Employee Spotlight: Jelica Mendoza
Jelica Mendoza, Program Manager, Solar Engineering
Jelica Mendoza is a key leader at PRI Engineering, serving as a Program Manager in the Calgary office. She spearheads the company’s solar engineering services, ensuring projects are executed with technical precision and efficiency. With a dynamic role that blends field support, engineering oversight, and process development, Jelica plays an integral part in shaping PRI’s contributions to the renewable energy sector.
PRI Engineering Calgary, Alberta Office
From Dubai to Canada
Born and raised in Dubai, UAE, Jelica ventured to Canada at the age of 17, eager to build a future in engineering. She pursued both her bachelor's and master's degrees at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, immersing herself in engineering research and development.
During her undergraduate summers, she worked as an Import Coordinator at Adidas Group in Dubai, gaining experience in fast-paced logistics and data processing. She later took on an internship as a Product Management Analyst at Bombardier Transportation in Kingston, where she supported engineering and R&D initiatives, gaining firsthand insight into large-scale design and cost-optimization processes.
After completing her master's research in environmental applications, Jelica was eager to transition into industry. In 2019, she joined PRI Engineering—then a small but ambitious team of three—seeking a hands-on learning experience where she could directly see the impact of her work. The opportunity to contribute to a growing company in a meaningful way was exactly what she was looking for.
Leading the Way at PRI Engineering
Now a Program Manager, Jelica describes her work as dynamic and ever-evolving—no two days are alike. Between client and internal management meetings, she regularly oversees junior engineers, offering guidance and ensuring projects progress smoothly.
“Managing engineering projects is like overseeing a chessboard,” Jelica explains. “Each piece requires a different strategy, and my job is to make sure everything moves forward efficiently.”
Her days can range from supporting teams in the field with real-time calculations to refining engineering tools and processes to meet evolving industry demands. In the world of geotechnical engineering—especially in the rapidly growing solar sector—adaptability is key, and Jelica thrives in this fast-paced environment.
Finding Fulfillment at PRI Engineering
For Jelica, the best part of working at PRI is the team. “We have a really strong core group, each bringing unique expertise to the table,” she says. “When we collaborate, we can solve even the most complex engineering challenges.”
She has worked on solar projects across North America, from the Northwest Territories to the Caribbean. Whether a project involves 20 foundation piles or 100,000, she has learned that each presents its own unique set of challenges and opportunities.
Life Beyond Engineering
Outside of work, Jelica embraces a quieter, family-oriented lifestyle. As a self-proclaimed introvert, she enjoys spending time at home with her young toddler, indulging in family movie nights and weekend trips to Costco or Goodwill. She is also an active member of her church community and finds relaxation in crocheting and, more recently, sewing. A dedicated board game enthusiast, she admits that her growing collection now sees less action since becoming a mom—but her love for strategy and problem-solving remains strong.
Advice for Aspiring Engineers
Jelica encourages those interested in geotechnical engineering or considering a role at PRI to embrace the challenge. “If you’re looking for a small, dynamic team that fosters rapid growth and diversity, PRI is the place for you,” she says. “In geotechnical engineering, no two projects are ever the same because nature sets the rules. We’re constantly learning, adapting, and innovating to deliver the best solutions for complex sites.”
She also highlights PRI’s inclusive culture. “We have a diverse team, and our women engineers have a strong voice in the company,” she shares. “Coming from an engineering and construction background, I know how valuable that is. It’s something I truly appreciate about working at PRI.”
Jelica Mendoza’s story is a testament to the power of passion, adaptability, and leadership in the ever-evolving world of engineering. Her journey continues to inspire those looking to make a meaningful impact in the field.