Peter Hruby, P.E.

Experience

• 

  Caterpillar Inc.

  Aug 2009 - May 2011

  Mechanical Engineering Co-op

  •Designed, modeled, detailed, and applied FEA to various new parts and assemblies in SolidWorks•Performed detailing, interpretation, and management of part and assembly drawings through various PLM applications•Improved technical and interpersonal communication skills during design review meetingsDraglines: New Product Development•Carried out extensive design tasks on propel system, base structure, and other features for upcoming dragline and for newly-constructed draglines using SolidWorks•Compiled option sheets via research, personal expertise, and collaboration with engineersMining Trucks: Engineering •Developed and implemented testing procedure to determine blind spots of ultra-class trucks’ operator cabs in SolidWorks according to ISO 5006 to eliminate need for field testing•Proposed solutions to improve grease flow in gearbox/wheel motor and to prevent cracking in engine/alternator mounts Show less

• 

  The Oilgear Company

  May 2012 - Jul 2012

  Mechanical Engineering Intern

  •Designed, modeled, and detailed manifold assemblies and other hydraulic system components in SolidWorks•Executed and documented engineering change requests using SolidWorks and AutoCAD

• 

  Arizona State University

  Jan 2013 - Oct 2014

  •Performed finite element modeling in Abaqus to assess deformation response in aluminum alloys•Analyzed 3D imaging data of compressed silicon foams using MATLAB, ImageJ, and Avizo •Experimented on the mechanical behavior of aluminum alloys and of aluminum matrix composites•Processed data and analyzed experimental results using MATLAB, Excel, and ImageJ; formally reported findings•Constructed 3D and 4D visual renderings of micron-scale material structures and properties using Avizo and MIMICS

  • Assistant Research Technologist

    May 2014 - Oct 2014

  • Graduate Research Assistant

    Jan 2013 - May 2014
• 

  First Solar

  Nov 2014 - Jun 2020

  • Focused on design, development, validation, & continuous improvement of mechanical structures & components of thin-film photovoltaic modules for the largest photovoltaic solar module manufacturer in the western hemisphere• Developed test equipment & procedures for design investigation, validation, and reliability verification• Fabricated prototypes by means of machining, 3D printing, and/or sourcing from vendors• Built relationships with suppliers – including visits to China, Malaysia, & Taiwan – to collaborate on design for manufacturing, vet for production supplier selection, & provide technical support during Supplier Quality audits• Worked cross-functionally with Reliability, Global Supply Chain, Supplier Quality, Manufacturing & Product Management teams to achieve roadmap goals• Active member of site safety team, which identified & addressed safety concerns in the lieu of an on-site EH&S associateKey Achievements:• Supported production ramp of Series 6 module frame to current production rate of over 12 million modules per year, including UL 1703 & IEC 61215 certification, ramp of multiple suppliers, & First Solar factory ramp• Designed alternate frame design for applications with lower wind loads with savings >$2 per module• Identified opportunity to reduce part count for Series 6 frame, resulting in significant cost savings• Executed cost-neutral redesign of a critical Series 6 frame component to eliminate risk of grounding path interruption• Generated various concepts for future generations of module frame, including assessment of alternative materials; advanced select concepts through prototype fabrication, mechanical characterization tests, & field install trial Show less Key Achievements:• Designed first-of-kind aluminum frame of Series 6 module with unique stacking method & novel field mounting capability utilized by ~80% of customers; granted design patent and pending utility patent• Led redesign of solar tracker design to accommodate Series 5 module while reducing material cost & install labor• Developed back rails for Series 5 module: created part & assembly drawings, executed qualification tests, supported supply chain, & assessed cost reduction opportunities• Executed sustaining activities for tracker fleet, such as failure root cause analysis & remediation solution development Show less

  • Development Engineer III

    Sept 2017 - Jun 2020

  • Development Engineer II

    Apr 2016 - Sept 2017

  • Development Engineer I

    Nov 2014 - Mar 2016
• 

  Kinematics Manufacturing

  Aug 2020 - Sept 2021

  Senior Product Design Engineer
• 

  Affordable Wire Management

  Sept 2021 - now

  • Chief Product Officer

    Oct 2024 - now

  • Chief Operating Officer

    Sept 2021 - Oct 2024