John Kern, P.E.
About John Kern, P.E.
John Kern, P.E. serves as the Vice President of Pre-Construction at Pine Gate Renewables, bringing extensive experience in program development and engineering across various companies in the energy sector.
Current Role at Pine Gate Renewables
John Kern serves as the Vice President of Pre-Construction at Pine Gate Renewables. He has held this position since 2023, contributing to the company's strategic initiatives in the renewable energy sector. His role involves overseeing pre-construction activities, ensuring projects are effectively planned and executed.
Previous Experience in Energy Development
Before joining Pine Gate Renewables, John Kern worked at Infrastructure and Energy Alternatives, Inc. (IEA) as the Director of Program Development from 2021 to 2022. He then transitioned to Convergent Energy + Power, where he served as the Director of Solar & Energy Storage Development for 10 months in the New York City Metropolitan Area. His experience in these roles has equipped him with extensive knowledge in energy project development.
Engineering Background
John Kern has a solid foundation in engineering, having worked at Jacobs as an Engineer I - Structural from 2010 to 2014. He began his career at Jacobs Engineering as an Engineer Intern in the Structures & Bridges Department and Highways Department from 2008 to 2010. He also held the position of Engineer II - Structural at First Solar from 2014 to 2016, further enhancing his engineering expertise.
Education and Qualifications
John Kern holds a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Delaware, where he studied from 2006 to 2010. He also achieved a Minor in Economics during his undergraduate studies. Additionally, he earned a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) in Finance from Rutgers Business School, completing his studies from 2016 to 2019. His educational background supports his roles in engineering and business development.
Leadership Roles at Merit SI
At Merit SI, John Kern held several leadership positions, including Director of Program Development from 2019 to 2021 and Senior Project Manager from 2018 to 2019. He also served as Project Manager for 8 months in 2017. His tenure at Merit SI involved managing various projects and programs, showcasing his capabilities in project management and development.