Process Engineer Senior

Zaid Alazawe

Senior Process Engineer

Houston, Texas

+1-713-***-**** / ****.**********@*****.***

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

PMP-certified Chemical Process Engineer with 15+ years of experience across petroleum refining, LNG, gas processing, ammonia systems, and low-carbon fuel technologies. Demonstrated ability to lead FEED, EPC, and pre-commissioning phases of large-scale industrial projects, with experience interfacing across multidisciplinary teams. Proficient in Aspen HYSYS and UniSim for advanced modeling and process design, with working knowledge of ASME standards. Adept at managing Management of Change (MOC), developing PFDs/P&IDs, and aligning technical deliverables with client expectations and regulatory requirements. Fluent in English and Arabic. Currently pursuing an MBA to complement technical depth with strategic leadership.

EXPERIENCE

McDermott International, Inc. – Houston, TX

Senior Process Engineer

Oct 2023 – Present

GEVO Net Zero 1 – Lake Preston, SD (Ethanol to Jet Fuel Facility)

Led the Management of Change (MOC) process for a $1B renewable fuels project.

Developed process simulations, PFDs, P&IDs, and H&MB.

Authored and reviewed process documentation, startup manuals, and safety interlock evaluations.

MERIDIAN DAVIS Crude Oil Refinery – Billings County, ND

Delivered core process engineering deliverables: datasheets, specifications, and line/equipment sizing.

Checked key documents for accuracy and consistency with design criteria.

Contributed to material selection, RAM studies, and HAZOP close-out activities.

Woodfibre LNG Project – British Columbia, Canada

Supported commissioning and operations integration for LNG facility. Utilized Aspen HYSYS and Honeywell UniSim for simulation and modeling of cryogenic and gas treatment systems.

Developed operating manuals and safety interlock validation packages.

Participated in PSSRs and process system handovers aligned with regulatory requirements.

DSM Nitration Products – Freeport, TX

Chemical Process Engineer II / Improve Plant Projects Engineer

Oct 2021 – Oct 2023

Managed PSM compliance, HAZOPs, and project safety reviews for ammonia compressors and nitration units. Built and validated process models using UniSim for process enhancement and cost-saving initiatives.

Led feasibility studies, cost analysis, and scope development for plant improvement projects.

Delivered detailed engineering aligned with SHEQ standards and PSM frameworks.

Supported MOC and risk assessments (FMEA, RCA), contributing to productivity and cost optimization.

Alcon Laboratories – Houston, TX

Operations Engineer

Feb 2017 – Sep 2021

Oversaw quality inspections, validations, and process documentation for medical device manufacturing.

Led QA operations in triage response, non-conformance investigations, and regulatory audits (ISO, FDA).

Conducted real-time quality checks, initiated procedural updates, and supported molding machine maintenance.

Dura Refinery / Ministry of Oil – Baghdad, Iraq

Chemical Process Engineer / Operations Engineer

Jun 2011 – Jan 2017

Led process engineering activities for Jet-A1 fuel refining, including optimization of distillation and treatment processes to meet stringent aviation fuel specifications.

Managed Process Safety Management (PSM) and Management of Change (MOC) for refinery operations, ensuring full compliance with safety and environmental regulations.

Directed quality control operations at the Jet Fuel Depot in Baghdad International Airport, including testing for density, flash point, freezing point, and other critical parameters.

Developed and updated PFDs, P&IDs, and process documentation for jet fuel systems and hydrocarbon blending units.

Conducted fuel lab operations and audits, ensuring ISO-9001 compliance and implementing continuous improvement initiatives across fuel handling and storage systems.

Spearheaded upgrades and rehabilitation of the Jet-A1 filtration and fueling systems, enhancing reliability and throughput.

Led process studies and troubleshooting for hydro-isomerization units to enhance high-octane gasoline production efficiency.

Provincial Reconstruction Team – US Department of State / Diyala, Iraq

Project Engineer / Chemical SME

Mar 2009 – Jun 2011

Led water treatment and fuel depot construction projects in partnership with US Army Corps of Engineers.

Delivered monthly reports, facilitated high-level meetings with local government, and ensured QA/QC compliance.

Al Kasid Group – Baghdad, Iraq

Spare Parts Department Manager

Nov 2008 – Mar 2009

Implemented barcode inventory systems and provided technical support and customer service for industrial components.

Azku Incorporation – Baghdad, Iraq

Chemical Engineer

Jan 2007 – Sep 2008

Managed chemical equipment supply and installation for industrial and academic clients.

Oversaw procurement, sales, and project execution in oil and gas sectors.

EDUCATION

B.Sc., Chemical Engineering, University of Technology, Baghdad, Iraq – Oct 2006

PMP Certification, Project Management Institute – Dec 2020

MBA, Lamar University, Beaumont, TX – Currently Pursuing

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

Member, Project Management Institute (PMI)

TRAINING & CERTIFICATIONS

Modularization – Foundations of Module Execution (2024)

PSV, Materials & Corrosion, Instrumentation & Controls Trainings (2024)

ChemCAD, Aspen HYSYS & Honeywell UniSim Training (2013, 2022, 2024)

Six Sigma Green Belt (2021)

Thermoplastic & Silicon Injection Molding (2017)

Fuel Lab Operations – Ministry of Oil (2016)

Design of Pressure Vessels & Engineering Inspections – Iraq (2012–2015)

Project Management & Infrastructure Trainings – US Dept. of State (2011)

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