Steven Zipparo
Houston
Summary
Accomplished Subsea and Project Engineer with over 12 years of proven expertise in driving offshore and onshore oil & gas project development and execution. Demonstrated success leading complex greenfield and brownfield projects across diverse regions including Kazakhstan, the Gulf of America, and Trinidad and Tobago. Adept at fostering multicultural collaboration and managing technical interfaces to ensure seamless project delivery from design through commissioning. Known for a strong commitment to safety, operational excellence, and high-quality decision-making. Experienced in overseeing EPC contractors and consistently achieving critical project milestones. Recognized multiple times by Shell with special awards for outstanding contributions to project execution and safety performance.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Project Engineer - Facilities
Karachaganak Petroleum Operating
Aksay
09.2021 - Current
- Responsible for delivery of Engineering, Procurement, Construction, Commissioning, and Start-Up of $86MM Caustic Neutralization Unit (Thermal Oxidation System) within existing Karachaganak Processing Complex.
- Management and Delivery of various brownfield projects including Field wide CEMS installations and upgrades, 5th Gas Turbine Generator, replacement of IGF and TPS vessels, Flash Gas Compressor Rebundling and BoP, and various mechanical tie ins and ICSS upgrades.
- Special Recognition Award (SRA) for identifying and implementing cost saving opportunity during supply chain process.
Senior Operations Support Engineer
Shell USA
Appomattox
09.2020 - 09.2021
- Supported preventative and corrective maintenance processes to improve reliable operations (uptime) and identify signals, preventing future issues.
- Direct HSE leadership role as member of the Incident Command Team.
- Conducted many PSSRs, line walk downs, and MOCs for facility modifications.
- Engaged with stakeholders as a recognized specialist in subsea systems and material science to develop solutions and manage asset changes.
- Mentored Operations Support Engineer with on the job training to develop young Shell engineer in role.
Project Engineer - Wells & Trunklines
Karachaganak Petroleum Operating
Aksay
11.2019 - 09.2020
- Lead for Well Hook Up program in KPO's General Projects Directorate.
- Responsible for $80MM/year budget and helped reduce well hook up time from ~70 days to under 40 through the use of modular pre-fabrication, optimizing schedule flow, and efficient execution.
Subsea Systems Engineer
Shell USA
Houston
01.2017 - 11.2019
- Supported project's concept selection for Barracuda and Colibri projects in Shell's Trinidad and Tobago Portfolio
- Delivered Shell SURF's first ever external FEED product and managed EPC contract tender ($36MM) for pipeline, hardware, and facilities design and construction
- Developed Basis for Design and led project's decision quality process, while maintaining SURF team integration and reduced Hardware/Umbillical cost from estimate to contract signing by 42%
Project Engineer
Shell USA
Houston
04.2015 - 06.2017
- Supported multi-disciplinary team for the Deepwater Greenfield 3-well subsea tieback, Kaikias.
- Responsible for Project Leadership Team meetings, IPA 3rd party bench-marking activites, stakeholder management, and Project Control Framework delivery.
- Led to one of the lowest break-even costs subsea tie-backs for Shell.
Subsea Hardware Engineer
Shell USA
Houston
07.2013 - 01.2017
- Directly accountable for the delivery and Installation of Subsea Hardware, including the world's deepest 15K Wellhead production system. Supported the design and development of new subsea equipment and led RCFA's.
- Managed project cost estimates, contractor negotiations, and hardware delivery contracts and closed out $188MM dollar Subsea Hardware contract for the Stones Project with FMC Technologies
- Special Recognition Award (SRA) for choke replacement campaign to recover from well down time rapidly on Stones Project.
New Product Development Engineer
W. L. Gore & Associates
Elkton
06.2012 - 07.2013
- Developed Chemical and Biological Warfare Resistant Garments for Military and HAZMAT use
- Discovered and produced the most oil resistant and breathable laminate in W.L. Gore & Associates history
Education
BS Materials Science & Engineering - Science, Technology, and Society
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Cambridge, MA06.2012
Skills
- Shell Project Academy Level 1
- TA3 subsea systems
- Microsoft Office Suite
- SAP software
- SolidWorks design
- Engineering management
- Project scheduling
- Contract negotiation
- Cost estimation
- Risk assessment
Awards
Eagle Scout, Congrssional Aware - Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medals, Undergraduate Research for Head of MatSci Department at MIT, Division 1 Collegiate Rower, USA National Champion in Rowing
Timeline
Project Engineer - Facilities
Karachaganak Petroleum Operating
09.2021 - Current
Senior Operations Support Engineer
Shell USA
09.2020 - 09.2021
Project Engineer - Wells & Trunklines
Karachaganak Petroleum Operating
11.2019 - 09.2020
Subsea Systems Engineer
Shell USA
01.2017 - 11.2019
Project Engineer
Shell USA
04.2015 - 06.2017
Subsea Hardware Engineer
Shell USA
07.2013 - 01.2017
New Product Development Engineer
W. L. Gore & Associates
06.2012 - 07.2013
BS Materials Science & Engineering - Science, Technology, and Society
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
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