WALTER G.

NILSEN
Novato, California 94949
415-844-0789 wgnilsen@comcast.net
SUMMARY
Proven project professional with over twenty-five years of success in the power, oil/gas, and petrochemical industries.
Specialties include program and project management, construction management, strategic planning, and business
development. Highly effective at executing work and achieving organizational goals using exceptional analytical and
problem solving ability, first rate management and client skills, and extensive business knowledge and insight. Experienced
with US domestic and international projects, including managing multinational project teams. Proven success both
directing large projects and overseeing portfolios of smaller projects. Interesting, challenging work is essential. Willing to
travel or possibly relocate for the right opportunity.
SAMPLING OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Recently completed a $32 million refinery flare/relief system replacement from concept to completion in 16 months.
Developed execution strategy and directed multi-office engineering effort to optimize work sequence, insure the
earliest possible construction start, and meet client shutdown deadline for completion.

Proven success in execution and proposal development for large projects, including complete execution of $120
million EP scope for an ethylene plant in the middle east, FEED for a $600 million revamp project, and developing the
winning proposal for FEED on a multibillion dollar ethylene plant.

Recognized as the top academic performer in Executive MBA class at Emory University

AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Project Management

Business Development

Profit and Loss / P&L

Proposal Development

Project Controls

Procurement / Supply Chain

Program Management

Construction Management

Manufacturing

Analysis / Quantitative Skills

Operations

Global / International Business

Mechanical Engineering

Problem Solving

Consulting

Commercial Negotiations

Communication

Strategy

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Program Manager, Jacobs Engineering SF Bay Area, California
October 2008 January 2016
Established a new satellite operation for executing oil and gas industry projects in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Responsible for business development, client relationships, P&L performance, management of the operations, and
recruiting and training local staff. Developed business prospects and expanded staff during 2008-2009 economic and
industry downturn and established the foundation for growth from a total bay area staff of 5 to more than 50 at primary site
and 100 overall.
Later shifted focus to securing and executing new electrical infrastructure upgrade projects for a major refinery. Developed
proposal and execution strategy to displace the incumbent engineering contractor and secure work with an expected TIC of
over $150 million. Completed first of these projects (substation replacement) successfully as lead project manager.
Managed larger and more complex projects for the program, including a $32 million flare/relief system replacement that
was successfully completed in 16 months against a firm client shutdown deadline.
Senior Project Manager, Technip USA Claremont, California
2005 2008
Returned outstanding results on large petrochemicals projects, including $120 million, multinational E&P for a new
Petrochem plant in the Middle East and Front End Engineering/Design for a $600 million US domestic revamp project.
Built strong client relationships, developed and implemented successful execution strategies, and maximized the
effectiveness of project teams to deliver exceptional quality, schedule and financial performance. Negotiated client and
supplier contracts and led successful proposal effort for FEED of a multibillion dollar ethylene plant in Saudi Arabia.

WALTER G. NILSEN
- Page 2 Consultant, Welding Services, Inc Norcross, Georgia
2004
Performed consulting services for a specialty welding contractor on a contract basis. Facilitated successful acquisition of
large contracts with a power industry OEM. Provided analysis of concepts for a strategic alliance.
Foster Wheeler Energy Corporation, Southeast Services Marietta, Georgia

1996 2003

Part of a small team who established and grew a successful new business unit delivering aftermarket projects in the Power
industry. Directly involved in analyzing market and competitive environment, identifying target products and customers,
and establishing the business plan and growth strategy. Positions in this business unit included:
Project Operations Manager (2002-2003) Supervised a group of Project Managers and Project Engineers and
oversaw project activities for $60 million/yr business unit. Hired and developed project staff, reviewed and approved
major proposal and project decisions, forecasted and reported revenues and profits, and allocated resources across
multiple projects. Managed relationships with crucial customers and suppliers.

Successfully implemented a new manufacturing model, shifting from primarily US domestic plants to a new,
lower cost manufacturing facility in China. Developed an overall supply strategy that improved manufacturing
flexibility, reduced costs, and ultimately increased revenue and profit.
Implemented new system for forecasting and tracking revenue, profit, and cash flow across all projects

Project/Proposal Manager (1996-2002) Managed multiple projects, valued from $100,000 to $20 million, from initial
inquiry/bid stage through contract closeout. Served as primary client contact and leader of internal project teams.
Directly responsible for profit and loss performance and all proposal/project activities including technical and
commercial strategies, pricing, sourcing, cash flow, risk analysis and management, commercial negotiations, and
oversight of 3rd party construction. Developed target customer into largest regional account while consistently meeting
aggressive schedules and exceeding financial goals.
Previous Assignments/Positions at Foster Wheeler

1988-1996

Regional Service Manager Foster Wheeler Headquarters, Clinton, New Jersey (1994-1996)
Managed projects from late construction through completion, including construction acceptance/turnover,
commissioning, plant startup and testing, and customer acceptance. Negotiated contract settlements. Designed and
conducted training classes for international clients.
Lead Engineer - Chambers Cogeneration, Carneys Point Generating Plant (1993-1994)
Supervised the successful construction and commissioning of two 140-megawatt steam generators at a new
cogeneration plant, achieving all contract schedule and performance guarantees on $86 million project. Supervised
startup engineers as well as scheduling and directing all subcontractors and vendors. Coordinated Foster Wheeler
efforts with those of the owner and architect/engineer and administered contract issues at the site level.
Technical Advisor - Taiwan Power Company, Taichung Steam Power Station (1991-1992)
Worked abroad as Foster Wheeler site representative on a $240 million project, maintaining day-to-day relationship
with the Taiwanese client. Responsible for the mechanical checkout and commissioning of the steam generators and all
auxiliary equipment. Trained Taiwan Power personnel, optimized equipment and controls to meet all performance and
emissions guarantees, and supervised acceptance testing.
Service Engineer (1988-1991)
Worked in a number of short-term assignments including construction oversight, commissioning and testing of
equipment, assisting utility plants with troubleshooting and maintenance, solving fabrication process problems, and
designing fabrication tooling.
EDUCATION
Master of Business Administration, Goizueta Business School, Emory University (2002)
Completed weekend Executive MBA program while working full time
Recognized as the top academic performer in a graduating class of 65 students
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, University of Rochester (1988)