OUR TEAM
Our people make decarbonization easy.
Leadership
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.
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.
It's fun to do good. Join us.
Ananth Palaniappan
Mechanical Engineer
Chris Waite
Assembly Technician
Chris Hipwell
Mechanical Engineer
Cole White
Field Diesel Technician
David Aliberti
Technical Projects Lead
Donnie Lawrence
Assembly Technician
Dontae Robinson
Accounting Specialist
Ed Davis
Production Manager
Eren Sengun
Senior Mechanical Engineer
Gabe Clymer
Assembly Technician
Gina Lamia
Field Service Technician
Harper York
Project Support Specialist
Jason Via
Buyer
Jess Bala
Assembly Technician
Joey Lynch
Field Operations &
Service Manager
Johanna Seminario
Account Executive
Josh Singler
Mechanical Engineer
Karl Thomas
Account Executive
Kate Gaunt
Office Manager
Katie Crandol
Internal Projects Lead
Kevin Smyth
Senior Mechanical Engineer
Matt Homman
People Ops Lead
Matt Kiley
Engineering Manager
Matt Ross
Customer Success Manager
Maximillian Marchioli
Mechanical Engineer
Mike Kennedy
Lead Engineer
Engine Platforms
Mitesh Deshpande
Mechanical Engineer
Monté Wells
Assembly Technician
Reese Hawk
Mechanical Engineer
Rick Davis
Field Service Technician
Roberta Afrifa
Customer Projects Lead
Careers at Optimus
Passionate about reducing carbon emissions? Want to be an important part of creating the future of sustainable transportation? Reach out.
Whether you're interested in engineering, working on diesel engines, go-to-market, or more, there are exciting opportunities available to join our team of passionate individuals who are dedicated to creating a better world.