ABOUT
Ingenuity, Persistence, and Sustainability Drive Our Vision.
With more than two decades of development under the hood, Optimus Technologies has perfected a comprehensive suite of technologies that make environmental sustainability financially and operationally successful for heavy-duty diesel fleets.
Because we understand the fleet managers cannot risk their bottom line on theoretical concepts or future possibilities, we chose to validate our solution comprehensively. We offer a clear roadmap toward sustainability while guaranteeing operational resiliency.
Our mission is to provide certainty – meticulously developing, rigorously testing, and unequivocally proving an entire ecosystem designed to decarbonize heavy-duty diesel engines.
Backed by more than ten million miles with leading commercial fleets and municipalities, Optimus has established trusted partnerships with OEMs, modification centers, and national refueling providers. Together we’re committed to delivering carbon reductions, performance, durability, and ease of adoption. Fortune 50 companies like ADM can attest to this fact. After a 1.3-million-mile study, ADM regards Optimus as a key player in their transportation decarbonization strategy.
Our Founder
Mechanical engineer Colin Huwyler’s ten-year passion for improving and then building diesel conversion kits from scratch led to the launch of Optimus Technologies in 2010.
Colin Huwyler
Founder/CEO
Biodiesel – The Basics
Biodiesel (B100*): The Decarbonization Case
Made from recycled cooking oil, agricultural byproducts and waste animal fats, biodiesel is a clean, renewable, homegrown fuel. According to Scope Carbon Accounting and the Local Government Operations Protocol, B100 offers a 100% carbon reduction compared to diesel – and 2.5 times less CO2 than an Electric Vehicle. **
Benefits:
- reduces carbon dioxide to near zero
- cuts particulate matter in half compared to traditional diesel
- meets engine certification requirements for NOx emissions
Recycled Cooking Oil
Agricultural Byproducts
Animal Fat Waste
A safe, dependable, and affordable fuel source for America’s fleets, B-100 durably performs in all weather and operating conditions when used with the Optimus system.
Benefits:
- doesn’t require additives and increases engine lubricity
- decreases particulate matter in the engine and aftertreatment system
- provides a much higher cetane value than petroleum diesel
While already effective for return-to-base truck routes that can also access Optimus-designed above-ground refueling systems, fleets also can find B100 at a growing network of retail fuel partners.
Tax credits and discounts at the state and federal level may be available to B99 users, and bulk purchasing can reduce fuel costs to rates competitive with, or less than, diesel. Contact us for more information.
*We use B100 and B99 interchangeably as most retailers sell a B99 blend to realize tax credits for blended fuels while maintaining the carbon reduction integrity of B100.
** American Transportation Research Institute Study May 2022.
The Team
Our team is passionate about helping our customers decarbonize their operations without any interruptions. We are made up of talented engineers, go-to-market pros, and operators who work together to push the boundaries of what’s possible and make a positive impact on the world.
Colin Huwyler
Founder/CEO
Colin is a veteran of the renewable fuels industry. Prior to becoming CEO of Optimus, he founded Fossil Free Fuel and was previously the Director of Research and Technology at Steel City Biofuels.
Colin holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh and a certificate in Entrepreneurial Leadership from Carnegie Mellon University. He is also a co-inventor on several Optimus patents.
In his free time, Colin enjoys building, playing soccer, and pursuing outdoor activities such as riding his motorcycle and mountain biking.
Jon Ewing
Co-founder/Head of
Engineering & Production
Jon is responsible for Optimus’ engineering and operations teams. He is the co-inventor for many of the Optimus patents, including The Vector System.
He received his BS in Mechanical Engineering and Material Science from the University of Pittsburgh and spent four years in an Army Special Operations Unit. Jon would rather focus on fueling for the transportation sector above ground on US soil than fight for oil dominance in foreign wars.
He enjoys the challenges of his job and the camaraderie of the team. In his free time, Jon likes cycling, archery, and spending time with family.
Kirk Roller
VP of Commercialization
Kirk is responsible for the commercial aspects of Optimus’ business including managing the sales team, customer success, and partnerships. He holds a BBA from University of Texas at Austin.
He was drawn to Optimus as the company announced 500 trucks on the road at the end of 2023. The need for carbon reduction has never been greater. The value proposition at Optimus allows most companies the lowest cost option for serious carbon reduction.
Outside of work Kirk enjoys spending time with his family and getting out for an occasional fly fishing trip.
Gavin Crain
Head of Finance
Gavin is responsible for keeping track of all the debits & credits and dollars & cents into and out of the company. With over 20 years of experience as an accounting professional and an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh, he is well suited for the job.
All his efforts support the carbon emission reduction goals that Optimus has set and his hopes to leave the world a little better than he found it.
When Gavin isn’t working at Optimus, he can be found spending time with his family, playing disc golf, hiking, snowboarding or whitewater kayaking somewhere just outside of Pittsburgh, PA.
Careers
It’s fun to do good. Want to Join us? Learn more about position we’re hiring for now.
How to Apply
To apply, please use the links above OR send the following items to careers@optimustec.com
- A resume
- A brief cover letter explaining what excites you about joining the Optimus team
- A portfolio or supplemental material on anything else that you’ve done that you’d like us to know about that distinguishes you as a preferred candidate.
We’re a dynamic team and don’t expect the perfect candidate to have all the necessary skills on day one. If you’re excited about Optimus and feel you’d be a great fit, we’d encourage you to apply! If you have questions – don’t hesitate to reach out.
At this time, we are not hiring for any other positions, but we encourage you to send in your resume to careers@optimustec.com so we may contact you as opportunities become available.
Our Immediate Decarbonization Of Class 8 Trucking Report is Live!
Fill out the form to receive a link to download our 1.3 million mile evaluation of 100% biodiesel!
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