Hieu - Principal Structural Engineer

The Story

Based in Houston, Texas, Hieu is part of the North America Civil Engineering team guiding our customers on their energy transition journey. “My role is reviewing wind turbine foundation designs to support project financing, which is a critical step to make these wind projects a reality in the US market,” Hieu explains.

Driving innovation. Solving challenges.

When he first joined the team, the process of reviewing foundation designs was time-consuming and heavily reliant on two-dimensional modelling. But Hieu saw an opportunity to do things differently. Drawing on his technical expertise and passion for innovation, he developed a Python-based three-dimensional modelling tool using Abaqus. This tool has significantly reduced engineering time and enabled the team to assess larger and more complex turbine foundations.

“I’m proud to see how this tool has allowed us to support more projects and contribute to the growth of wind energy in the US,” he says.

Staying ahead of the curve. Leading the way.

As the renewable energy landscape evolves, so too do the challenges. The introduction of new foundation concepts - such as precast, braced, and hybrid foundations - has brought fresh complexity to the field. These designs, still new to the US market, require careful scrutiny and specialized knowledge.

“Because these types of foundations haven’t been used in the US before, there’s a need to develop the expertise to review them carefully. I’ve been involved in building that capability within my team, which is crucial for us as a trusted voice to stay at the forefront of wind energy technology.”

Inspiring growth. Helping others succeed.

For Hieu, technical growth isn’t just about personal development - it’s about helping others grow with him. He’s passionate about mentoring the next generation of engineers and fostering collaboration across teams.

“It’s great to see our younger engineers develop their skills and grow into their roles. I’ve been training them on the 3D modelling tool, and it’s rewarding to watch them take ownership of their work,” says Hieu.

Growing professionally. Making an impact.

“Ultimately, my goal is to contribute to the growth of the entire renewable energy industry by making our review processes more efficient and by empowering our younger engineers with the right technical skills,” says Hieu.

At DNV, we encourage our people to satisfy their curiosity and desire to learn and Hieu’s story is a testament to how we enable our employees to make a real impact – on their teams, on the industry, and on the planet.