Summary
Kelsen Sawh is a performance-driven, results-oriented professional with 16 years of experience spanning piping, mechanical, completions, commissioning, construction supervision, and project engineering. He brings strong international experience and the ability to work effectively with multicultural teams and companies. His expertise covers field execution, constructability reviews, resource management, planning and monitoring, risk analysis, reporting, and technical coordination. Kelsen has led major pipeline, refinery, chemical, and industrial projects, including field execution for the Shell Manatee Scope B Onshore Pipeline and leadership of a 20-25-person union craft crew on the Shell Pennsylvania Chemicals Project. He has supported hydrostatic and pneumatic testing, flushing, drying, borescoping, pipe cleaning, system walkdowns, mechanical completion, commissioning, and client handover.
Education
- 2026 – Master of Business Administration (MBA), University of Bedfordshire
- 2026 – OPITO Tropical BOSIET with CAEBS (Compressed Air Emergency Breathing System)
- 2026 – Offshore Energies UK: Offshore Medical Certificate
- 2019 - Lead Discipline Field Engineer (Piping), Bechtel University
- 2010 - Welding & QC Supervisor Training, CBI Welding Lab
- 2005 – Advance Level Certificate in Microsoft Project Management, Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School of Business
Qualifications and Training
- 2026 – OPITO Tropical BOSIET with CAEBS (Compressed Air Emergency Breathing System)
- 2026 – Offshore Energies UK: Offshore Medical Certificate
- 2019 - Lead Discipline Field Engineer (Piping), Bechtel University
- 2010 - Welding & QC Supervisor Training, CBI Welding Lab
- 2005 – Advance Level Certificate in Microsoft Project Management, Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School of Business
Work Experience
Jul 2024 – Present
McDERMOTT
Project Engineer
- Lead field execution across multiple scopes including HDD site preparation, trenching, slope stabilization, pipeline installation, and FOC conduit works for a Shell pipeline project.
- Coordinate daily construction progress with subcontractors and client representatives, ensuring safe execution aligned with engineering drawings, method statements, and project schedules.
- Spearhead constructability reviews and hazard assessments, providing technical input on ROW preperation and pipeline installation.
- Manage resource planning and productivity tracking, analyzing man-hour burn rates and aligning deliverables with T&M contract efficiency expectations.
May 2024 – Jun 2024
TPI AGENCY
Mechanical Supervisor
- Participated and contributed in toolbox meeting with contractors.
- Verified materials required by the execution contractors.
- Coordinated shared resources, including manpower and equipment, amongst major projects.
- Participated in daily project update meetings.
- Supported Quality Control & Assurance during field execution and verified work against engineering drawings.
Feb 2023 – Apr 2024
TRINIDAD AGRO SUPPLIES & SERVICES LIMITED
Construction Superintendent
- Develop and maintain project schedules and budgets, including forecasting labour and materials costs, tracking progress against timelines and identifying bottlenecks or areas of concern.
- Manage and supervise all aspects of civil works, including excavation, grading, site preparation, utility installation, and earthwork.
- Monitor and ensure compliance with all safety regulations and protocols on the job site, including personal protective equipment requirements and tool and equipment usage.
- Coordinate construction activities with other trades and contractors on site, including electrical and plumbing subcontractors, to ensure seamless integration of all building systems.
- Review and approve subcontractor invoices and change orders, and work to resolve billing or payment issues in a timely fashion.
Mar 2022 – Aug 2022
BECHTEL ENERGY
Completions Superintendent
- Lead a crew of 20-25 union hire craft consisting of steam fitters, electricians, labourers, plumbers, Instrument techs to help close out systems.
- Oversee lube oil flushes and coordinate inspection with client.
- Perform system boundary PID reviews to ensure proper isolation of systems prior to handover.
- Create visibility on entire systems to understand remaining ITR, WTG & Punch items and ensure these items are being completed prior to the NOC Walkdowns and system handover to iCSU.
- Created coatings and EHT/Insulation trackers to help push subcontractor team to completions.
- Assisted a Shell asset operations team to help promote visibility on critical systems for chemical clean, first fire and steam blows by ensuring entire systems are walked down in parallel with piping FE internal walkdowns to raise WTG items and confirm no items have been missed prior to the NOC walkdown and handover to iCSU.
- Initiated service requisitions for subcontractor work on site and guided the completion of the valve internals and final trim kit installs prior to system handover to iCSU.
Jan 2020 – Feb 2022
BECHTEL ENERGY
Piping/Testing Field Engineer
- Coordinate with design engineering on constructibility and design issues relating to the piping discipline such as underground and above ground piping installation and pipe supports.
- Issue Field Sketches/Redlines to support construction needs.
- Plan and recommend procedures to be implemented by Field Supervision to ensure construction operations are within requirements of engineering design and specifications.
- Aid the development of hydro and pneumatic test packages, verify and witness hydro acceptance.
- Work together with field supervision to effectively execute and plan Flushing, Drying, Borescoping and internal pipe cleaning activities.
- Conduct system walk down with client and commissioning.
⚠ Review: dates overlap with BECHTEL INTERNATIONAL INC.
Aug 2017 – Dec 2020
BECHTEL INTERNATIONAL INC.
Mechanical Field Engineer
- Incorporate engineering knowledge and principles to identify and troubleshoot constructability and mechanical design issues including mechanical equipment installation and vendor piping.
- Coordinate the planning and implementation of mechanical and piping procedures by Field Supervision to ensure the construction operations complied with or in accordance with engineering design requirements and specifications.
- Collaborate with Field Supervision and Subcontractors in planning and developing construction schedules.
- Derive the Storage, Preservation and Maintenance (P&M) requirements and frequencies for all permanent plant equipment to be received and installed by assessing applicable supplier manual, standard procedures, and applicable codes.
- Perform field inspection to streamline P&M activities in coordination with P&M personnel to ensure on-time completeness and accuracy.
- Worked closely with client to resolve any pre-commissioning challenges.
⚠ Review: dates overlap with BECHTEL ENERGY
Jan 2016 – Dec 2016
TOFCO/C.I.G.S.
Reinstatement Supervisor
- Ensured the provision of directional assistance and support for the piping reinstatement team.
- Actively participated in and efficiently performed Bolt Torquing activities.
2014 – 2016
OAS CONSTRUTORA
Quality Civil Engineer
- Revised all Field Density, Asphalt Paving and Gradation reports to ensure adherence with technical project requirements.
- Provided support and assistance in developing ITP’s, Method Statements and Testing Procedures as per AASHTO specifications.
- Formulated and instigated turnover/handover procedures and discussed procedural requirements with the quality team.
- Reported all quality data to the client team.
2013 – 2014
CHICAGO BRIDGE & IRON THAILAND, LTD.
Senior Project Engineer
- Directed and coordinated Process Piping work packages.
- Installed construction monitoring tools and managed the database to track progress from construction to client turnover.
- Developed the project procedure for Hydrotesting and Client Acceptance to assure the provision of engineering deliverables satisfying client and project specifications and requirements.
- Liaised with all engineering disciplines to identify gaps and develop solutions enabling effective communication and synergy amongst all team members.
2012 – 2013
SAMSUNG ENGINEERING COMPANY, LTD.
Field Engineer
- Conducted field walk down and inspections to ensure conformance with design drawings, specifications, and applicable codes and standards.
- Provided technical assistance to piping supervision.
- Used the most current and accurate design drawings for all process piping installations.
- Was recognized for providing high-quality, optimal, and impeccable services.
2009 – 2012
CHICAGO BRIDGE & IRON AMERICAS
Piping/Completions Engineer
- Coordinated the design and generation of all project Piping Test Packs and performed visual inspections of equipment and process piping systems.
- Supported PMT with final mechanical completion and acceptance.
- Updated piping isometrics and P&IDs to reflect as-built conditions.
- Provided support and assistance to the Commissioning & Start-up Team from start-up through execution and completion of performance testing and acceptance testing.
2006 – 2009
INDUSTRIAL PLANT SERVICES LTD (IPSL)
Mechanical Technician
- Performed preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs on rotating and stationary equipment, including compressors, pumps, blowers, steam turbines, tanks, vessels, and exchangers.
- Reduced equipment downtime by providing emergency repairs during operation.
- Minimized extended shutdowns through routine preventive maintenance and care.
Projects
JUL 2024 – PRESENT
Client: Shell
Shell Manatee, Scope B Onshore Pipeline
Product: Onshore Pipeline
Position: Project Engineer
Location: Trinidad & Tobago
- Led field execution across multiple scopes, including HDD site preparation, trenching, slope stabilization, pipeline installation, and FOC conduit works.
- Coordinated daily construction progress with subcontractors and client representatives, ensuring safe execution aligned with engineering drawings, method statements, and project schedules.
- Spearheaded constructability reviews and hazard assessments, providing technical input on ROW preparation and pipeline installation.
- Managed resource planning and productivity tracking, analyzed man-hour burn rates, and aligned deliverables with T&M contract efficiency expectations.
MAY 2024 – JUN 2024
Client: Nutrien
Nutrien UREA Turnaround – HP CARBAMATE PUMP UPGRADE
Product: HP Carbamate Pump
Position: Mechanical Supervisor
Location: Trinidad & Tobago
- Participated in and contributed to toolbox meetings with contractors.
- Verified materials required by the execution contractors.
- Coordinated shared manpower and equipment resources among major projects.
- Participated in daily project update meetings.
- Supported Quality Control and Assurance during field execution and verified work against engineering drawings.
FEB 2023 – APR 2024
VARIOUS SITES
Position: Construction Superintendent
Location: Trinidad & Tobago
- Developed and maintained project schedules and budgets, including forecasting labour and materials costs, tracking progress against timelines, and identifying bottlenecks or areas of concern.
- Managed and supervised civil works, including excavation, grading, site preparation, utility installation, and earthwork.
- Monitored and ensured compliance with safety regulations and protocols, including personal protective equipment requirements and tool and equipment usage.
- Coordinated construction activities with electrical and plumbing subcontractors and other trades to ensure seamless integration of building systems.
- Reviewed and approved subcontractor invoices and change orders and resolved billing or payment issues.
MAR 2022 – AUG 2022
Client: Shell
Shell Pennsylvania Chemicals Project
Product: Plant Systems
Position: Completions Superintendent
Location: United States
- Led a crew of 20-25 union-hire craft personnel, including steam fitters, electricians, labourers, plumbers, and instrument technicians, to close out systems.
- Oversaw lube oil flushes and coordinated inspections with the client.
- Performed system-boundary P&ID reviews to ensure proper system isolation before handover.
- Created visibility of complete systems to identify remaining ITR, WTG, and punch items and ensured completion before NOC walkdowns and system handover to iCSU.
- Created coatings and EHT/insulation trackers to drive subcontractor completion.
- Assisted the Shell asset operations team with visibility of critical systems for chemical cleaning, first fire, and steam blows.
- Walked down complete systems in parallel with piping FE internal walkdowns to raise WTG items and confirm that no items were missed before NOC walkdown and handover to iCSU.
- Initiated service requisitions for subcontractor work and guided completion of valve internals and final trim-kit installations before system handover to iCSU.
JAN 2020 – FEB 2022
Client: Shell
Shell Pennsylvania Chemicals Project
Product: Piping Systems
Position: Piping/Testing Field Engineer
Location: United States
- Coordinated with design engineering on piping constructability and design issues involving underground and above-ground piping installation and pipe supports.
- Issued field sketches and redlines to support construction needs.
- Planned and recommended procedures for Field Supervision to ensure construction operations complied with engineering design and specifications.
- Aided development of hydro and pneumatic test packages and verified and witnessed hydro acceptance.
- Worked with Field Supervision to plan and execute flushing, drying, borescoping, and internal pipe-cleaning activities.
- Conducted system walkdowns with the client and commissioning team.
AUG 2017 – DEC 2020
Client: BP
BP Galeota Expansion Project
Product: Mechanical Equipment and Vendor Piping
Position: Mechanical Field Engineer
Location: Trinidad and Tobago
- Applied engineering knowledge and principles to identify and troubleshoot constructability and mechanical design issues involving mechanical equipment installation and vendor piping.
- Coordinated planning and implementation of mechanical and piping procedures by Field Supervision to ensure construction operations complied with engineering requirements and specifications.
- Collaborated with Field Supervision and subcontractors to plan and develop construction schedules.
- Derived Storage, Preservation and Maintenance requirements and frequencies for permanent plant equipment by assessing supplier manuals, standard procedures, and applicable codes.
- Performed field inspections to streamline Storage, Preservation and Maintenance activities with P&M personnel and ensure on-time completeness and accuracy.
- Worked closely with the client to resolve pre-commissioning challenges.
JAN 2016 – DEC 2016
Client: BP
BP Juniper Topside Platform
Product: Piping
Position: Reinstatement Supervisor
Location: Trinidad & Tobago
- Ensured the provision of directional assistance and support for the piping reinstatement team.
- Actively participated in and efficiently performed bolt-torquing activities.
2013 – 2014
SPRC Refinery RFCCU & APH Revamp T&I Project
Product: Process Piping
Position: Senior Project Engineer
Location: Thailand
- Directed and coordinated process piping work packages.
- Installed construction monitoring tools and managed the database to track progress from construction to client turnover.
- Developed the project procedure for hydrotesting and client acceptance to provide engineering deliverables satisfying client and project requirements.
- Liaised with engineering disciplines to identify gaps and develop solutions, enabling effective communication and synergy among team members.
2012 – 2013
Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel Project
Product: Process Piping
Position: Field Engineer
Location: Trinidad & Tobago
- Conducted field walkdowns and inspections to ensure conformance with design drawings, specifications, and applicable codes and standards.
- Provided technical assistance to piping supervision.
- Used current and accurate design drawings for process piping installations.
- Provided high-quality, optimal, and impeccable services.
2009 – 2012
Phase II FCCU Petrotrin Refinery Upgrade Project
Product: Equipment and Process Piping Systems
Position: Piping/Completions Engineer
Location: Trinidad & Tobago
- Coordinated the design and generation of project piping test packs and performed visual inspections of equipment and process piping systems.
- Supported PMT with final mechanical completion and acceptance.
- Updated piping isometrics and P&IDs to reflect as-built conditions.
- Supported the Commissioning and Start-up Team from start-up through execution and completion of performance testing and acceptance testing.
Skills
- Piping Field Engineering
- Mechanical Field Engineering
- Commissioning
- Project Engineering
- Construction Supervision
- Resource Management
- Planning and Monitoring
- Risk Analysis
- Reporting and Review
- Teamwork and Leadership
- Constructability Review
- Mechanical Completion
- Client Handover
Commodities
- Piping
- Pipe Supports
- Valves
- Rotating Equipment
- Stationary Equipment
- Compressors
- Pumps
- Blowers
- Steam Turbines
- Tanks
- Vessels
- Heat Exchangers
- FOC Conduit
- Insulation
- Coatings