Optima Engineering PA

Every engineer has a "why." 💡

We're excited to introduce our new series, Why Engineering, where members of our team share the stories that inspired them to pursue a career in engineering.

First up is Ben Barrier, PE, Principal and leader of our Greenville office. When we asked Ben why he became an engineer, his answer was simple:

"It runs in the family."

Inspired by his father and brothers, Ben followed a path that led him from an Optima intern in 2017 to leading our Greenville office today. And now, with his son James joining the family earlier this year, maybe another future engineer is already in the making.

We're proud to share the people behind the projects and their stories. Stay tuned for more in our Why Engineering series!

This summer, we’re celebrating team members who have reached meaningful work anniversaries and the impact they’ve made along the way.

Congratulations to Brandon Lee, P.E., Electrical Engineer and leader of our Greenville Office electrical team, on 10 years with Optima, and congratulations to Suzanne Epps, Director of Marketing and Growth, on 5 years with us this June.

We’re also thrilled to celebrate Chuck White, Plumbing and Fire Protection Designer, as he approaches 5 years with our firm in July.

Thank you for your dedication, leadership, and the role you play in shaping our teams and supporting our clients every day.

Here’s to everything you’ve contributed and what’s still ahead together.

Today is World Environment Day, a reminder that thoughtful design can have a lasting impact.

At Optima Engineering, sustainability is integrated into the way we approach every project. Through energy-efficient HVAC systems, smart building controls, LED lighting solutions, water conservation strategies, and high-performance building design, we help create facilities that operate more efficiently and responsibly.

Collaboration is more than a process at Optima Engineering. It is how we approach every project, every client relationship, and every challenge. By bringing together experienced engineers, clear communication, and proactive problem-solving, our team works collaboratively to deliver solutions that support our clients’ goals, budgets, schedules, and long-term operational success.

From early planning through project closeout, we believe strong partnerships and responsive service are key to creating successful outcomes for the communities and organizations we serve.

Hard work. Dedication. A lot of studying. 📚️

Congratulations to Justin and Elijah for officially passing their PE exams! Passing this exam is a major career milestone, and we are excited to celebrate this accomplishment with them. Optima is lucky to have you both on the team in Raleigh!

Our team continues to grow stronger because of talented professionals like these two. Well done, Justin and Elijah! 👏

We look forward to seeing this great project come to life!

This week is Construction Safety Week, and here at Optima, we're thinking beyond the jobsite.

During Mental Health Awareness Month, it is a reminder that safety includes both physical conditions and mental well-being. When we recognize, respond, and respect both, we create safer teams and stronger outcomes.

That is why we prioritize time together outside of work, with team events, outings, and opportunities to connect, because looking out for each other is part of the job.

As the educational landscape continues to evolve, staying connected to new ideas and collaborative solutions is more important than ever.

We’re excited to have leaders across multiple offices representing Optima Engineering at the 2026 NC A4LE Conference, “Adapting Education Spaces for Changing Tides.” This year’s theme highlights the importance of designing flexible, forward-thinking learning environments that can respond to shifting needs in education, funding, and community impact.

Optima is also proud to support this year’s conference as a , helping keep connections front and center throughout the event.

From innovative design strategies to meaningful collaboration, we’re proud to have our team engaging in conversations that help shape spaces where students can thrive, now and for generations to come.

In honor of National Volunteer Week and Earth Day, we’re recognizing the impact our teams make beyond the office. Giving back is an important part of who we are at Optima, and we’re proud to support the communities we serve.

Our Raleigh team volunteered on the farm with Inter-Faith Food Shuttle, helping clean and harvest fresh produce in support of their mission to end hunger across seven North Carolina counties. It was a rewarding and impactful experience for our team.

Our Charlotte team also participated in Clean the Queen, joining Envision Charlotte to recycle old t-shirts into sound panels, dog beds, and rugs to keep the fabric out of landfills.

Interested in being part of a team that gives back? Connect with us to learn more about careers at Optima Engineering.

As we wrap up the first quarter of 2026, we’re taking a moment to celebrate the people behind our progress. Join us in recognizing our team members who reached work anniversaries this quarter. Each one plays a part in what makes Optima Engineering what it is today.

Congratulations to Drew Landen, P.E., Mechanical Engineer, and Ron McKay, IT Manager, on 10 years with Optima! 🎉 We are also celebrating Steve Cannon, Plumbing and Fire Protection Designer, and his 5 years with us.

We’re grateful for the dedication, teamwork, and positive impact you bring every day. Here’s to the work you’ve done and what’s still ahead.