2016 Engineering Leader Under 40: Arran James, 38

Refinery Alliance Program Manager for Major Projects, Fluor, Saint John, New Brunswick

By Erin Dunne, CFE Media September 15, 2016

Arran James, 38
Refinery Alliance Program Manager for Major Projects; Fluor, Saint John, New Brunswick
BS Mechanical Engineering, University of Calgary

In the 17 years James has worked for Fluor, he quickly progressed from an entry-level engineer to project director. He is currently serving as the project director for major projects that Fluor executes at a major refinery, with an execution capability of $400 million per year. He oversees several large projects at the site that range from early engineering to construction phases. Constantly learning, he has taken long-term assignments in four countries, holding roles in rigging engineering, construction engineering, project management, sales and corporate strategy, and supporting all phases of a project, from concept to commissioning. As an area project manager on a $5.9 billion project, he developed a high-impact value engineering process to brainstorm, evaluate, and prioritize cost reduction ideas, leading to client recognition. Similarly, on another project, he was recognized with an excellence award for his commitment to cost-reduction efforts. Outside of work, James enjoys yacht racing on the east coast of Canada.