Samuel Knott

Experience

• 

  Martin Marietta

  Jan 2012 - Oct 2018

  In this newly created position the main objective would be to optimize the operation of our rotary kilns by finding ways to prevent down times and to bring an improved uniformity to way the kilns are controlled through the 24/7 operation. Over time more responsibilities were added that focused in the areas of project management and employee training. These projects included facilitating all kiln down-times/outages through developing timelines, coordinating contractors & plant staff while working to keep the outage on time, on budget and most importantly incident free by leading daily tailgate talks and auditing plant safety practices. Downtime management had to be balanced with several yearly capital projects and employee development programs. Responsibilities also included working closely with the environmental department to conduct daily/monthly inspections and working to keep our processes in compliance through various forms of process evaluation. This position required the use of the Microsoft Office Suite (including Access & Project), JDE 9, and more. Show less After my time in the Management Associate Program, shadowing department supervisors around the facility I was promoted to be an off-shift Maintenance Foreman supervising and directing several crews of unionized repairmen and contractors. I was then quickly promoted to head of the Dust Systems & Preventive Maintenance Departments for the Woodville facility in July 2013. In this position I was then responsible for the operation of the 50+ dust collectors that service the 6 Rotary Lime Kilns, 3 Load-Outs and a specialty MgO Plant. Along with my team as well as alone I orchestrated projects both big and small directing multiple contracted companies as well as plant personnel. This position also required the use of JDE 9 Software to create work orders, requisitions as well as equipment parts list and message logs. Show less I took part in a Management Training Program that allowed me to to first shadow all the major departments of the Woodville facility including Production, Maintenance, Quarry, Traffic, Garage, Laboratory and Purchasing. I then was given the reins to run production as a Kiln Supervisor (Shift Supervisor) and to manage up to six crews as a Maintenance Supervisor. I was able to see and experience so much from the inside that I began to understand why ideas can or can not work biased on factors that will not be found on paper. I had to make decisions, lead and manage the time of my workers and the cooperation as I work in one of the most profitable sectors of Martin Marietta Materials. This rotation gave me an in-depth look into how the facility operates on a daily basis from the ground floor while allowing me to combine my engineering background with hands-on management training to prepare me for any path I may take in the future. Show less

  • Kiln Process Engineer

    Mar 2014 - Oct 2018

  • Maintenance Supervisor

    Jan 2013 - Mar 2014

  • Management Trainee

    Sept 2012 - Jan 2013

  • Process Engineering Intern

    Jan 2012 - Sept 2012
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  RHI Magnesita

  Oct 2018 - Jul 2020

  Operations Manager - Minerals Plant

  As the production manager of the Minerals Plant, responsibilities included the sustained operation of the raw material processes; beginning in the quarry, through the crushing and screen process, to sintering in the rotary kilns and even the processing of the numerous agricultural products produced on site. As a department manager I was charged with both direct supervision of salaried reports and indirect supervision of the hourly workforce; setting work instruction, coaching employees, enforcing accountability and ensuring a safe work environment. In addition to filling the managerial role, this position also included filling the role of the department's process engineer. Having brought a fresh perspective with prior industrial experience, we have worked to make improvements on processes that have been in place for decades and sought to solve the problems that had plagued the plant and its workers. This secondary position also included managing some capital projects as well as running kiln shutdowns by organizing and coordinating contracted and plant crews. This combined role provides an opportunity to continue to be the technical resources while honing managerial skills, building relationships and put my own touches on a seasoned plant. Show less

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  National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)

  Nov 2020 - now

  Recapitalization Engineer

  In this role I am responsible for the oversite of the Recapitalization Program, which contains a portfolio of rough 200 active projects and an annual budget of roughly $600M. I am primarily responsible to compete and program infrastructure projects requested for funding by the 8 NNSA sites across the country while working within in a constantly changing 3-year budget horizon. I am also primarily responsible for the newly established Energy Resilient Infrastructure & Climate Adaptation (ERICA) portfolio of sustainability-focused projects including the prioritization, programming and execution management. I regularly prepare and present program reviews for/to senior management and program stakeholders as we seek to ensure transparency and accountability. Additionally, I ensure site and Managing and Operating (M&O) accountability when it comes to project schedule, scope, and budget adherence via frequent communications and coordinated meetings. I also serve as the Climate Resiliency Representative from the Infrastructure Modernization Division and POC for the Environmental Health and Safety Group. As a part of my position, I have needed to maintain security clearance (Q) as required to completed assigned job duties and site visits. Show less