Engineer/Project Manager MBA/PMP
JAMES SPARGO
ICS Integrated Controls Systems
Houston,USA
1
Language
1
Certification
41
Years of experience
Senior Engineering Director leading engineering operations, project execution, and client-facing delivery across complex industrial work. Aligns budgets, standards, and cross-functional teams to keep 7+ project and department targets per quarter on pace through planning, reviews, and follow-up, while keeping proposals, estimating, and field execution moving with fewer delays. Strengthens customer relationships while shaping division growth and technical performance.
Work History
Projects Engineer-Medium and Low Voltage Systems
6 Months- Coordinate and develop large Project Electrical Power Distribution Projects to enhance the development and new scale of the company.
- Cross development with several Electrical companies to optimize projects and manage the cost and production and execution of large-scale jobs estimating 1 million and higher projects.
- Develop a team of Engineers to work
- Enhance the delivery and communications with customers
- Develop a process that can expedite the proposals and estimating team to give the customers better delivery and cost estimating
- Develop and grow the new division of projects by 15M within FY2026.
- Implemented standards, methods and tools to complete project work and mitigate constraints.
- Led cross-functional teams to deliver complex projects on time and within budget.
- Implemented project management methodologies, enhancing workflow efficiency across multiple initiatives.
- Developed comprehensive project plans, aligning resources and timelines with organizational objectives.
- Analyzed project risks and developed mitigation strategies to ensure successful outcomes.
- Optimized resource allocation processes, reducing overhead costs while maintaining project quality standards.
- Drove continuous improvement initiatives, resulting in enhanced operational effectiveness across projects.
- Negotiated and managed third-party contracts related to project deliverables.
Project Engineer/Senior Project Manager
4 Months- Lead cross-functional teams to deliver $12M projects, enhancing client satisfaction.
- Coordinate client and vendor interactions, resolving issues and optimizing project outcomes.
- Monitor KPIs and budgets, implementing cost-saving measures and boosting revenue.
- Identify market opportunities, achieving $3.5M revenue growth in Q3 and $1.5M in Q4.
- Expand client base by 30% through strategic deal negotiations and relationship building.
- Analyzed project performance metrics to identify trends, enabling data-driven decisions that enhanced operational efficiency and strategic planning.
- Implemented a risk management framework that proactively addressed potential challenges, resulting in smoother project execution and reduced delays.
- Fostered a collaborative team environment, encouraging open communication that strengthened relationships and improved project outcomes.
- Negotiated favorable contracts and terms with suppliers, ensuring cost-effective procurement that directly contributed to budget savings.
- Worked with Honeywell combustion division driving the combustion services and inspections and making sure all plants were following NFPA regulations.
- Led cross-functional teams to deliver complex electrical and automation projects on time and within budget.
- Utilized advanced engineering software for design simulations and project tracking to optimize workflows.
- Maintained records for each project and engineering discipline.
- Monitored installation of materials and equipment for compliance with drawings and specifications.
- Determined and scheduled priorities as required to progress engineering work.
- Developed detailed project plans to ensure timely completion and deliverables were met.
- Optimized resource allocation by thorough planning and analysis, maximizing project profitability.
- Led engineering teams to successfully complete projects on time and within budget.
- Streamlined communication processes between departments, enhancing collaboration and efficiency
- Developed and maintained project schedules, ensuring alignment with stakeholder expectations
- Managed budgets effectively for multiple projects, ensuring financial targets were met.
- Led cross-functional teams to streamline project delivery processes, significantly enhancing efficiency and team collaboration.
- Verified construction documentation to meet client requirements and vision.
- Developed and maintained relationships with suppliers to facilitate quality and timely delivery of materials.
- Oversaw budget allocation and resource management for multiple concurrent projects.
Engineering Director
7 Years 2 Months- Part of our initiative for the past 5 years was implementing better customer service when it comes to boilers and heaters and fuel trains and in compliances with NFPA, also driving the distribution of fire eye and flame detection material.
- Led project visioning, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and customer satisfaction.
- Implemented inventory management in P-21, enhancing project efficiency and resource allocation.
- Managed project financials, achieving growth targets and fostering strong client relationships.
- Coordinated daily operations, optimizing processes from warehouse to engineering.
- Conducted safety and quality meetings, ensuring compliance and high standards.
- Fostered cross-functional teamwork to streamline project delivery, enhancing communication and ensuring alignment on objectives.
- Oversaw project financials, achieving substantial improvements in budget adherence while managing customer expectations effectively.
- Developed an advanced inventory management system, optimizing resource allocation and reducing project delays significantly.
- Conducted comprehensive onsite estimates, enabling precise project planning and minimizing unforeseen costs.
- Facilitated safety and quality control meetings, promoting a culture of excellence and ensuring compliance with industry standards.
- Streamlined project workflows to enhance operational efficiency, resulting in noticeable gains in project delivery timelines.
- Orchestrated cross-departmental initiatives to reduce project timelines, achieving marked gains in delivery speed and client satisfaction.
- Conducted in-depth risk assessments, enabling proactive strategies that mitigated potential project setbacks and ensured smooth execution.
- Fostered a culture of teamwork through regular workshops, enhancing communication and aligning goals across engineering and operations teams.
- Passionate about mentoring junior engineers, fostering their growth and contributing to a supportive workplace environment.
- Developed annual budget and monitored expenditures to enforce department adherence.
Automation Engineer
2 Years 1 Month- Programmed using Allen Bradley PLC 5, 500, 5000/Panel view HMI.
- Developed ERP implementation on project scope cost/budget.
- Implemented CANalyzer software for Praxair Chemical trailers/DDC controls using Siemens PLC.
- Programmed using GE Proficy Edition 90/30 PLC 90/70 Upgrades, RX3i Software, and Configuration.
- Conducted onsite estimating, bid proposals, and engineering design work.
- Conducted process evaluations and monitored budget and technical evaluations.
- SCADA Programming include director and IDU/ODU for HMI and controller monitoring.
- Designed work on P & ID, reviewed and approved redline drawings, and approved construction build-out.
- Configured redundant systems and GE upgraded systems.
- Initiated onsite troubleshooting process and techniques to develop operator awareness and alleviate downtime.
- Streamlined PLC programming processes, significantly enhancing system efficiency and reducing downtime across automated stations.
- Developed an integrated ERP implementation strategy, aligning project scope with budget constraints to achieve timely project delivery.
- Conducted thorough process evaluations, leading to measurable improvements in technical assessments and budget monitoring.
- Coordinated with cross-functional teams to design and approve redline drawings, ensuring compliance with engineering standards.
- Fostered operator awareness through targeted troubleshooting techniques, effectively reducing operational downtime.
- Led automation projects from concept to completion, ensuring alignment with technical specifications and client requirements.
- Developed and implemented automation solutions to enhance operational efficiency and reduce manual interventions.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify process improvement opportunities through automation technology.
- Conducted feasibility studies for new automation initiatives, presenting findings to stakeholders for decision-making support.
- Established project timelines and milestones, ensuring adherence to schedules while managing resource allocation effectively.
- Successfully completed multiple projects under tight deadlines while managing competing priorities effectively.
- Assisted maintenance personnel with complex troubleshooting.
- Troubleshot software to alleviate obstacles preventing functionality.
- Collaborated with systems engineers and customers to determine machine requirements and develop specifications for user interface, machine functions and quality control to deliver reliable automation systems.
- Developed automated solutions to enhance operational efficiency across multiple systems.
- Maintained, debugged and optimized automation programs.
PLC/SCADA/Hardware Technician/Programmer
1 Year- Worked with GE 90/30 PLC platform, RX31 GE PLC platform, and Versamax PLC platform.
- Project Coordinator on pipeline construction and developed maintenance schedules and training.
- Provided full onsite support during startup and commissioning phases.
- Developed onsite guides on operations.
- Job Estimator/Bid Proposals.
- Demonstrated and trained on maintenance schedules for various aspects of the tank farm and terminal storage facility, including valve and motor repair.
- Initiated weekly training on troubleshooting VFD (Variable Frequency drive motors).
- I taught how to replace bearings in a motor shaft, repair butterfly valves, globe valves, and gate valves.
Automation Field Install Supervisor
9 Months- Supervised an 8-man Automation team.
- Installed PTC (Positive Train Control) wiring harness I/O D/O.
- Installed IETMS (Electronic Train Management System), 220 Radio, and Wi-Fi Radio Frequency systems.
- I wrote and installed guides and defined processes.
- Wrote process controls and managed program loading.
PLC Programmer
8 Months- Initiated the design for Free water knockout systems.
- Knowledgeable in RSL Logic Allen Bradley 5000 and Factory Talk.
- Experienced in process control and P & ID drawings.
- Understanding and working knowledge of Digital mapping (DI/DO).
- Proficient in Ladder logic and function block configuration.
Project Manager/Plant Manager/Field Technician
3 Years 3 Months- Led a $1.3M facility build, optimizing transport processes and reducing lead times by 12%.
- Supervised 7 contractors, ensuring timely project completion and adherence to safety protocols.
- Implemented MRP, enhancing order accuracy and reducing inventory costs by 8%.
- Developed SAP training, improving field personnel efficiency and system utilization.
- Maintained SCADA systems, ensuring operational reliability and minimizing downtime.
- Analyzed production requirements to set MRP lead times, developing safety stock strategies that enhanced inventory management.
- Fostered a collaborative environment by supervising a team of 7 contractors, ensuring effective communication and task completion.
- Implemented new operating procedures and transportation processes, leading to measurable improvements in operational efficiency.
- Maintained SCADA controls and conducted meticulous maintenance on Yaw Gears Generators, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.
SCADA Instrumentation and Electrical Tech (I & E Tech)
1 Year- Installed over 400 programmable SCADA panels.
- Programmed PLCs (Modicon/Allen Bradley).
- Installed and repaired low and high Radio Frequency 800-900 MHz.
- Wrote Logic to controllers and rewrote Modbus.
- RTU, HMI experience.
- Maintained all electrical wells, 210 volts, and Step-down transformers from 110 to 12 amps.
- Maintained Generators, well heads, meters, gauge calibration, and tank gauging (radar TLI).
- Emergency shut-off units installed on power plants.
SCADA Controller Instrumentation and Electrical Technician/Pipeline Controller
1 Year 10 Months- Responsible for the execution and operation of three crude Oil Pipelines and CO2 lines along with Automation of pumps and valves.
- Monitored over 20 LACT units and Pump stations and holding tanks, and pig line and proving meters along the 20" pipeline to the refinery.
- Managed day-to-day operations and accountability of tanks, every automated valve, and associated equipment.
- Tracked all accountability of Oil and CO2 through Pipe Track and the use of office link, and STARS.
- Tracked contractor work and one call.
- Issued SITREPS (Situation Reports) for Emergency Pipeline controls.
- Tracked Pigging in pipelines, Batch sizing, and ticketing on usage to include Leased Units.
- Programmed wells using Allen Bradley PLC and Wonderware Automation.
Military Service Nuclear Power Engineer
20 Years 10 Months- Increased system reliability by developing comprehensive maintenance schedules and implementing preventive measures.
- Enhanced power plant efficiency by implementing advanced control systems and optimizing equipment performance.
- Reduced maintenance downtime by conducting thorough inspections, identifying potential issues, and addressing them proactively.
- Streamlined work processes by implementing lean principles and eliminating non-value-added activities, resulting in increased productivity and efficiency.
- Mentored junior engineers by sharing expertise in power engineering principles and applications.
- Troubleshot complex electrical issues in a timely manner to minimize downtime while maintaining high-quality standards for safety and functionality.
- Conducted rigorous testing of materials used in construction to ensure durability, stability, and compatibility with other components.
- Designed custom test plans for evaluating the performance of newly installed equipment or systems under specific operating conditions.
- Managed project budgets and resources effectively, ensuring successful completion within deadlines and cost constraints.
- Responded immediately to emergency situations and implemented proper procedures to minimize impacts.
- Performed routine preventative maintenance on power plant equipment.
- Tested water and condensate to check safety and compliance with regulations.
- Operated boilers, turbines and other power plant equipment.
Education
MBA
Bachelor of Science
Associate's degree
Bachelor's Degree - Mechanical Engineering
Skills
Project management
Strategic planning
Budget management
Cross-functional leadership
Team development
Product roadmapping
Capacity planning
SCADA
HMI
Modbus
Allen Bradley
API development
System design
Client relationship management
Proposal development
Contract negotiation
Process improvement
Risk management
Regulatory compliance
Change management
Certification
- PMP (Professional Project Management ) Certification 2026
- UL 508 Inspection Certification
Languages
Spanish
Professional Working
Timeline
Projects Engineer-Medium and Low Voltage Systems
ICS Integrated Controls Systems
10.2025 - 04.2026Read More
Project Engineer/Senior Project Manager
Triad Electrical and Automation
06.2025 - 10.2025Read More
Engineering Director
Relevant Solutions
03.2018 - 05.2025Read More
Automation Engineer
Houston Controls
02.2016 - 03.2018Read More
PLC/SCADA/Hardware Technician/Programmer
Holly Frontier Energy
02.2015 - 02.2016Read More
Automation Field Install Supervisor
Wabtec Global Services
04.2014 - 01.2015Read More
PLC Programmer
Process Engineering Solutions
08.2013 - 04.2014Read More
Project Manager/Plant Manager/Field Technician
Siemens Energy
01.2009 - 04.2012Read More
SCADA Instrumentation and Electrical Tech (I & E Tech)
Pioneer Natural Resources
01.2008 - 01.2009Read More
SCADA Controller Instrumentation and Electrical Technician/Pipeline Controller
Kinder Morgan Energy
03.2006 - 01.2008Read More
Military Service Nuclear Power Engineer
US Navy
05.1985 - 03.2006Read More
Texas Tech University
Bachelor's Degree - Mechanical Engineering
Read More
Vincennes University
Associate's degree
Read More
Southern Illinois University
Bachelor of Science
Read More
Trident University
MBA
Read More
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Title: Engineering Director