Plazi Ricklin, 35 Project Manager, eSolar Plazi Ricklin, project manager for Burbank-based eSolar, strives to create innovative alternative energy products that offer real-world applications at a competitive rate. He knows achieving that goal requires a lot of brainpower. Formerly the director of turbine design, Ricklin, 35, is now leading a team working on the company’s Heliostat Development Project. “The best part of my job is to orchestrate the cooperation of various engineering, supply chain, applied physics, and software professionals,” he said. “It’s amazing what a small team of dedicated personnel can develop in a short amount of time.” Ricklin received his B.S. degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Kentucky, and later his M.S. in mechanical and aerospace engineering from Princeton University. While he started his career in engineering, Ricklin now has more than 10 years under his belt in the ever-changing power generation industry. “It takes a good team of all kinds of talent to succeed,” he said. “No individual can single-handedly develop large-scale technology. Success comes from enabling individual contributors and harnessing the synergies you get from a well organized, well rounded and diverse team.
