Christopher Kater

Accomplished Construction Manager and Owner's Representative with over eight years of progressive leadership experience in utility-scale and commercial solar construction. Extensive expertise overseeing projects from site mobilization through mechanical completion while ensuring compliance with engineering specifications, quality standards, and project schedules. Demonstrated success leading multidisciplinary construction teams, managing contractors, conducting quality inspections, and collaborating with owners, EPC contractors, engineers, and subcontractors to deliver high-quality renewable energy projects safely, on schedule, and within budget.

Recognized for building strong client relationships, solving complex field issues, and driving operational excellence.

Construction Manager / Owner's Representative at Bayside Energy (2026-02 – Present)

• Represent the project owner throughout all phases of utility-scale solar construction.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with clients, contractors, local communities, and project stakeholders.
• Monitor contractor performance to ensure compliance with contract requirements, engineering drawings, project specifications, and quality standards.
• Conduct field inspections, identify deficiencies, and oversee corrective actions.
• Coordinate project activities while promoting safety, quality, and schedule performance.
• Prepare daily reports documenting project progress, quality observations, and field activities.

Construction Manager at NEXTracker (2025-01 – 2026-01)

• Performed quality inspections on utility-scale solar projects to verify installations met NEXTracker engineering standards.
• Reviewed tracker installation, torque tube alignment, module installation, and overall construction quality.
• Prepared comprehensive daily inspection reports for project owners and management.
• Worked directly with EPC contractors to resolve field issues and maintain project schedules.
• Assisted contractors by providing technical guidance and ensuring compliance with manufacturer requirements.

Traveling Construction Manager at BayWa r.e. (2023-11 – 2024-12)

• Managed mechanical construction operations across multiple commercial and utility-scale solar projects.
• Supervised installation of piles, racking systems, tracker components, and photovoltaic modules.
• Coordinated field crews to maintain production goals while ensuring quality workmanship and OSHA compliance.
• Successfully managed projects involving ATI and multiple commercial ground-mount solar installations.
• Maintained communication between field personnel, project management, and clients.

General Foreman / Foreman at McCarthy Building Companies (2018 – 2023)

Promoted through multiple leadership positions based on performance and leadership. Career Progression: Laborer / Tender, Pile Driver, Tracker Installer, Module Installer, Foreman, General Foreman

• Supervised large construction crews on utility-scale NEXTracker solar projects.
• Managed installation of driven piles, torque tubes, tracker systems, module installation, and wire management.
• Planned daily work activities while meeting production schedules and maintaining high-quality standards.
• Coordinated subcontractors and multiple work scopes to maximize project efficiency.
• Mentored field personnel and developed future foremen and crew leaders.
• Maintained an exceptional commitment to safety and quality throughout every phase of construction.

Quality Control Technician / Crew Leader at PCL Construction (2017 – 2018)

• Performed quality inspections on First Solar projects.
• Inspected tracker systems, photovoltaic modules, and mechanical installations.
• Managed crews responsible for correcting deficiencies and completing punch list items.
• Verified completed work complied with project specifications and client expectations.

– East Central High School (2008 – 2012)