Employee Spotlight: Arman Yazdani
Arman Yazdani, Program Manager, Solar Field Services
At PRI Engineering, we take pride in celebrating the incredible team members who bring passion, energy, and a touch of adventure to everything they do. Meet Arman Yazdani—our Program Manager for Solar Field Services, adrenaline enthusiast, and the leader of our Calgary, Alberta office.
Certified as a Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) and Certified Technician (C.Tech.), Arman’s journey at PRI began in the early days when he played a key role in launching our materials testing program, assisting with the Nuclear Densometer licensing with the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) to ensure we met all safety and procedural requirements to operate and utilize this equipment. Recognizing the need for an RSO-certified team member, Arman seamlessly transitioned into the role, leveraging his background in materials testing to excel.
Beyond his professional expertise, Arman is a vital force on our team, constantly pushing boundaries in the office and out in the mountains. Whether in the field or at the office, his dedication and adventurous spirit make him an indispensable part of PRI Engineering.
A Journey from Co-op to Leadership
Arman’s engineering journey began in high school when he joined WSP as a four-credit co-op student. During his time at WSP, Arman took on a variety of tasks, with his primary focus in the lab. However, he also had the opportunity to shadow field staff on different projects, sparking his interest in consulting. That initial exposure laid the foundation for a career that’s been anything but ordinary.
After a stint with a contractor in British Columbia, Arman worked as a junior surveyor on a road realignment to accommodate the proposed construction of the Site C Hydroelectric Dam project—his first surveying job after school. This experience allowed him to develop skills he hadn’t been able to practice at WSP and briefly explore municipal work, which he soon realized wasn’t the right fit for him. It was in the solar industry where Arman found his true passion.
Two years later, he made the move to PRI Engineering, and the rest, as they say, is history. Now, six years in, Arman leads our Solar Field Services, bringing the same enthusiasm and drive that launched his career.
Fuelled by Curiosity and Great People
Arman’s passion for engineering was sparked not only by the science, but by the incredible people he met along the way. At WSP (formerly Genivar), he gained hands-on experience with industry-standard tests, mastering the basics of materials testing specifically compaction testing and concrete testing, soil laboratory analysis, and even geotechnical borehole drilling supervision. Arman was also introduced to environmental work, which piqued his interest. But what truly left a lasting impression were the mentors and colleagues who guided him throughout his journey.
One of those early influences was his older brother, who Arman still works alongside today. Many of the people who mentored him at the start of his career are now his colleagues at PRI, making his journey feel like a full-circle moment.
From Living Out of a Bag to Leading the Calgary Office
When Arman first joined PRI, he was constantly on the move, working in the field so much that he joked about "living out of a bag." At the time, PRI didn’t have an established Alberta office, so he spent most of his time traveling between projects.
Fast forward to today—PRI’s Calgary office is thriving, and Arman has transitioned into a leadership role. While he’s no longer on the road 24/7, his days are still fast-paced and dynamic. He handles solar project quotes, connects with potential clients, and supports project engineers and technicians in the field. No, two days are the same, which is just the way he likes it.
Why PRI? The People and the Projects
For Arman, the best part of PRI isn’t just the exciting projects—it’s the people. Many of his colleagues have been with him since the beginning of his career, and working alongside both of his brothers is an added bonus.
One of his most unforgettable projects was PRI’s work in the U.S. Virgin Islands in 2020. For about four months, he split his time between work and the beach, capping off his days by swimming with a turtle buddy. Not a bad gig!
Beyond Work: An Adventure-Seeker at Heart
Arman Yzadani outback skiing - Calgary
When he’s not leading solar projects, Arman is chasing his next adrenaline rush. A die-hard outdoor enthusiast, he moved to Calgary for one reason—the mountains. Whether it’s backcountry skiing, rock climbing, mountain biking, camping, or slacklining, he’s always up for a challenge. His philosophy? "I’ll sleep when I’m dead."
Advice for Future Engineers
Arman believes that if you’re the type of person who craves variety, thrives on adventure, and wants to work with an intelligent and fearless team, PRI is the place to be. He encourages aspiring engineers to dive in headfirst, embrace new experiences, and never settle for a boring day.
His journey with PRI has been a thrilling ride, and as he continues to push boundaries and lead the way in solar field services, we can’t wait to see what he takes on next!
Looking Ahead
Arman’s passion, energy, and drive make him a standout leader at PRI Engineering. His fearless approach to both work and life embodies the adventurous spirit that makes PRI such a dynamic and exciting place to be. As he continues to explore new opportunities and push the envelope in solar field services, one thing is certain—he’ll never stop chasing the next big challenge. Whether he’s navigating complex projects or carving fresh tracks in the mountains, Arman is always moving forward, and we’re lucky to have him leading the way!