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Alexander Padilla
Bakersfield,California
Summary
Senior Operations Manager with 36 years of experience spanning refinery operations, power generation, commissioning/startup, and regulatory compliance. Subject matter expert in Process Safety Management, Program Management, and operational readiness for major capital projects. Strategic partner to senior and executive leadership with a long record of developing talent, strengthening safety culture, and delivering high-reliability operations. Brings 25 years of national and international commissioning/startup leadership across renewable fuels, sustainable aviation fuels, and refinery modernization projects.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
Work History
Commissioning & Startup Specialist
Orion Plant Services
CA, GA, TX
01.2024 - 01.2026
- Led procedure and training manual development for turnaround and SAF projects.
- Training of operations personnel in water treatment, and refinery/chemical plant operations positions.
- Delivered operator testing and qualification programs.
- Executed walkdowns and commissioning readiness reviews.
- Led project operations specialists for renewable fuels conversion.
- Directed commissioning planning, design reviews, and portfolio forecasting.
- Unified engineering, construction, and operations on execution priorities.
Commissioning & Startup Specialist
PTS
01.2021 - 01.2024
- Led procedure and training manual development for turnaround and SAF projects.
- Delivered operator training and qualification programs.
- Executed walkdowns and commissioning readiness reviews.
- Led project operations specialists for renewable fuels conversion.
- Directed commissioning planning, design reviews, and portfolio forecasting.
- Unified engineering, construction, and operations on execution priorities.
Operations Manager
Marathon Petroleum
01.2019 - 01.2021
- Managed operations, 400-MW Combined Cycle Cogeneration Plant
- Managed operations, budget, and 48-person team.
- Ensured reliable power supply to refinery and utility partners.
- Strengthened communication and operational discipline.
Operations Manager
Marathon Petroleum
01.2015 - 01.2017
- Managed operations, 400-MW Combined Cycle Cogeneration Plant
- Managed operations, budget, and 48-person team.
- Ensured reliable power supply to refinery and utility partners.
- Strengthened communication and operational discipline.
Operations Superintendent & Shift Supervisor
Marathon Petroleum
01.2007 - 01.2015
- Directed refinery shift operations across major process units.
- Improved productivity and operational reliability.
- Supported turnaround and startup execution.
Refinery Operations
01.1990 - 01.2007
- Advanced from operator to supervisor; SME trainer for technical and safety programs.
- Commissioning team member for Shell Global Solutions (India & Ca.).
Team Member
U.S. Army Long Range Surveillance Team
01.1988 - 01.1994
- Airborne Infantry supporting Military Intelligence.
Education
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California Polytechnic State University–Pomona
Skills
Achieved successful commissioning and startup, resulting in seamless project launches
Enhanced safety standards through effective process safety management initiatives
Delivered high-quality outcomes with comprehensive engineering and construction oversight
Elevated team capabilities through impactful training and competency development
Secured alignment among contractors and stakeholders, leading to improved collaboration
Drove cross-functional leadership to enhance team effectiveness and project outcomes
Achieved regulatory compliance and successful audits, ensuring operational integrity
Facilitated operational readiness, leading to efficient project execution
Maximized performance through strategic optimization efforts
Streamlined budgeting and resource planning, resulting in efficient project delivery
Timeline
Commissioning & Startup Specialist
Orion Plant Services
01.2024 - 01.2026
Commissioning & Startup Specialist
PTS
01.2021 - 01.2024
Operations Manager
Marathon Petroleum
01.2019 - 01.2021
Operations Manager
Marathon Petroleum
01.2015 - 01.2017
Operations Superintendent & Shift Supervisor
Marathon Petroleum
01.2007 - 01.2015
Refinery Operations
01.1990 - 01.2007
Team Member
U.S. Army Long Range Surveillance Team
01.1988 - 01.1994
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California Polytechnic State University–Pomona