Leo Cipollo
Lonsdale
Summary
Lead Mechanical Engineer with extensive experience in data center commissioning and electrical system testing at Commissioning Agents INC. Demonstrated success in project management and team leadership, resolving complex issues while ensuring safety compliance. Expertise in mechanical system design and collaboration among diverse teams, resulting in cost-effective solutions that enhance operational efficiency. Proven ability to oversee large-scale engineering projects with a commitment to quality assurance and innovative problem-solving. Highly-motivated employee with desire to take on new challenges. Strong work ethic, adaptability, and exceptional interpersonal skills. Adept at working effectively unsupervised and quickly mastering new skills.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lead Mechanical Engineer
Commissioning Agents INC. (CAI)
05.2024 - Current
- Lead mechanical engineer for the company's first data center commissioning undertaking in Quebec, Canada.
- Understands the timeline for the commissioning process and how contracts are affected by delays, change orders, etc.
- Intimate knowledge of script development as pertaining to specific equipment found in data centers.
- Diagnosed and resolved problems with documented procedures and checklists, problem recognition and research.
- Understands building drawings, schematics, and how to navigate appropriate software to glean the knowledge required to populate purposeful scripts for the commissioning process.
- Expert in navigating compass, Nexus, CX alloy, etc.
- Qualified tier 1 and tier 2 level commissioning, gaining a 'lead' promotion quickly with a wide knowledge base.
- Understands the expected issues to look for upon initial IVC (Level 2) inspections on equipment.
- Understands proper system responses upon PFC (Level 3) power checks.
- Highly experienced Level 4 testing engineer with regard to system logic and manipulation of equipment to achieve desired alarms and system responses, as per testing procedures.
- Understands power sources and how equipment is fed from various locations within a data center.
- An experienced IST (level 5) engineer explains how the intricate process of testing an entire data center space comes to life and what system responses to expect from testing.
- Knowledgeable in electrical system testing as it pertains to mechanical operation.
- Experienced in the completion of electrical testing.
- Intimate knowledge of all fire and life safety-related equipment in data center spaces.
- Leads testing with regard to expected equipment operation and response during fire or loss of power casualties.
- Works incredibly well with every vendor needed to support the operation.
- Knows how to effectively get the most out of every day's work team, given the various circumstances that present themselves in a data center space.
- Vital member and lead for IST commissioning of DSM12 COLOs 2-5, DSM13 COLOs 2, 3, 5, DSM14 COLO5, DSM15 COLOs 1-5, all 96 MW buildings designed for data storage.
- Led the mechanical portion of the Wells Fargo chiller plant data center IST in Shoreview, MN.
- Provided feedback on design modifications needed due to changes in customer requirements or regulations.
- Assisted in the resolution of any technical issues that arose during assembly or testing operations.
- Identified potential failure points within current products and proposed solutions to mitigate risks.
- Conducted field tests on prototypes to assess performance under various conditions.
- Developed test plans to evaluate prototype performance against criteria specified in technical documents.
- Ensured compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements in mechanical designs.
- Developed and maintained project documentation, including specifications, test reports, and user manuals.
- Monitored the performance of mechanical systems in the field and made recommendations for enhancements.
- Performed thermal and stress simulations to validate design choices and ensure product reliability.
- Led quality assurance efforts, including designing and executing test plans for mechanical systems.
- Used combustion analyzers or pressure gauges to calculate energy losses for buildings.
- Investigated equipment failures or difficulties to diagnose faulty operation and recommend remedial actions.
- Documented defects found during testing process.
- Conducted functional, performance, stress and regression tests.
- Verified that all components meet design specifications and standards.
- Ensured the quality of software applications before release to customers.
- Executed manual and automated tests in different environments.
- Performed testing to determine functionality or optimization.
- Collaborated with other teams such as Network Administration and Systems Engineering when needed for complex tasks.
- Tested connectivity between various devices located within the data center using network diagnostic tools.
- Collaborated with other departments to ensure successful integration of mechanical systems into existing designs.
Shipyard Specialist
Shipyard Specialist Crew/AMP United
Norfolk
01.2024 - 04.2024
- Aided and directed various large-scale upkeep projects at BAE and NASSCO shipyards.
- Participate in building and dismantling large scaffolding structures, often at significant heights, and within enclosed spaces.
- Specialized in carpentry and containment efforts on board naval vessels undergoing overhaul production to ensure a safe and secure work environment for all those on board during critical maintenance evolutions.
- Assisted in developing strategies to increase customer satisfaction levels.
- Generated reports to track performance metrics of team members.
- Conducted regular meetings with staff to review progress and address any concerns.
- Ensured that all workers followed safety protocols while erecting or dismantling scaffolds.
- Adhered strictly to company policies regarding health and safety guidelines at all times.
- Inspected scaffolding structures for safety and stability prior to use.
- Cleaned debris from work sites after completion of each job.
- Assembled scaffolding systems for working at heights safely.
- Operated forklifts to move large objects around the work site safely.
Business Owner
Lionheart Contracting Group
Virginia Beach
05.2022 - 01.2024
- Found local construction projects, and completed them on time and on budget.
- Wrote and discussed all aspects of contractual obligations, including time management, budget, and needed materials for each job.
- Procured my own work through word of mouth and various online platforms.
- Completed multiple large-scale projects, including flooring, framing, electrical work, plumbing, tile work, and exterior work on homes throughout the Tidewater area.
- Collaborated with another company to renovate Starbucks locations across the southeastern United States.
- Met deadlines in alignment with Starbucks' renovation schedules.
- Updated upholstery, trim work, tile, and fixtures in 20-30 Starbucks locations, including demolition at the beginning of the renovation process.
- Resolved conflicts between employees or customers in a timely manner.
- Conducted market research to identify new opportunities for growth.
- Initiated cost-cutting measures when necessary without sacrificing quality of products or services.
- Oversaw daily operations of the business and provided guidance when needed.
- Established marketing strategies, such as social media campaigns, to promote the business.
- Analyzed competitor's pricing and product offerings in order to remain competitive within the market.
- Prepared weekly schedules to verify proper floor coverage within fiscal guidelines.
- Prepared surfaces for painting or wallpapering by filling holes and cracks with plaster or spackling compound.
- Checked completed installations against plans to ensure accuracy.
- Followed blueprints or other diagrams to accurately install systems.
- Loaded construction materials onto trucks and transported them to job sites.
- Inspected work areas for safety hazards prior to beginning work.
- Maintained a clean worksite by sweeping up debris and disposing of waste material properly.
- Measured and cut lumber with a saw to specified dimensions for installation purposes.
- Cleaned up after completion of projects including removal of all debris from site.
- Installed insulation in walls and ceilings according to specifications.
- Mixed mortar and applied it to bricks before laying them in place.
- Assisted skilled tradespeople such as electricians or plumbers with their tasks.
- Assembled prefabricated components such as trusses or wall sections at job sites.
- Assisted in the installation of windows, doors, flooring, siding, roofing, and drywall.
- Repaired damaged structures using appropriate tools and materials.
- Lifted and moved heavy objects, such as lumber or tools.
- Drilled holes into concrete or brick walls for anchoring fixtures.
- Operated power tools such as drills, saws, grinders, sanders.
- Provided assistance with plumbing repairs including replacement of pipes or fittings.
- Hired subcontractors when necessary to complete projects on time and within budget.
- Managed multiple tasks simultaneously while adhering to tight deadlines.
- Reviewed blueprints and building codes to ensure compliance with regulations.
- Monitored job sites regularly to ensure that work was completed according to specifications.
- Provided support during customer walkthroughs following completion of projects.
- Ensured that all safety guidelines were followed by contractors and employees.
- Ordered materials for job sites as needed, ensuring accuracy of order quantities.
- Managed the day-to-day operations at multiple job sites simultaneously.
- Inspected worksites on a regular basis to evaluate progress and address any problems or safety hazards.
- Supervised and coordinated the construction of residential homes, ensuring quality standards were met according to plans.
Submarine Steam and Electric Plant Test Engineer
Huntington Ingalls Industries
Newport News
11.2020 - 02.2023
- Collect completed work permits from inspection to determine the test procedures necessary to certify various steam and electric plant systems as fit for sea.
- Write specific test procedures for each of the various completed work packages.
- Lead briefs with military leadership and personnel, along with shipyard tradesmen, to disseminate critical information and instructions to complete every test safely and effectively.
- Ensure completed paperwork is 100% accurate according to procedure, and is accessible to all department heads involved.
- Conducted functional, performance, stress and regression tests.
- Conducted daily inspections of equipment and systems in the control room, reactor compartments, turbine areas, and other related areas.
- Developed plans for responding appropriately to potential emergencies that could affect public health or safety.
- Reviewed blueprints and schematics for proposed modifications to existing systems or installation of new equipment.
- Provided technical advice on the operation and maintenance of nuclear equipment.
- Assisted in troubleshooting mechanical problems with the steam plant components.
- Calibrated instruments used for monitoring the performance of the steam plant.
- Provided feedback on product designs based on testing results.
- Maintained test logs and reported results to engineering staff.
- Analyzed data from tests to identify potential issues or areas of improvement.
- Calibrated equipment to ensure accuracy of measurements during testing.
- Performed functional and system tests on electrical components according to established protocols.
- Documented test results accurately and efficiently into a database for further analysis by engineering staff.
- Created technical documentation for test procedures and processes.
- Generated reports summarizing test findings for management review.
- Developed and maintained solutions for integration and testing phases.
- Spearheaded and oversaw comprehensive test strategy for complete systems.
- Performed problem solving and resolution for technical quality, inspection and customer quality issues.
- Produced test scripts for new automated software testing rounds.
- Met project scope and delivery dates by planning optimal testing schedules.
Quality Inspector
Newport News Shipbuilding
Newport News
07.2020 - 11.2020
- Meticulously determined if completed work on various components corresponded and adhered to all procedural guidelines, including all RPMs, SPMs, M-1019, JFMM, and other various maintenance manuals.
- Oversaw and monitored maintenance evolutions in which a system or component could become compromised if foreign material, debris, tools, or personnel were inadvertently inserted into the system.
- Communicated daily with all involved evolution participants to ensure that all personnel understood the task at hand.
- Completed all necessary paperwork and sign-offs to be brought to department heads for final system certifications.
- Analyzed trends in defect rates over time by reviewing historical data from past inspections.
- Provided technical support to production staff regarding quality issues.
- Performed visual inspections of components for surface defects such as scratches, dents, burrs.
- Conducted dimensional checks with various measuring instruments including micrometers, calipers and gauges.
- Reported any nonconforming parts to Quality Manager or Production Supervisor.
- Inspected and tested products to ensure compliance with quality standards.
- Ensured that all safety procedures were followed while inspecting materials or products.
- Collaborated with other departments on improvement projects related to quality assurance initiatives.
- Checked product accuracy against blueprints and drawings.
- Participated in continuous improvement projects aimed at improving overall product quality.
- Maintained accurate records of inspection results and corrective actions taken when necessary.
- Documented, filed and maintained proper inspection records and quality assurance documents.
- Conducted routine visual inspections of work to uncover issues with compliance and tolerances.
- Weighed raw data, reviewed parts history and organized results prior to quality analysis.
Sub-Contractor
Proper Contracting
Virginia Beach
07.2019 - 07.2020
- Conducted regular site visits at various locations throughout the duration of construction projects in order to monitor progress.
- Reviewed bid documents to determine scope of work, timeline requirements, and associated costs for projects.
- Inspected work areas for safety issues before beginning any task.
- Coordinated with other workers onsite to ensure efficient completion of tasks.
- Reviewed blueprints and drawings to determine layout of floor planks or tiles accurately.
- Created custom cuts for around pipes or other objects in the room.
- Communicated effectively with clients regarding progress updates and potential issues.
- Installed carpet, tile, laminate, and hardwood flooring in residential and commercial settings.
- Measured and cut flooring materials to fit the dimensions of each room.
- Applied adhesives to subfloors prior to laying down new flooring material.
- Checked finished installations for accuracy and quality assurance purposes.
- Organized supplies into appropriate containers prior to beginning projects.
- Resolved customer complaints related to flooring installations promptly.
- Prepared surfaces for installation by cleaning and leveling them.
- Inspected rooms for any obstacles that could interfere with installation process.
- Removed old flooring materials such as carpets or tiles when necessary.
- Provided advice on which type of flooring would best suit customer's needs.
- Worked with a variety of tools including saws, hammers, drills, screwdrivers.
- Followed up regularly with clients after completion of projects in order to ensure satisfaction with results.
- Maintained clean work areas throughout project duration.
- Performed minor repairs to existing floors before installation process began.
- Ensured proper alignment of boards during installation process.
- Measured, cut, and installed ceramic tile, marble, and stone using hand tools and power cutting tools.
- Prepared sub-floor surfaces by removing existing material or filling in cracks.
- Assisted other tradespeople in completion of their tasks when needed.
- Adhered to safety regulations while working onsite.
- Mixed adhesive according to manufacturer's instructions for wall and floor tiles installation.
- Loaded supplies onto truck for delivery to job sites.
- Inspected newly installed tiles for any defects such as chips or cracks.
- Applied sealants and grout finishes to protect tile from water damage.
- Laid out tile patterns and ensured proper alignment of tiles.
- Grouted walls, floors and countertops with appropriate materials.
- Applied waterproofing membranes to showers, tubs, sinks. to prevent water seepage into underlying structures.
- Collaborated with other tradespeople such as plumbers, electricians, masons, in order to complete projects efficiently.
Engineering Technician
Street Legal Industries-Newport News Shipbuilding
Newport News
11.2018 - 06.2019
- Oversaw and completed hundreds of maintenance items at Newport News Shipyard while collaborating directly with naval personnel and their superiors.
- Instructed and assisted naval personnel with firemain, steam, catapult, and fuel systems maintenance during a crucial shutdown and overhaul period.
- Maintained detailed records of all engineering activities including test results, calculations and other relevant information.
- Inspected components for conformance with specified quality standards prior to shipment.
- Assisted in the design, development and implementation of new engineering projects.
- Monitored operations for compliance with environmental regulations and safety standards.
- Troubleshot mechanical issues related to production process flow.
- Evaluated vendor proposals for materials needed in the production process.
- Operated equipment such as CNC machines, lathes, mills, grinders, saws.
- Provided training on proper operation of machinery used in the production process.
- Provided technical support during the installation of new equipment.
- Identified potential problems with existing designs and provided solutions.
- Adhered strictly to safety requirements when operating machinery or handling hazardous materials.
- Assisted fellow mechanics when necessary during complex repairs.
Outside Mechanic
Aerotek Staffing Agency
01.2018 - 11.2018
- Worked various mechanical contracting assignments including rail yards, shipyards, and naval bases.
- Oversaw and completed various maintenance items along with helping with the demonstration of recent technology for naval applications.
Machinist Mate Nuclear 2nd Class
United States Navy
05.2014 - 11.2017
- Manned watches overseeing the proper operation of reactor mechanical equipment for 3000+ hours during two oversea deployments with critical and shutdown plant conditions.
- Supervised five subordinate watch stations for over 1,200 hours as chief reactor watch and reactor mechanical operator for critical and shutdown reactor plant.
- An integral part of maintaining the reactor department's damage control equipment, which is vital to crew safety, includes over 400 life preservers tested, over 500 maintenance items completed on various fire-fighting equipment, and multiple tests of ballistic hatches and other shipboard equipment.
- Assisted with the installation of new machines and equipment.
- Replaced defective parts or assemblies using appropriate tools and techniques.
- Participated in regular meetings with supervisors and other personnel to discuss progress and potential improvements on current projects.
- Maintained, tested, adjusted and calibrated a variety of nuclear propulsion plant components such as pumps, valves, turbines and reactors.
- Calibrated instruments used to measure radiation levels in order to ensure accuracy.
- Performed regular maintenance checks on all components of the nuclear propulsion system including pumps, valves, turbines and reactors.
- Installed new components or replaced existing parts on machinery related to nuclear power generation.
- Conducted daily inspections of all machinery used to operate the nuclear power plant.
- Troubleshot problems with control systems that monitored and regulated reactor temperatures and pressures.
- Monitored radiation levels in various locations throughout the facility using specialized instruments.
- Operated and maintained nuclear reactor propulsion plants and associated auxiliary equipment.
- Assisted in loading fuel elements into the reactor core for start-up operations.
- Performed preventive maintenance on all machinery related to the operation of the nuclear power plant.
- Coordinated with engineering teams for complex machinery overhauls and repairs.
- Conducted troubleshooting and repairs on hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
- Assessed machinery performance and recommended improvements to increase efficiency.
- Conducted daily checks and maintenance on propulsion and auxiliary boilers.
- Performed emergency repairs to restore essential machinery functions during operations.
- Interpreted technical manuals and schematics to guide repair and maintenance activities.
- Maintained detailed logs of maintenance actions and machinery performance.
- Assisted in the operation and maintenance of ship's fresh water and seawater systems.
- Implemented preventive maintenance schedules to minimize equipment downtime.
- Operated and maintained steam turbines and reduction gears used for ship propulsion.
- Set up, adjusted or operated basic or specialized machine tools to support precision machining operations.
- Ensured compliance with environmental and safety regulations during machinery operations.
- Participated in training junior machinist mates in machinery operations and safety procedures.
- Utilized precision tools to measure parts for wear and adherence to specifications.
- Inspected and repaired valve systems, including control, relief, and check valves.
- Performed routine maintenance on ship's auxiliary machinery.
- Managed inventory of spare parts and tools, ensuring availability for repairs.
- Fabricated replacement parts using lathes, milling machines, and welding equipment.
- Read and understood manuals, schematics, charts and diagrams.
- Assisted in the dismantlement and inspection of machinery during overhaul periods.
- Conducted alignment and calibration of machinery components for optimal performance.
- Collaborated with other departments to coordinate machinery testing and operations.
- Measured and recorded radiation levels at specific locations within buildings.
- Identified opportunities for reducing radiation exposure and implemented proactive or corrective actions.
- Monitored workers and checked that each maintained proper precautions to control contamination spread.
- Determined effective radiation dosage on tools, instruments and structures.
- Performed testing, repair and upgrades on instruments, gauges and recording devices to maintain safety.
- Tracked radiation exposure for personnel based on activities, time limits and specific work tasks.
- Tracked intensity and types of radiation in work areas to monitor overall and individual exposures.
- Upheld strict safety standards by properly collecting, sorting, segregating and packaging radiological waste.
- Surveyed nuclear reactors and equipment to determine safety, performance and operational inefficiency.
- Maintained accurate accountability for air compressors, cooling water pumps, pre-lube pumps, fuel oil pumps, and centrifuges as part of strict security protocols.
- Responded to system or unit abnormalities, diagnosed causes and recommended corrective actions.
- Adhered to regulatory and organizational operations policies governing nuclear equipment maintenance and performance.
- Implemented and updated operational procedures, controlled start-up and shut-down activities and developed procedures to reduce safety concerns.
- Maintained smooth and consistent plant operations by monitoring and adjusting boilers, turbines, wells and auxiliary equipment.
- Maintained protections for workers and kept facility in compliance with radiation standards.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Nuclear Engineering
Naval Nuclear Prototype Training Unit
Charleston, SC04.2014
Associate of Applied Science - Nuclear Engineering
Naval Nuclear Power School
Charleston, SC05.2013
Nuclear Field "A" School Mechanical MM - Mechanical Engineering
Nuclear Field "A" School
Charleston, SC09.2012
Skills
- Collaboration and planning
- Conflict resolution
- Public speaking
- Interpersonal communication
- Radiological maintenance
- Reactor plant operation
- Maintenance evolution
- Mechanical power production
- Trend analysis
- Thermodynamics
- Troubleshooting skills
- Safety compliance
- Propulsion systems management
- Steam turbine operation
- Mechanical qualification
- Mechanical system design
- Data center commissioning
- Electrical system testing
- Project management
- Building codes compliance
- Quality assurance
- Thermal simulations
- Technical documentation
- Equipment troubleshooting
- Vendor management
- Team leadership
- Effective communication
- Problem solving
- Reliability engineering
- Safety protocols
- Engineering simulation
- Test planning
- Fluid mechanics
- Engineering documentation
- Technical leadership
- Engineering calculations
- Quality assurance controls
- Written and verbal communication skills
- Pump and piping systems
- Complex problem solver
- Scheduling
- Thermodynamics expertise
- Piping design
- Hydraulic and pneumatic design
- Water and steam systems
- Strategic thinking
- Coaching
- Documentation and reporting
- Leadership
- Issue resolution
Certification
- Tier I & Tier II qualified in mechanical commissioning earning a quick promotion to Lead.
Accomplishments
- Promoted to Lead mechanical engineer for our first Canadian Microsoft commissioning project
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Lead Mechanical Engineer
Commissioning Agents INC. (CAI)
05.2024 - Current
Shipyard Specialist
Shipyard Specialist Crew/AMP United
01.2024 - 04.2024
Business Owner
Lionheart Contracting Group
05.2022 - 01.2024
Submarine Steam and Electric Plant Test Engineer
Huntington Ingalls Industries
11.2020 - 02.2023
Quality Inspector
Newport News Shipbuilding
07.2020 - 11.2020
Sub-Contractor
Proper Contracting
07.2019 - 07.2020
Engineering Technician
Street Legal Industries-Newport News Shipbuilding
11.2018 - 06.2019
Outside Mechanic
Aerotek Staffing Agency
01.2018 - 11.2018
Machinist Mate Nuclear 2nd Class
United States Navy
05.2014 - 11.2017
Associate of Applied Science - Nuclear Engineering
Naval Nuclear Prototype Training Unit
Associate of Applied Science - Nuclear Engineering
Naval Nuclear Power School
Nuclear Field "A" School Mechanical MM - Mechanical Engineering
Nuclear Field "A" School
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