Meet Kyle

Kyle Leingang’s career has taken him from the depths of Wyoming’s coal mines to the forefront of carbon capture technology and sustainable energy solutions. Driven by his passion for the electrical field, Kyle consistently pursues opportunities for learning and growth.

"After graduating high school in 2010, I began working in coal mines as a General Laborer at Peabody Energy, Wyoming's leading coal producer. During my time there, I joined the Electrical co-op program while studying Industrial Electricity at Gillette College.

Growing through the ranks

In those early years, I focused on building a strong foundation by developing my skills and earning the credentials I needed for a successful future. After graduating with an associate’s degree in industrial electricity, I continued working at the mines and went on to earn my MSHA Electrical certification and my Wyoming Mine Foreman license.

In 2020, I joined Wood as an Industrial & Electrical Technician at the Atlas Carbon facility in Gillette, Wyoming. During this period, I earned both Wyoming and Texas Master Electrician certifications. I have been lucky to be surrounded by great leaders in our Wood team here in Wyoming who exposed me to new projects that linked my personal growth with the business strategy. I also led a team of fellow Wyomingite operators, maintenance and lab personnel on the recent Rare Earth Elements project.

This month, I graduated from the Gillette Area Leadership Institute (GALI), a transformative nine-month program that deepened my leadership skills and connected me with a strong network of community leaders. Together, we explored a broad spectrum of public policy issues through a non-partisan, hands-on experience that affects our community. As we look to the future, mentorship will be key to building a resilient workforce that can adapt to Wyoming’s shifting energy economy. By guiding new talent, supporting shifts in technology and encouraging civic engagement, we each contribute to our community’s resilience.

Diversified experience

Wood’s expansive Wyoming-based team supports clients across the region. While I primarily support the Atlas Carbon project, I also assist the MTR Carbon Capture project as electrical needs arise. Both projects are unique, using innovative processes to capture CO₂ and produce activated carbon for water filtration and power plant emissions. Before I became Site Supervisor on the RER project, I had only led smaller crews of electricians. However, I always had an interest in working with more diverse teams and with RER’s startup team consisting of maintenance, lab, operations and instrumentation and electrical technicians, I knew this was a great opportunity to learn about a new process.

Wyoming’s mining industry is experiencing a resurgence, particularly in coal and rare elements, which is increasing the need for skilled trades including electricians. My background in safety procedures from working in coal mining provided experience in an MSHA-regulated environment, where additional safety practices were required.

Wyoming is gaining attention for its potential to expand into new markets beyond coal, oil and gas, including rare earths, uranium and repurposing existing mining infrastructure. My experience with GALI allowed me to learn from local leaders about opportunities for energy diversification in Campbell County and statewide. Site visits, legislative discussions and community experiences deepened my understanding of Wyoming's evolving energy sector and related policy choices.

I’ve always said that I like to be faced with new challenges and learn something new every day. In the electrical industry, things are always changing and new opportunities to learn are always there if you are willing to find them. I recently ran for and was elected to the Campbell County Fire Board, and I look forward to using my knowledge and experience to truly make a difference.

Working for Wood in Wyoming is a unique experience. The diverse landscapes of Campbell County and Northeast Wyoming offer stunning views, and our team values outdoor activities and close community ties. These supportive attitudes continue at work, creating a positive and enjoyable environment.

When I’m not tackling new electrical challenges, I like to spend time golfing, traveling, landscaping and escaping to Wyoming’s wilderness to enjoy the serenity of its monumental landscapes."