Babalola A Oni
Process and Manufacturing Engineer
***************@*****.*** • 701-***-****
GOOGLE SCHOLAR: Link Babalola Oni LinkedIn• Grand Forks, ND
Results-driven Process Engineer with expertise in optimizing industrial operations, improving efficiency, experimental research, and ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards. Skilled in process design, regulatory compliance, data analysis, and cross-functional collaboration to drive continuous improvement, and cost reduction. Adept at troubleshooting and implementing innovative solutions in manufacturing and production environments. Expertise in in root cause and corrective action, automation integration, SolidWorks and PLC programing, and a proven track record in lean manufacturing and process improvement. Having a strong understanding of quality assurance that are in alignment with global regulatory requirements.
Areas of Expertise
Manufacturing Process improvement
Statistical Process Control (SPC)
Project Management & Execution
Quality Control & Assurance
Data Analysis & Visualization
Cross-Functional Team Collaboration
Professional Experience
University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND
Graduate Research Assistant
Jan. 2023 — Present
Supported principal investigators during research into rare earth concentrates from Lignite coal. Collaborate with research team to maintain alignment of experiments with project goals. Document and analyze results to contribute meaningful data towards product improvements on the rare-earth elements.
●Increase REE leaching efficiency and maximize recovery percentage (aiming for 80% from enriched coal ash or tailings).
●Ensure consistent 90% accuracy in REE mass balance to validate experimental performance and identify bottlenecks in the process. Identify environmentally benign reagents that retain 75% recovery performance upon reuse.
● Improve REE concentration in feedstock to increase overall recovery rates by 34% while reducing reagent consumption.
●Analyzed experimental data using statistical tools to identify trends, assess repeatability, and prepare technical reports summarizing optimization and recovery performance.
Aethero, Grand Forks, ND- INTERN
Research Engineer Intern
July 2024 — Aug.2024
Applied AI-based data analytics and UAS technology for structural health monitoring, addressing component failures and corrosion damage. This involved the integration of advanced machine learning algorithms with high-resolution aerial imagery and sensor data collected via UAS platforms to detect, classify, and monitor degradation in infrastructure systems.
●Deployed UAS equipped with RGB, thermal, and multispectral sensors to capture real-time data over critical infrastructure such as bridges, pipelines, and buildings. Ensured geospatial alignment through GPS and LiDAR support for high-accuracy mapping.
China University of Petroleum Beijing, China
Research Assistant
Jan 2022 — Dec 2022
Responsible for supporting experimental investigations through the setup, operation, and monitoring of lab-scale and pilot-scale chemical processes. Preparation of chemical solutions handled hazardous materials safely, and conducted experiments involving reaction kinetics, catalysis, and thermochemical conversion.
●Published over 100 papers with 2500 citations in highly rated peer reviewed journal.
●Advanced understanding of electrode design, efficiency in materials, fabrication, and sol-gel chemistry synthesis.
Chemical and Allied Products (CAP Plc), Lagos, Nigeria
Chemical Engineer
Nov.2016 — Aug.2020
Implemented strategic improvements to daily operations, fostering better coordination and communication among team members. Analyzed logistical processes to identify and mitigate potential disruptions for smooth operational flow.
Develop and revise SOPs, PFMEAs, risk assessments, and safety guidelines for the safe handling of chemicals.
Develops sampling methods for quality data collection and analysis, supports accuracy assessments of manufacturing equipment and testing systems, and engages in continuous improvement and 5S initiatives.
Conduct root cause analyses and drives the implementation of corrective measures to address process failures by 28 %.
Participate in continuous improvement initiatives using Kaizen, Lean, Six Sigma, DMAIC, DOE and SPC methodologies to minimize waste by 34% and improve efficiency 37 %. Knowledge of ISO 9001 and implementation of effective CAPA, RCCA, and 8D
Assist in the development, coordination and monitoring of all aspects of production, selection of manufacturing methods, fabrication, operation of product designs and resolve serialization-related issues.
Modify designs using data collected from customers to reduce or eliminate design failure by 26 % improved performance
Inspecting and testing materials, equipment, processes, and products to ensure quality specifications are met.
Develops corrective actions and improvements, reviews specifications and processes, implements inspection and testing methods to ensure reliability, ensures compliance with quality standards through data collection and analysis.
Develops, monitors, and reports KPI’s that demonstrate the process is working correctly and not deviating.
Thorough knowledge of metalworking techniques, including smelting, shaping, machining, and surface finishing.
PROCESS ENGINEER Dec. 2015 – Oct 2017
Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, Nigeria
Successfully designed and managed PFDs and P&IDs, improving process visualization and operational efficiency by over 30% through optimized system layout and instrumentation control.
Perform troubleshooting as required and design equipment to support and operate safely
Implemented process improvements and resolved operational issues, resulting in a 25 – 40% increase in system efficiency and a 50% reduction in downtime.
Ensuring that all process engineering activities comply with regulations such as OSHA PSM as well as HSE procedures
CHEMICAL AND PROCESS ENGINEER (Contract) July 2014 – Dec 2015
South Atlantic Petroleum (SAPETRO)
Ensured regulatory compliance and implemented risk-based safety protocols, achieving 100% incident-free operations and optimizing equipment sizing and system design with a 27% improvement in process reliability.
Assist in the design, development, and scaling of new chemical processes. Collaborate with R&D teams to transition processes from the laboratory to full-scale production. Conduct research to develop new products and processes
Education
PhD ENERGY ENGINEERING Jan 2023- Aug.2025
University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND
MSc. CHEMICAL ENGINEERING Aug 2020 - May 2022
China University of Petroleum Beijing, PR China
B. ENG. CHEMICAL ENGINEERING Aug 2010 – May 2014
University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Technical Proficiencies
PFDs, statistical process control (SPC); Chem-CAD; HYSYS, MATLAB, and P&IDs, and 3D; AutoCAD, Visio; root cause analysis (RCA); failure mode analysis (FMEA); Minitab, Excel; Maintain and adhere to ISO standards; Autodesk Fusion360; serialization software and technologies; SEM, ICPMS, AFM, XPS.