Kim James Austria, PME
Porac
Summary
Dynamic Mechanical Engineering Superintendent and Boiler Plant Systems Engineer at the Philippines' largest power plant, offering over 11 years of extensive experience in the energy sector. Expertise includes six years in construction, commissioning, and operations as a Systems Engineer, four years as a Design Engineer, and one year as a Cadet Mechanical Engineer. Specialization in asset management, technical problem-solving, and life-of-plant planning enhances operational excellence and reliability. Proven leadership in engineering change management and project execution, consistently implementing proactive strategies to optimize plant performance and ensure long-term sustainability.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Officer in Charge, Mechanical Engineering Superintendent
AboitizPower
02.2024 - Current
- Ensure that all mechanical systems and engineering practices comply with local, national, and international regulations. This includes environmental, safety, and industry standards.
- Managing and reviewing short-term technical plans and life-of-plant plans for ensuring the sustained performance and operational efficiency of a coal power plant.
- Manage engineering projects related to Engineering Change Management - equipment replacement, or system modifications. This includes coordinating with design engineers, contractors, and suppliers.
- Oversee the design through its Project Life Cycle Management of mechanical systems related to coal handling, combustion, steam generation, and power conversion. Ensure designs meet both performance and safety standards.
- Apply advanced engineering principles to resolve complex mechanical issues like using “CAESAR II”. This involves using technical skills to analyze system failures and identify root causes.
- Implement engineering solutions to optimize the efficiency of mechanical systems. This could involve modifications to existing systems or the integration of new technologies.
- Oversee maintenance strategies, including predictive, preventive, and corrective maintenance. Ensure that these strategies are based on engineering principles and best practices.
- Focus on enhancing the reliability of critical equipment through engineering analysis, such as reliability-centered maintenance (RCM) and failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA).
- Track performance metrics to evaluate the efficiency of mechanical systems like heat rate, fan performance, heaters performance, boiler performance, and pressure survey for turbine performance in own excel sheet calculation. Use these metrics to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
- Provide technical guidance and training to engineering staff. Foster a collaborative environment to enhance team skills and knowledge.
- Manage engineering budgets for CAPEX which includes – Projects, Strategic Spares, and Operating Expenditure, ensure that engineering solutions are cost-effective and within budgetary constraints.
- Optimize the use of engineering resources, including personnel, tools, and materials, to achieve project goals efficiently.
- Transition Business Group North Luzon – GNPD (former GNPower Dinginin Ltd. Co.) 2 x 725 MW Supercritical Pulverized Fuel Coal Fired Power Plant GNPower Complex, Dinginin, Alas-asin, Mariveles, Bataan Technical Services Department
Boiler Plant Systems Engineer
GNPower Dinginin Ltd. Co.
04.2019 - Current
- Set up maintenance strategies on the boiler plant based on OEM manuals and maintenance best practice using latest RBO processes.
- Set up Operating Technical Specifications for the boiler plant and auxiliaries.
- Monitor and trend all performance indicators on the boiler plant and auxiliaries.
- Monitor and trend the impact of maintenance activities on the boiler plant and auxiliaries and adjust Maintenance strategies when needed.
- Compile and review the boiler plant Life of Plant plan (LOPP) as well as technical plan (5-year view) and get approval for any expenditure required.
- Conduct plant modification including creating feasibility study when needed.
- Prepare business case justifications for plant systems and component investments, integrating engineering judgment with economic analysis to guide cost-effective decisions.
- Set up and manage the boiler tube leak management program.
- Set up and manage the main steam pipework health program.
- Set up and manage all interfaces with the Boiler Equipment OEMs in order to ensure continuous OEM support.
- Conduct Factory Acceptance Test Abroad: Conduct Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) to verify equipment compliance with design specifications and operational requirements.
- Perform visual inspections, functionality tests, performance evaluations, and safety checks.
- Identify and document discrepancies, coordinate resolutions, and ensure successful re-testing.
- Ensure all tests are aligned with client and regulatory standards and prepare comprehensive FAT reports.
- Collaborate with stakeholders for test validation and equipment approval prior to site delivery.
- Assist Maintenance and Operating with their first line fault finding for complex technical issues.
- Specializes in: Draught Group Systems (Fans, Air Preheater, Emission Control Systems), Combustion Systems (Pulverizing System, Burners), Oil Systems (Hydraulic and Lube oil), Pressure Parts (Boiler Pressure Vessel, Piping Systems, Pipe Supports/Hanger, and Heat Exchangers), Insulations, Pumps.
- 2 x 725 MW Supercritical Pulverized Fuel Coal Fired Power Plant GNPower Complex, Dinginin, Alas-asin, Mariveles, Bataan Technical Services Department
Commissioning Engineer
GNPower Dinginin Ltd. Co.
01.2019 - 01.2022
- Performed full commissioning activities for a 2x725 MW(g) power station, ensuring systems met design and operational standards.
- Conducted Final Acceptance Inspections and verified compliance with client, OEM, and regulatory requirements.
- Reviewed, provided comments, and executed revisions of technical and commissioning procedures.
- Executed Pressure Vessel Tests, including boiler and piping hydrostatic testing, in accordance with ASME standards.
- Supervised Demineralized High-Velocity Water Flushing, Chemical Cleaning, and Steam Blowing, ensuring target plates conformed to ASME/OEM standards set by GE Turbine.
- Collaborated with Electrical and Condition Monitoring Teams in commissioning of Primary Air Fans (PAF), Forced Draft Fans (FD), Induced Draft Fans (IDF), Flame Scanner Cooling Fans, Aeration Fans, Mills Sealing Fan, Seal Cooling Fans of IDF, and FGD Fans.
- Commissioned Fuel Oil Lines prior to boiler firing and successfully performed the First Light-Up.
- Led Milling Plant Testing to confirm performance and reliability.
- Performed and witnessed Leakage Tests of Dampers and Bag House Dye Tests to validate system integrity and environmental compliance.
- Review detailed commissioning reports, documentation, and turnover packages for acceptance.
- Ensured strict adherence to HSE (Health, Safety & Environment) protocols during all phases of testing and commissioning.
- Coordinated with cross-functional teams to achieve timely completion of commissioning milestones and smooth project handover.
- 2 x 725 MW Supercritical Pulverized Fuel Coal Fired Power Plant GNPower Complex, Dinginin, Alas-asin, Mariveles, Bataan Technical Services Department
Design Engineer
Mitsubishi Power
01.2018 - 03.2019
- Responsible for pipe routing based on the approved General Piping Arrangement drawings of equipment and structures for all power plant piping systems. Ensured full compliance with ASME B31.1, JIS or any related standard approved by the owner and other applicable codes. This included the design of various boiler piping systems such as main steam, hot and cold reheat, soot blower, and vents and drains.
- Additionally, I handled the design of turbine piping systems, including feedwater piping, high-pressure and low-pressure piping, and their associated drains and vents.
- Accountable for marking the locations of pipe supports in accordance with the approved structural design.
- Conducted pipe stress and flexibility analysis to verify the integrity and safety of the piping systems, ensuring optimal performance and compliance with engineering standards.
- Upon approval of the stress analysis markup, I designed auxiliary beam structures using standard-approved steel profiles.
- Designed piping hangers using SP3D, Bentley MicroStation, and Licad automated catalogues for various piping systems, including high-energy piping. This included constant support hangers, spring hangers, hydraulic dampers, rigid hangers, and base-mounted supports.
- Performed clash detection using Smart Plant Review to ensure piping and supports were free from interferences.
- Created detailed engineering drawings, including isometric drawings, pipe hanger support drawings, and complete piping system assembly drawings to ensure accurate representation of the designs.
- Prepared the Bill of Quantities (BOQ) for all piping materials and components to support accurate material planning and cost estimation.
- Developed General Piping Arrangement (GPA) drawings, ensuring efficient layout and integration of all plant piping systems.
- Ensured all designs adhered to approved standards and specifications, delivering high-quality and reliable engineering outputs.
- Collaborated closely with project managers and cross-functional teams to meet all project requirements, ensuring clear communication and seamless project execution.
- (Former Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems) Technical Services Corporation 27th Floor, Cybergate Tower 3, Pioneer St., Boni Avenue, Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila
Assistant Design Engineer
Mitsubishi Power
02.2016 - 12.2017
- Responsible for pipe routing based on the approved General Piping Arrangement drawings of equipment and structures for all power plant piping systems. Ensured full compliance with ASME B31.1, JIS or any related standard approved by the owner and other applicable codes. This included the design of various boiler piping systems such as main steam, hot and cold reheat, soot blower, and vents and drains.
- Additionally, I handled the design of turbine piping systems, including feedwater piping, high-pressure and low-pressure piping, and their associated drains and vents.
- Accountable for marking the locations of pipe supports in accordance with the approved structural design.
- Conducted pipe stress and flexibility analysis to verify the integrity and safety of the piping systems, ensuring optimal performance and compliance with engineering standards.
- Upon approval of the stress analysis markup, I designed auxiliary beam structures using standard-approved steel profiles.
- Designed piping hangers using SP3D, Bentley MicroStation, and Licad automated catalogues for various piping systems, including high-energy piping. This included constant support hangers, spring hangers, hydraulic dampers, rigid hangers, and base-mounted supports.
- Performed clash detection using Smart Plant Review to ensure piping and supports were free from interferences.
- Created detailed engineering drawings, including isometric drawings, pipe hanger support drawings, and complete piping system assembly drawings to ensure accurate representation of the designs.
- Prepared the Bill of Quantities (BOQ) for all piping materials and components to support accurate material planning and cost estimation.
- Developed General Piping Arrangement (GPA) drawings, ensuring efficient layout and integration of all plant piping systems.
- Ensured all designs adhered to approved standards and specifications, delivering high-quality and reliable engineering outputs.
- Collaborated closely with project managers and cross-functional teams to meet all project requirements, ensuring clear communication and seamless project execution.
- (Former Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems) Technical Services Corporation 27th Floor, Cybergate Tower 3, Pioneer St., Boni Avenue, Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila
Junior Design Engineer
Mitsubishi Power
08.2015 - 01.2016
- Responsible for pipe routing based on the approved General Piping Arrangement drawings of equipment and structures for all power plant piping systems. Ensured full compliance with ASME B31.1, JIS or any related standard approved by the owner and other applicable codes. This included the design of various boiler piping systems such as main steam, hot and cold reheat, soot blower, and vents and drains.
- Additionally, I handled the design of turbine piping systems, including feedwater piping, high-pressure and low-pressure piping, and their associated drains and vents.
- Accountable for marking the locations of pipe supports in accordance with the approved structural design.
- Conducted pipe stress and flexibility analysis to verify the integrity and safety of the piping systems, ensuring optimal performance and compliance with engineering standards.
- Upon approval of the stress analysis markup, I designed auxiliary beam structures using standard-approved steel profiles.
- Designed piping hangers using SP3D, Bentley MicroStation, and Licad automated catalogues for various piping systems, including high-energy piping. This included constant support hangers, spring hangers, hydraulic dampers, rigid hangers, and base-mounted supports.
- Performed clash detection using Smart Plant Review to ensure piping and supports were free from interferences.
- Created detailed engineering drawings, including isometric drawings, pipe hanger support drawings, and complete piping system assembly drawings to ensure accurate representation of the designs.
- Prepared the Bill of Quantities (BOQ) for all piping materials and components to support accurate material planning and cost estimation.
- Developed General Piping Arrangement (GPA) drawings, ensuring efficient layout and integration of all plant piping systems.
- Ensured all designs adhered to approved standards and specifications, delivering high-quality and reliable engineering outputs.
- Collaborated closely with project managers and cross-functional teams to meet all project requirements, ensuring clear communication and seamless project execution.
- (Former Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems) Technical Services Corporation 27th Floor, Cybergate Tower 3, Pioneer St., Boni Avenue, Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila
Cadet Mechanical Engineer
Sweet Crystals
11.2014 - 07.2015
- I was responsible for the operation and supervision of a 55MW (Thermal) bagasse-fired boiler during startup, shutdown, and normal operations, always ensuring smooth and efficient performance.
- I monitored plant running equipment using record log sheets to track performance and detect any issues or abnormalities during operation.
- I promptly reported any abnormalities observed in plant equipment to the Plant Manager to facilitate quick resolution and maintain operational efficiency.
- I assisted the maintenance department during shutdown activities, ensuring that all tasks were completed safely and in a timely manner.
- During preventive maintenance of the boiler, I assisted in chemical treatment procedures to maintain system health and ensure optimal performance.
- I conducted regular sampling of boiler water and delivered the samples to the laboratory for testing, ensuring compliance with water quality standards.
- I was responsible for batching boiler chemicals at designated intervals to maintain the required acidity and conductivity levels of the boiler water.
- I performed inspections and monitoring of steam-generating tube boilers using Ultrasonic Thickness Gauging to assess the condition of the tubes and prevent potential issues.
- Integrated Sugar Mill Corporation Operation and Maintenance Engineering Planas, Porac, Pampanga
Education
Emerging Leaders Development Program - Graduate School of Business
Ateneo De Manila University
Metro Manila05.2024
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
Don Honorio Ventura State University
Bacolor, Pampanga04-2014
Skills
- Occurrence Investigation
- Root cause analysis
- Project Management
- Asset Management
- Decision Risk Assessment
- Technical Planning
- Life of Plant Plan
- Engineering Change Management
- Autodesk CAD
- Smart Plant 3D
- Bentley Micro Station
- Bentley Auto Pipe
- Caesar II
- Smart Plant Review
Accomplishments
• Led the successful resolution of chronic Air Preheater cold-end element performance issues, restoring heat transfer efficiency and improving overall boiler reliability.
• Developed and secured approval for the replacement of approximately 20,000 bag filters through a technically justified business case, strengthening environmental compliance and sustaining unit availability.
• Prepared and successfully defended a strategic mill spares business case, reducing forced outage risk and contributing to long-term plant reliability.
• Resolved critical fan hydraulic system issues (including PA, ID and FD fans), eliminating recurring operational constraints and significantly improving equipment reliability.
• Implemented noise insulation improvements for major plant fans, achieving noise reduction while maintaining safe operation and equipment accessibility.
Affiliations
Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers
Certification
- Professional Mechanical Engineer, Professional Regulations Commission, Metro Manila, Philippines
- Registered Mechanical Engineer, Professional Regulations Commission Number 0085442, Metro Manila, Philippines
Projects as Design Engineer
1100 MW Ultra-Super Critical, Misumi Unit 2 Power Station, Japan, 110 MW CFB – Coal, Sendai Power Station, Japan, 110 MW CFB – Biomass First FESCO Power Station, Japan, 110 MW CFB – Coal, Misushima Power Station, Japan, 200 MW CFB – Coal, Takasago Power Station, Japan
Disclaimer
I declare under the penalties of perjury that all the above information given, and all statements are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. KIM JAMES M. AUSTRIA Applicant
Timeline
Officer in Charge, Mechanical Engineering Superintendent
AboitizPower
02.2024 - Current
Boiler Plant Systems Engineer
GNPower Dinginin Ltd. Co.
04.2019 - Current
Commissioning Engineer
GNPower Dinginin Ltd. Co.
01.2019 - 01.2022
Design Engineer
Mitsubishi Power
01.2018 - 03.2019
Assistant Design Engineer
Mitsubishi Power
02.2016 - 12.2017
Junior Design Engineer
Mitsubishi Power
08.2015 - 01.2016
Cadet Mechanical Engineer
Sweet Crystals
11.2014 - 07.2015
Emerging Leaders Development Program - Graduate School of Business
Ateneo De Manila University
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
Don Honorio Ventura State University