Ben Grimmett

Experience

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  EWI

  Mar 1999 - Aug 2003

  Senior Engineer

  In this position, I supervised comprehensive technology evaluations in welding, materials joining, and NDE to enhance process efficacy, and developed specialized training courses to enhance team expertise. Additionally, I reengineered over 300 manufacturing procedures into fewer than 20 by applying code rules for process variables to optimize process efficiency.Some highlights of my contributions are:• Led an independent review of NDE procedures of an offshore oil platform to check compliance to industry standards and safety, providing recommendations for improvement opportunities.• Successfully reengineered and consolidated processes for capital projects to save on unnecessary costs. Show less

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  BWXT TECHNICAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.

  Sept 2003 - Nov 2004

  Principal Engineer

  Here, I managed a diverse portfolio of NDE evaluation and inspection projects, including the development, testing, and verification of advanced welding procedures. And I successfully directed 75% of the group's project workload, coordinating and leading cross-functional teams to enhance project delivery, while meeting strict industry standards and client expectations.I was instrumental in:• Acted as program and business manager, overseeing a budget of $1.2M, to manage contract R&D programs.• Collaborated with senior engineers to develop and validate new NDE procedures, strengthening the company's competitive edge in the nuclear services sector. Show less

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  B&W - Nuclear Operations Group

  Dec 2004 - Apr 2009

  Principal Engineer

  As principal engineer, I spearheaded the development of the $2.5M NDE certification program, which significantly enhanced team technical capabilities. I was also responsible for managing capital, research, and development activities by coordinating maintenance and repair of automated, semi-automated, and manual NDT systems. I built strong stakeholder relationships, evaluated and audited vendors, and promoted cross-departmental collaboration.A few of my important efforts involved:• Successfully trained and qualified over 30 NDT inspectors and auditors in methods like ultrasonic testing, radiographic testing, and magnetic particle testing in line with industry standards.• Slashed component inspection times from six hours to less than five minutes by installing phased array ultrasonic inspection technology and virtually eliminating operator error by implementing an automated analysis program. Show less

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  AREVA NP

  May 2009 - Jan 2010

  Principal Welding Engineer

  Under the guidance of a mentor, I stepped into this leadership role to manage the daily operations of the section, which included the supervision of teams and vendors during repair and design projects. I continuously liaised with clients and other stakeholders to provide updates on project progress and address concerns.I played a critical role in areas such as:• Worked with analytical engineering groups to develop FOAK and comprehensive plant modification solutions, which included coordinating and supervising material suppliers and craft personnel.• Supported activities to facilitate various NDE and welding R&D efforts, advancing the department’s technical capabilities and enhancing company reputation. Show less

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  AREVA N.P.

  Feb 2010 - Jun 2016

  Supervisor - Welding Technologies, CR&R

  As the supervisor, I managed welding operations for commercial nuclear plant projects, ensuring code and regulatory compliance. I developed and monitored $350k budgets for capital and operational expenditures, allocating resources effectively. In collaboration with analytical engineering groups, I spearheaded FOAK and turnkey nuclear plant modifications. I also oversaw repair and R&D efforts, detailing specifications, performing design reviews, and supervising component fabrication and testing. Furthermore, my leadership of engineering and technical staff assisted them to achieve professional qualifications and certifications.My impactful contributions encompassed:• Supervised teams working on emergent FOAK plant modification projects, providing hands-on guidance and support to ensure all stakeholders were aligned to meet very demanding work schedules.• Provided scopes and estimates for proposals for planned repair and emergent outage activities of approximately $35M/year, successfully completing projects and meeting customer requirements to limit downtime and earning potential.• Led the ASME/NBIC audit for the company, coordinating multiple departments and sections to perform practical demonstrations at three sites, ultimately verifying AREVA’s competency to continue commercial nuclear projects. Show less

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  BWX Technologies, Inc.

  Jul 2016 - now

  As the Unit Manager, I oversee welding operations and develop strategies to maintain critical equipment in line with industry changes. I am responsible for recruiting and training managers, engineers, technologists, and shop floor teams for pickling, assembly, welding, and fabrication of components for a high-consequence nuclear fabricator, and I also conduct vendor evaluations and compliance audits. I push to resolve process and equipment issues by leading structured-on-the-job training programs, reviewing performance of cross-functional teams, and fostering interdepartmental collaboration. Additionally, I am frequently consulted as subject-matter expert on human resources (HR), ethics, and compliance issues.Some of my major achievements are:• Oversaw the five-year strategic business plan to upgrade, replace, and refurbish obsolete equipment to maximize production of high-consequence components.• Created one-on-one coaching sessions for 15 personnel, eight of which have progressed into company leadership positions.• Reduced the need for time-consuming manual weld repairs for high-power electron beam (EB) welds.• Interfaced with quality control and NDE organizations to provide subject-matter expertise for NDE indication, detection, and interpretation, increasing the ability to determine the necessity and methodology of repairs. Show less In this position, I managed complex projects, including the installation of high-value welding systems and other equipment. I was also instrumental in turning around multiple challenging projects, leading and developing teams, and engaging with vendors to meet operational requirements.Among my significant contributions are:• Initiated the installation project of a $5M EB and $6.5M EBAM system, which is still underway, monitoring progress and troubleshooting as necessary to ensure operational readiness.• Rescued a weld gas monitoring system project for 15 gas tungsten arc welding weld box systems, bringing the project back on track after mismanagement escalated costs from $1.1M to $2.4M and delayed completion by 1.5 years. Show less Here, I oversaw large-scale operations, implementing strategies to streamline workflows and improve operational efficiency. I provided proactive mentorship to the team to enhance overall productivity and employee satisfaction.My notable accomplishments included:• Led the 24/7 welding operation and supervised over 90 hourly employees and five foremen to maintain consistent output.• Reduced HR incidents in a facility of 2,500 employees from 75% to 3%, providing numerous mentoring opportunities and implementing a robust support system to cultivate a productive work environment. Show less With a proactive management style, I oversaw welding operations for EB projects, collaborating with teams to improve engineering processes. I ensured initiatives complied with company policies and procedures, sound engineering practices, and industry standards and requirements.I delivered several key successes, such as:• Directed EB welding operations, optimizing scheduling and maintenance, resulting in a 50% reduction in project timelines and enhanced product reliability, which improved customer satisfaction.• Achieved buy-in from operators and other employees by engaging with them to brainstorm ways to improve operations and implement suggested recommendations, ultimately resulting in reduced repairs and enhanced product quality. Show less

  • Unit Manager - Welding Support Engineering

    May 2024 - now

  • Unit Manager - Welding Engineering - Equipment Group

    Oct 2020 - Jul 2024

  • Unit Manager - Welding Manufacturing Operations

    Sept 2018 - Apr 2021

  • Senior Principal Engineer

    Jul 2016 - Sept 2018