
- P6 Scheduling Software
- Microsoft Project
- Python
Proficient in:
- Project Team
- Bluebeam
- Procore
- Visio
- BIM
Affiliations
- Pemberton Presidential Scholarship Recipient
- ASCE Chicago Board Member
- Ignite Chicago – Board Chair
- Sustainable Solutions Leader for The American Society for Civil Engineers
- Eastern Illinois Track and Field Athlete
- Chicago Recovery Alliance Volunteer
Timeline
Project Manager
Invenergy LLC
09.2023 - Current
Assistant Distribution Engineer & Assistant Project Manager
Burns & McDonnell
01.2022 - 09.2023
Associate Consultant
Breakwater Forensics
05.2020 - 01.2022
Bachelor of Science - Civil and Environmental Engineering
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign