Meet The PWR Team

Meet Van G. Plocus

Principal & Registered Professional Engineer

With over 50 years of immersion in the world of engineering and land development, Van brings an unparalleled depth of experience to the team. His journey began with a degree from the Colorado School of Mines in 1972, followed by specialized post-graduate work at Pennsylvania State University. Throughout his distinguished career, Van has remained dedicated to providing solid, comprehensive engineering solutions with a focus on environmental stewardship and resource management.

Van’s expertise has evolved alongside the industry, allowing him to offer a sophisticated suite of services vital for both residential and commercial success:

• Comprehensive Land Development: Van provides expert guidance in surveying, innovative environmental design, and essential geotechnical services.
• Regulatory Navigation: He specializes in streamlined permitting processes, helping projects move from concept to reality efficiently.
• Practical Problem Solving: Having tackled nearly every imaginable engineering challenge over five decades, he brings a calm, seasoned perspective to complex technical issues.
• Integrated Solutions: Van is committed to delivering well-integrated engineering foundations that ensure long-term project stability and client confidence.

Van believes that truly effective engineering is the foundation for lasting success. He is proud to bring a half-century of practical knowledge to every new endeavor, partnering with clients to turn ambitious visions into grounded realities.

Meet Carlos A. Lourenco

Carlos is a dedicated Lead Surveyor based in Martinsburg, WV. With over five years of specialized land surveying experience and a decade of expertise in driving and customer service, he brings a versatile and professional skill set to every project.

Currently leading field operations at PWR Engineering LLC in Martinsburg, WV, Carlos manages a wide range of complex tasks, from conducting detailed topography maps, boundary reconnaissance, and researching courthouse land records for historical deed evidence.

Professional Expertise & Certifications

• Advanced Leica Certification: Carlos is formally certified in Leica Captivate, having completed an in-depth, hands-on training program focused on GPS and Robotic Total Stations.
• Surveying & Staking: Expert in boundary surveys, ALTA surveys, and precision stakeouts for property lines, foundations, and retaining walls using cutting edge engineering technology and manual land surveying methods.
• Technical Mapping: Highly skilled in creating topography maps with cross-sections and establishing elevation loops to maintain horizontal/vertical control points.
• Software Proficiency: Proficient in industry-standard tools including Carlson and Leica GNSS systems.

Commitment to the Craft

Carlos is bilingual in English and Spanish, facilitating seamless communication on diverse job sites. Driven by a passion for the field, he is currently working toward becoming a Licensed Surveyor in multiple states by furthering his education in Engineering Technology. His blend of technical mastery and "boots-on-the-ground" experience makes him a vital asset to any engineering team.

Meet Jose Ahumada

Project Engineer

Jose is a dedicated Civil Engineer with over a decade of experience in land development, construction estimating, and comprehensive project management. Currently serving as a Project Engineer at PWR Engineering LLC, he specializes in grading analysis, stormwater review, and the coordination of complex site layouts for residential and commercial projects.

With a career spanning international markets—including Colombia, Panama, and the Dominican Republic—Jose brings a global perspective to technical execution and stakeholder coordination. He is highly proficient in industry-standard platforms such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Revit, and Bluebeam, ensuring precision from initial feasibility analysis to final permit documentation.

• Professional Credentials: Jose holds a degree in Civil Engineering and is currently an Engineer in Training (EIT) with his FE Exam scheduled for March 2026.
• Strategic Impact: He has a proven track record of securing high-value contracts and managing large-scale subcontractor networks to maintain strict quality and safety standards.
• Technical Versatility: His toolkit includes advanced certifications in AI strategy, Leica Survey Equipment, and structural analysis software like SAP 2000.
• Bilingual Communication: Fluent in both English and Spanish, Jose excels as a technical liaison between engineering teams, consultants, and clients.

Jose combines a strong work ethic with a detail-oriented approach to ensure every project is both profitable and compliant with the highest engineering standards.

Meet Heather Titus

Office Manager

Heather is a highly organized Office Manager with 20 years of experience in personalized administrative support. Since joining PWR Engineering in 2023, she has been instrumental in optimizing workflows and supporting strategic growth.

• Operations & HR: Manages all Human Resources functions, including recruitment, payroll, and onboarding.
• Financial Management: Oversees invoicing and accounts payable/receivable with precision tracking.
• Strategic Scheduling: Coordinates executive calendars, client appointments, and field crew rotations.
• Digital Presence: Manages the firm's social media channels to drive brand engagement.
• Project Support: Handles complex permitting and quality inspections for new home construction.

Heather is dedicated to enhancing operational accuracy through technical proficiency and a proactive approach.