# Luis Fernando Amar, MBA in sustainability > Technical Manager at GRID Alternatives Location: San Francisco, California, United States Profile: https://flows.cv/luisfernandoamarmbainsustainab Fernando is an MBA in sustainability professional currently working for a solar energy non-profit with several offices throughout the country that positively impacts environmental justice and low income communities. Working as a Technical Manager for GRID Alternatives, Fernando supports the Solar on Multifamily Affordable Housing SOMAH program providing free solar energy system reports including pre-designs and project financial assessments. The SOMAH program's goal is to install 300MW of solar energy on affordable housing in California that directly provides financial benefits to tenants. Fernando collaborates in the overall program management strategies, and is helping build a photovoltaic PV fleet monitoring system to track system performance. The SOMAH program is a 1 billion-dollar investment and is scheduled to provide incentives until 2030, Fernando also provides data analysis and Tableau visualizations for the program. In addition, Fernando also collaborates with regional offices and electric vehicle charging programs such as Communities in Charge and CALeVIP. In his personal time, Fernando is interested in elevating disadvantaged farmers and farm workers affected by social justice and climate change. Increasing drought, lack of access to farmland, loss and instability of farm work and salts in irrigation water are difficult challenges faced by farm workers today. Fernando is working on a clean technology solution using solar agrivoltaic systems, addressing soil health and building a supportive community of farmers. ## Work Experience ### Technical Manager @ GRID Alternatives Jan 2021 – Present | Oakland, California, United States ### Technical Specialist @ GRID Alternatives Jan 2021 – Present ### Technical Coordinator @ GRID Alternatives Jan 2020 – Present | Emeryville, California, United States ### SolarCorps Fellow, SOMAH Technical Assistance Analyst @ GRID Alternatives Jan 2019 – Jan 2020 | Oakland, CA Technical Assistance for Solar on Multifamily Affordable Housing (SOMAH) Solar PV array designer for low income multifamily buildings using HelioScope Solar feasibility and financial analyst in Energy Toolbase and Salesforce Energy usage data analysis and bench-marking in UtilityAPI, Energy Start Portfolio Manager and utility portals Market assessment data analysis Solar array site visits, troubleshooting and monitoring Carbon accounting for 2018 organization wide Sustainability initiatives suggestions at executive level Electric truck fleet research Collaborating in a solar program administration including handbook changes for the State of California Project creation, research and management for a Solar Sculpture with battery storage and EV charging ### MBA in Sustainability Student @ Green Mountain College Jan 2016 – Jan 2018 ### Sr. Industrial Designer | Product Management @ The Cricket Company Jan 2012 – Jan 2018 | Novato, CA • Proposed several sustainability initiatives to improve energy and transportation efficiency, reduce resource consumption and waste, and the creation of a cradle to cradle program. • Procured FSC certified wood and cardboard to improve product and packaging sustainability and enhance business performance. • Proposed a Green Business Certification and sustainability-oriented decision making. • Proposed and successfully designed consumer products from research and concept development, through 3D modeling, proof of concept prototypes, prototype testing to production. • Developed over 400 promotional products, packaging, and store displays utilizing materials that reduced waste, improved recyclability and increased shipping efficiency. • Developed a patented hairdryer to reduce noise and protect the user’s hearing. Achieved by design research, building and testing prototypes of internal components, analyzing testing data to improve energy efficiency. ### Sr. Industrial Designer @ Altierre Jan 2008 – Jan 2012 | San Jose, CA • Designed WiFi enabled electronic shelf labeling systems for grocery and department stores in a dynamic startup environment. • Prototyped and tested price tag LCD screens, out of stock sensors, wireless routers, and activation tools. • Developed products with technologies in RFID, E-paper, LCD and WiFi in multidisciplinary teams. • Collaborated in the product roadmap, manufacturing strategies and prepared status reports for executives. • Delivered production drawings, BOM’s and product specifications to manufacturing team. • Observed product assembly issues and developed solutions. • Client assistance to develop custom products for: Kohl’s, Walgreens, and Safeway. ### Freelance Senior Industrial Designer @ Focus Product Design Jan 2010 – Jan 2010 | Palo Alto, CA • Track record providing innovative designs for consulting client projects and producing presentations for executive leadership. • Assisted in the development of medical devices, veterinarian products, appliances and other. • Collaborated in cross-functional teams to support product strategy and product development. ### Industrial Designer | Project Manager @ MAX sf Jan 2003 – Jan 2005 | San Francisco, CA • Design, project management, process improvement and quality assurance of furniture and hardware manufactured in Vietnam. • Project management of custom furniture in the hospitality industry, established and maintained schedules with production management in Richmond, CA overseeing the performance of the team. • Managed production and installation teams, to build furniture and solve problems at the project location. • Managed multiple simultaneous projects, assisted in negotiating deadlines, adhered to budget, schedule and scope. • Successfully managed furniture projects for: W hotels, Joie de Vivre, Sheraton, boutique hotels and private clients internationally. ### Parts Manager @ Subterranean Cycles Jan 2001 – Jan 2003 | San Francisco, CA Parts procurement for motorcycle repair and maintenance. Ordered apparel, accessories and after market parts for the retail store. Scheduled motorcycle service with mechanics. Used motorcycle sales. Motorcycle customization. ### Product Design consulting, Product Manager, owner @ Oceana Studio Jan 1997 – Jan 2000 | Bogota, Colombia • Design and product management for a variety of clients including exhibit design, wine packaging, interior and logo design. • Design of a medical eye imaging device for Optovue. • Design of a communication device for a client with cerebral palsy including graphical user interphase in collaboration with an electronic hardware engineering team. ### Sustainability Program Fellow | Opcion Colombia @ Corporation for the Sustainable development of San Andres Islands CORALINA Jan 1996 – Jan 1998 | Archipelago of San Andrés, Providencia and Santa Catalina, Colombia • Developed projects and solutions to environmental challenges in San Andres Island. • Researched environmental issues and collaborated in project definition, design, and presentation to internal and governmental authorities. • Prepared educational materials of environmental and public health issues to disseminate knowledge and solutions to the community. • Built a Marine Turtle Hatchery in collaboration with marine biologists. • Developed a home water filter to improve well and rainwater water quality and safety for low underserved communities. ## Education ### Master of Business Administration - MBA in Sustainability Green Mountain College ### B of A in Industrial Design in Industrial Design Universidad Nacional de Colombia ### Quality Rapid Product Development in Product Development UC Berkeley extension ### Project Management I in II UC Berkeley Extension ### ISO 14000 Product design management and its relationship with the environment. Pontifical Javerian University ### Colegio Rochester ### Solar Energy Systems PV 101 Solar Energy International (SEI) ### Solar + storage PV 203 Solar Energy International (SEI) ## Contact & Social - LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/fernando-amar - Behance: https://www.behance.net/fernandoamar --- Source: https://flows.cv/luisfernandoamarmbainsustainab JSON Resume: https://flows.cv/luisfernandoamarmbainsustainab/resume.json Last updated: 2026-04-13