Katherine Suarez-Villa

Seasoned Estimating Manager and Instrument Engineering Leader with a proven track record at Kiewit and Wood Group, enhancing bid success rates and operational efficiencies by refining estimation processes and implementing advanced control systems. Skilled in project management and team building, I've significantly reduced CO2 emissions by 70% in a groundbreaking project, showcasing my commitment to innovation and excellence in engineering solutions.

Personable and dedicated customer service representative with extensive experience in industry. Solid team player with upbeat, positive attitude and proven skill in establishing rapport with clients. Motivated to maintain customer satisfaction and contribute to company success. Articulate, enthusiastic and results-oriented with demonstrated passion for building relationships, cultivating partnerships and growing businesses.

• Refineries
• Offshore Facilities
• Onshore Facilities
• Plants
• Mills
• Water Treatment Plants
• LNG
• Terminals
• Midstream
• Carbon Caption

• Complete Analyzer Systems / Process Gas Analyzers
• Experience specifying complete CEMS Buildings (complete Packaged Analyzer System providing NOx, O2 and CO analysis,) for three projects: Two for CITGO Lake Charles and one for SUNCOR. Those systems were part of the Low NOx Boiler systems that were installed on these refineries (CITGO Lake Charles and SUNCOR Refinery, Commerce City, CO) to comply with the new EPA low emission requirements. Additionally, for CITGO ULSD project I worked in the spec for Analyzer System Shelter for CITGO Lake Charles Refinery which included a Monochromatic Wavelength Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (MWD XRF) is being used for the analysis of the Sulfur and one Universal Process Gas Chromatograph will be used for the analysis of the H2 & H2S. This is besides some works that I did in my country in this regard.
• Process and Safety Control for Boilers NFPA 85 compliances
• Experience specifying process and safety philosophies for Boilers in compliance to the later NFPA 85 revision, this activity includes P&ID development, Process Control System specification, design, procurement and implementation, Burner Management System (BMS) specification, design, procurement and implementation and instrument definition for three projects: Two for CITGO Lake Charles and one for SUNCOR. Those systems were part of the Low NOx Boiler systems that were installed on these refineries (CITGO Lake Charles and SUNCOR Refinery, Commerce City, CO) to comply with the new EPA low emission requirements.
• Instrument Specifications
• Deep experience specifying a wide range of different instrument from the simpler such Pressure Gauges to Analyzers, Control Valves, Relief Valves complying with API 520, Rupture Pin Valves.
• Process and Safety Control for Compressor (Reciprocating / Liquid Ring)
• Experience specifying process and safety philosophies for Compressors either reciprocating and liquid ring compressors this activity includes P&ID development, Process Control System specification, design, procurement and implementation, Anti-surge System specification, design, procurement and implementation and instrument definition for three projects For CITGO Lake Charles (Flare Gas Recovery (FGR)/ Liquid Ring Compressors), for NCRA Refinery, McPherson, KS (Revamp Projects / Reciprocating Compressors) and other for SUNCOR.
• Process and Safety Control for Heaters API 556
• Experience specifying process and safety philosophies for Heaters in compliance to the later API 556 revision, this activity includes P&ID development, Process Control System specification, design, procurement and implementation, Burner Management System (BMS) specification, design, procurement and implementation and instrument definition for Valero St. Charles Norco, Louisiana.
• Coker Deheading Valves
• Experience specifying Experience specifying Coker Deheading Valves for exiting Coker Drums and New Coker Drums for Valero Texas City Refinery and Hunt Refining Company, Tuscaloosa.

• Estimating Manager, Kiewit (KEUS), 01/2021 - Present, Leadership and Supervision: Leading, managing, and supervising a team of estimators. Providing training, guidance, and support to the estimation team to ensure all work is done according to company standards., Cost Estimation: Developing detailed cost estimates for projects, including labor, materials, equipment, and other necessary resources. Ensuring estimates are complete, accurate, and timely., Bid Preparation: Preparing and submitting competitive and accurate bids and proposals. Reviewing tender documents and project plans to accurately assess total costs, and involved risks., Project Analysis: Analyzing project specifications and drawings to determine scope of work and required contents of estimate. Reviewing and interpreting technical documents to prepare estimates., Risk Assessment: Identifying potential risks associated with project estimates and proposing mitigation strategies., Budget Management: Working with the finance and project management teams to align estimated costs with project budgets., Vendor and Client Interaction: Coordinating with vendors, subcontractors, and clients to gather cost data and negotiate prices. Ensuring all stakeholder communication is clear and effective., Process Improvement: Continuously improving estimating techniques, tools, and procedures. Implementing new technologies to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of estimates., Reporting: Providing regular reports to management on the status of estimates and projects, highlighting potential issues and cost overruns., Compliance and Standards: Ensuring compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards.
• Instrumentation and Control System Department Manager, Kiewit (OGC Engineering), 01/2018 - 12/2021, Leadership and Team Management: Lead a team of engineers and technicians in the instrumentation and control discipline. Plan, assign, and direct workloads and projects within the department. Conduct performance reviews and foster a spirit of cooperation within and between departments., Project Management: Oversee and manage projects from concept through completion ensuring compliance with company standards, and project requirements. Ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and meet quality standards. Coordinate with other departments, suppliers, and contractors., System Design and Development: Approve and coordinate the design, integration, and implementation of instrumentation and control systems. Ensure all designs adhere to the relevant codes, standards, and regulations. Innovate and implement new technologies and processes to improve efficiency and effectiveness., Maintenance and Troubleshooting: Oversee the maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of instrumentation and control systems. Develop maintenance strategies to ensure minimal downtime and optimal performance of systems. Implement robust procedures for emergency response and system failures., Budget and Cost Control: Develop and manage the department’s budget; control spending and work on cost optimization. Make decisions on the purchase of equipment and the selection of vendors. Negotiate contracts with suppliers and service providers., Regulatory Compliance and Safety: Ensure all activities comply with legal and regulatory requirements. Promote and enforce strict safety and environmental standards in all projects and activities. Stay updated with industry trends and changes in regulations., Staff Development and Training: Identify training needs and opportunities for team development. Encourage continuous education and professional growth among staff. Organize training sessions on new technology and safety practice., Management of Global Workshare Center personnel; located in Mexico and India.
• Offshore I&C Section leader, Wood., 01/2017 - 12/2018, In charge of multiple projects and estimates, also responsible for leading the Instrumentation and Control Department. Working as liaison between Offshore and other departments to establish engineering workload, I&C quality control, standardization across projects and leading a team of 30 (front office) + 12 (back office) engineers from Mustang globally. Manager of the instrumentation team. In charge of resource assignments, forecasting resource loads, supervising engineering activities, proposal preparations. Working with a team in Houston (front office) and Bogota (back office) to provide quality engineering products.
• Process Plant and Industrial I&C Section leader, Wood., 01/2013 - 12/2017, Manager of the instrumentation team. In charge of resource assignments, forecasting resource loads, supervising engineering activities, proposal preparations, working with a team in Houston (front office) and Bogota (back office) to provide quality engineering products.

• Brownies Girls Scout Troop Leader
• Dean's Award for Academic Excellence.