James Lopez, P.E. Principal
A native of the desert southwest, Mr. Lopez grew up on his grandfather's cattle ranch in eastern New Mexico. After graduating from the University of New Mexico, he attended graduate school at Cornell University where he obtained a Master of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering. He has published technical articles in academic publications including the prestigious American Geophysical Unions Water Resources Research. After college he went to work as an engineer in the oil fields of south Texas. In 1994, his wire line crew logged the hottest, deepest well in North America. After completing a two-year stint in the oil fields, Lopez relocated to Las Vegas where he began his civil engineering career. In 2002, he opened his civil engineering practice, JPL Engineering, Inc., and quickly grew the company to an impressive size. Lopez has extensive experience in civil engineering design, drainage, flood plain and flood control projects on alluvial fans, including studies for both residential and commercial land development projects, public works projects and flood mitigation design. He also has been involved in the coordination of major and minor civil and flood control projects with local entities, state and federal agencies, and private development. He lives in Henderson with his wife and three daughters. He is active in the community, including City of Henderson Chamber of Commerce, Latin Chamber of Commerce and National Association of Minority Contractors.