Tessa Kelley

Santa Ana, CA 92701

Cell (714) 357-3962

Email: the.real.tkelley@gmail.com
http://www.linkedin.com/in/tkelley2015

Professional Summary
Chemical Process Engineer delivering high performance systems in diverse food and chemical
manufacturing settings. Strong technical abilities with success improving project execution across
multisite operations. Skilled in team-building, department turnarounds, process development,
technology assessment and application. Program management and training of personnel on new
equipment and processes, processes changes, performance monitoring, health & safety.
Accomplishments
Re-engineering of flavor ingredient batch line improved process flexibility, reduced cycle time by
44-62%, improved quality and increased concentration by up to 56%
Led automation of complete zeolite manufacturing facility from batch formulation to continuous
calcining, increasing operator productivity by more than 150% in union facility
Directed $17 million replacement of wastewater treatment system, organizing global team of
process experts to increase process capacity by more than 100% and implement resource
recovery
Drove implementation of ISO9001 standards and performance metrics within department,
improving capital project completions from nil to over $17 million
Identified and championed technology enhancements to continuous production line, reducing inprocess inventory by 80%
Spearheaded investigation of industrial accident. International team identified root cause and
necessary corrective measures. Coordinated renovations, process changes and training, restarting
facility 4 months ahead of schedule.
Core Qualifications
Process development, design, and implementation
Project management
Team building and leadership
ISO9001 program execution

Process improvement, cost reduction

Substantial startup experience
AutoCAD & Inventor
MS Project, MS Office Word & Excel

Education
MS Chemical Engineering University of California, Los Angeles
BS Chemistry Harvey Mudd College, Claremont, CA
Selected Applicable Experience
Founder | Chemical Process Development Manager, 2016 Present
Chemical Process Development Leaders in Orange County CA
Promote networking events
Research industry leaders
Track industry trends
Participate in industry discussions
Plant Engineer / Vault Manager, 2013 2015
Great American Mint & Refinery, manufacturer of investment coins and precious metal refiner
Managed control of metal throughout the plant
Engineered and implemented capital process improvements for chemical refining operation
Chemical Engineer Process Technology, 2012 2013
Materia, ruthenium-based homogeneous catalyst R&D
Charged with base design, process flow and space planning of European manufacturing operation
Performed new process development R&D under direction of Director of Chemical Manufacturing
Engineering and Quality Assurance Manager, 2010 2012
Whittier Filtration, oil processing and mining equipment manufacturer

 Led design, engineering and development of custom and standard oil field process equipment,
supporting year-over-year sales growth in excess of 15%
Managed in-process inspections, NCRs, RFIs and vendor audits
Process Development Manager, 2005 2008
Heraeus Metal Processing, precious metal refiner and manufacturer
Turned around non-performing R&D and project group, managed $20 million budget
Managed in-house and off-site engineering services, technology transfers to transform facility into
worlds largest refiner of platinum and palladium from secondary sources
Process Engineer, 1997 2004
Firmenich, food, fragrance and fine chemical manufacturer
Identified, engineered and managed technology enhancements supporting year-to-year growth
rates of 15 - 20% during tenure
Developed and incorporated changes to batch process system, increasing unit productivity by 50%
and process capability by 55%
Plant Engineer
Engelhard West, gold refiner and fine chemical manufacturer
Implemented automotive catalyst recovery operation to recover platinum, palladium and rhodium
from catalytic converters. Process included clam-shell removal, milling, sizing and sampling to
assure accurate recovery of metals per assay
Designed, implemented and expanded chemical refining of gold from dor grain
Designed and installed NOx collection and scrubber system
Project Engineer
Harshaw-Filtrol, zeolite and catalyst manufacturer
Designed and implemented distributed control system for zeolite manufacturing operation
Devised process for ion substitution on zeolites prior to calcining to improved temperature
stability
Additional Experience
Broad familiarity with rules and regulations of SCAQMD, California DTSC, UBC/IBC latest edition, Federal
and California OSHA. Working knowledge of ASME section VIII, ANSI piping codes, NEC general and
hazard classes.
Personal
US citizen, able to work in USA without sponsorship. Interests include aquaponics, physical fitness,
home improvements. Single, willing to travel.