Aklilu Zemed

Senior Project Engineer with 17+ years of progressive experience in the oil & gas and petrochemical industries, recognized for leading Dead-Legs Projects, optimizing steam distribution systems, and driving process safety excellence.

1. Project Engineer – Independent Consultant

   Independent Consultant

   Jan 2024 to Present

   (NWR, Inter Pipeline) • Currently engaged on an ongoing basis via Preston Phipps to provide specialized project engineering expertise. • Provide specialized project engineering expertise on Dead-Legs Projects, supporting steam-trap audits, safety assessments, and system optimizations for major petrochemical facilities. • Current consulting engagements include: • NWR (North West Redwater Partnership, Redwater, AB) — conducted steam-trap audits, evaluated process safety risks, and recommended corrective actions. • Inter Pipeline (Fort Saskatchewan, AB) — analyzed steam distribution networks and improved system performance and reliability. • Perform the same technical scope and leadership delivered during previous Suncor engagement, including: • Consequence-of-failure analyses and maintenance prioritization • Auditing steam manifolds and trap stations for efficiency and reliability • Designing freeze-up and corrosion prevention strategies to minimize failure risks • Applying 3D modeling to improve visualization or plant coordinates, hazard assessment, and decision-making

2. Senior Project Engineer (Team Lead) – Dead-Legs Project

   Suncor Energy Inc.

   Jan 2018 to Jan 2024

   • Led the Dead-Legs Project, providing engineering leadership and delivering critical infrastructure upgrades to optimize steam distribution networks. • Developed and audited the Steam Manifolds Matrix and Trap Stations, streamlining maintenance processes and reducing unplanned downtime. • Directed cross-functional engineering teams across safety, design, operations, and maintenance disciplines to ensure efficient project delivery. • Applied 3D modeling to visualize steam circuit layouts, improving hazard assessments and supporting faster decision making. • Designed and implemented freeze-up and corrosion prevention strategies, reducing equipment failure risks and extending asset lifespan. • Conducted consequence-of-failure analyses to identify vulnerabilities, prioritize remediation plans, and strengthen overall system reliability.

3. Process Engineer

   Meta Power Canada

   Jan 2017 to Jan 2018

   Suncor site

   Meta power Canada at Suncor site • Coordinated commissioning and start-up activities for multiple process units, ensuring operational readiness and compliance with safety procedures. • Conducted field verification of P&IDs and isometric drawings, preparing detailed punch lists and resolving discrepancies before system handover. • Collaborated with subcontractors to track progress, address delays, and accelerate project schedules.

4. Process Safety Engineer

   Meta Power Canada

   Jan 2008 to Jan 2017

   Locations in Alberta (Meta Power Canada, Suncor Site)

   • Led Process Safety Information (PSI) verification projects, validating design documentation against as-built plant conditions to ensure compliance and accuracy. • P&ID, PFDs, Process chemistry, Safe Operation Limits and updating the Process safety information in MS Access data base for Plant Asset Management and Asset integrity group. • Developed and maintained comprehensive PSI packages across multiple units, including diluent recovery, gas recovery, hydrogen, fractionation, vacuum, and power systems. • Managed and updated PSI data in MS Access, enhancing the plant's asset integrity program and supporting data driven decision-making. • Conducted field walkdowns to identify discrepancies, assessed safety risks, and initiated corrective actions in collaboration with engineering and operations teams. • Directed the Management of Change (MOC) process, assembling cross-functional teams, conducting risk assessments, and ensuring PSI updates following modifications. • Participated in MOC audits and resolved outstanding items, strengthening operational safety and regulatory compliance.

5. Process Engineer

   Jacobs Engineers

   Jan 2007 to Jan 2008

   • Supported Suncor Firebag, Voyageur, and ATCO Power projects, contributing to large-scale facility expansions. • Performed hydraulic checks on hot oil piping circuits and coordinated updates to technical documentation within the Management of Change (MOC) framework. • Prepared and revised P&IDs, PFDs, and data sheets, ensuring engineering accuracy and compliance with design standards. • Conducted plant walkdowns and assisted with as-built documentation for process updates.

6. Process Engineer and Field Inspector

   IRISNDT

   Jan 2006 to Jan 2007

   • Inspected pressure vessels, PSVs, and tanks at compressor stations to ensure compliance with regulatory and safety standards. • Led pipeline integrity assessments, including corrosion monitoring, mitigation strategies, and cathodic protection systems. • Developed Integrity Management Programs, improving operational safety and regulatory compliance. • Oversaw equipment repairs, alterations, and fitness-for-service assessments for process systems and above-ground storage tanks.

1. Toronto Metropolitan University

   B. Eng. Degree, Chemical Engineering

   2005

2. Northern Alberta Institute of Technology

   Chemical Technology Diploma, Chemistry

   1996 to 1998

• Hazardous Materials Certification - Awareness Level

• OSSA

• Confined Space Entry

• H2S Alive