Alvin Lu

Experience

• 

  Kimberly-Clark

  May 2007 - Aug 2007

  Materials Engineer Co-op

  Led material characterization process for various exploratory thermoplastic elastomer formulations for use in low cost stretch diaper ear prototypingAnalyzed diaper ear tear resistance based on ear shape through 2-D stress characterizationConducted IP research essential to the patent filing process of related new materials

• 

  Kimberly-Clark

  Jan 2008 - Apr 2008

  Process Engineer Co-op

  Engaged in tissue manufacturing and converting process for a FoaK multi sheet, glue laminated processWorked directly with product specification lead to drive successful start-up of a multi-million dollar machine by timely analyzing validation grade productDeveloped, executed, documented, and analyzed design of experiment producing valuable recommendations to improve efficiency and maximum run speed for multiple converting and packaging machinesHeaded installation of necessary machine guarding to minimize risk of injury. Developed clear plan for cost effective method of implementation with collaboration of safety and engineering teams and machine operators Show less

• 

  Kimberly-Clark

  Aug 2008 - Dec 2008

  Manufacturing Engineer Co-op

  Eliminated safety risks and operability issues preventing prototyping machine start up. Employed quantitative risk management and decision making methods to quickly implement solutions and reduce machine downtimeLed communications among international machine installation project team. Developed dynamic working timeline among team. Established lasting ties in absence

• 

  Honeywell

  May 2009 - Aug 2009

  Project Development Intern

  Built preliminary cost model for specialty chemicals plant using mass and energy balances and PFDs/P&IDsCollaborated with engineering team to identify innovation solutions, estimating values with cost modelDeveloped a technical specification document for a joint venture with a Chinese company

• 

  Honeywell

  May 2010 - Jul 2010

  Process Engineer Intern

  Built dynamic model for front-end refrigerant distillation process in UniSim with dynamic feedback controlIdentified $180,000+ cost savings in feasible process improvementsUncovered issues in UniSim modeling software and worked with in-house developers to correct Identified plant area safety issues and implemented reviewed solutionsReceived additional training in waste water treatment principles and design

• 

  ExxonMobil

  Aug 2011 - Jan 2014

  Process Contact Engineer

  Process contact for high pressure polyethylene processing and metallocene processing in both autoclave and tubular reactors. Responsible for unit monitoring and optimization through key process variables. Developed process trends and analyzed run data to drive unit success in reliability, quality, and production. Quantified and presented unit performace metrics. Instrumental in experimental grade development and driving process improvements utilizing ExxonMobil management of change process. Collaborated to identify and reduce risk through HAZOP process. Show less

• 

  Marathon Petroleum Corporation

  Jan 2014 - now

  Support installation and start-up of a first of a kind, renewable diesel refinery at the idled Martinez refinery. Leverage process technology and hydroprocessing background to develop operations training, including process controls training for incoming operators for the Renewable Fuels units.Develop and manage operations start-up sequencing across the entire facility. This includes managing the master schedule and development of a Start-up Roadmap for procedure tracking and visual aid to operations.Support operations through technical review of procedures and training material.Write and Issue Safe Work Permits during construction of Renewable Fuels Project. Show less Process lead for front end engineering of multiple large cap projects focusing on refinery utilities. Developed sour water management plan for complex sour water processing system (managing 10+ operating units to multiple Sour Water Strippers and deep injection wells) to facilitate Mega Project implementation (>$1BN Capital) through ownership of multiple projects (Sour Water Optimization and Sour Water Debottlenecking). Eliminated excess waste streams and engaged outside contractor expertise in geology / deep well injection to debottleneck and maximize utilization of existing assets, employ long-term capacity based maintenance resulting in reduced capital spend of $250+ MM. Well received at the site's Asset Development Budget presentation as the "Gold Standard" for tackling a complex site vulnerability before it is becomes a costly problem and delivering a conclusive mitigation plan to get ahead of it.Project Development Lead for site-wide condensate management initiative, identifying 80+ potential project ideas varying from small to large cap and conducting pre-conceptual engineering to identify the top 6 viable and economic options. Projects emphasize energy conservation through heat recovery and reduction of treated water demand (eliminating capital expenditure to debottleneck water treatment facilities) while maintaining high water quality standards to supply 1000+ psig refinery cogeneration boilers.Process lead during implementation phase for crude revamp project including overseeing installation of 46' diameter vacuum distillation tower at the nation's second largest refinery (by capacity). Show less Develop and implement large capital projects ($5 MM+) as the process lead at the refinery including new units and unit revamps. Debottleneck current unit operations by designing and managing installation of upgraded equipment.Successful Projects: Gasoline Desulfurization Unit Revamp ($54 MM) - Revamp existing gasoline desulfurization unit to meet Tier 3 ULSG requirements. Oversaw installation of many pieces of new and revamped equipment including 19' diameter reactor 4-pass distillation tower trays.Multi-Unit Diesel Maximization ($36 MM) - Program to increase rates, diesel yield, and management cycle length across three DHTs. Improved heat recovery and provided improved heat exchanger monitoring tools to extend catalyst cycle length increasing unit on-stream time, reducing safety risk by reducing unit TARs, and reducing costs. Led diesel optimization team to ensure strategic operation and output of the refinery's diesel production. Show less Responsible for optimization of gasoline and diesel hydrotreaters to produce ultra low sulfur gasoline (ULSG) and ultra low sulfur diesel (ULSD). Active in catalyst management and monitoring unit operating envelope to maximize profitability. Keep open communication channels with other units support groups to develop optimized refinery operating strategy. Active in management of change (MOC) process and HAZOP process. Lead Tech Service activities and actively support unit turnarounds.Increased unit profitability by $7 million annually with implementation of Six Sigma Green Belt project to improve diesel product yields.Toastmaster's Secretary, United Way Committee Member, Campus recruiting team member Show less

  • Renewable Fuels Project Operations

    Aug 2021 - now

  • Special Assignment Project Development Engineer

    Feb 2021 - Aug 2021

  • Process Optimization Group Engineer III

    Apr 2019 - Feb 2021

  • Process Optimization Group Engineer II

    Oct 2018 - Apr 2019

  • Georgia Tech Campus Recruiting Team Lead

    Aug 2015 - Nov 2018

  • Major Capital Projects Process Engineer II

    Apr 2016 - Oct 2018

  • Refinery Engineer II

    Jan 2014 - Apr 2016
• 

  Marathon Garyville Toastmasters Club

  Jul 2016 - Jun 2017

  Secretary
• 

  Marathon Garyville Toastmasters

  Jul 2017 - Jun 2018

  Vice President of Public Relations