Process Engineering & Development Manager at United Steel Industrial Co, Kuwait
Dr. Bilal Elhajjar is a seasoned engineering professional and academic with over 18 years of experience in the steel and energy industries. He specializes in process engineering, logistics optimization, hydrogen management, and supply chain strategies. As the Process Engineering, Development, and Logistics Manager at KWTSTEEL, he has led over 1000 projects, including steel plant revamps, cost reduction initiatives, and feasibility studies. His expertise spans project management, industrial research, and technical leadership, saving his company approximately $1 million annually through optimized logistics. Academically, he holds a PhD in Fluid Mechanics and has contributed to cutting-edge research in nanofluidics, heat transfer, and industrial process modeling, with multiple high-impact publications. Previously, he served as an Assistant Professor and postdoctoral researcher, bridging academia and industry. His multidisciplinary knowledge and leadership in both industrial and academic settings make him a distinguished figure in engineering and applied research.
Professional Profile
Education 🎓
Dr. Bilal Elhajjar holds a PhD in Fluid Mechanics and Heat and Mass Transfer from the University of Toulouse, where he graduated with the highest honors. He also earned a MicroMaster in Supply Chain Management from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 2022. His academic journey includes a Master’s degree in Fluid Dynamics and Heat Transfer from the University of Toulouse, where he was the valedictorian, and a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from the Lebanese University, also graduating as valedictorian. He has further specialized in renewable energy, earning Galileo Master Certificates in Hydrogen Energy and Renewable Energy Management & Finance from the Renewable Energy Institute. Additionally, he is a certified Hydrogen Energy Consultant Expert. Dr. Elhajjar has continuously enhanced his expertise through certifications in contract law (Harvard University), project management, and advanced quality techniques, equipping him with a strong foundation in both engineering and business management.
Experience 🌟
Dr. Bilal Elhajjar has over 18 years of professional experience spanning the steel, energy, and academic sectors. Since 2012, he has served as the Process Engineering, Development, and Logistics Manager at KWTSTEEL, where he has led over 1000 projects, optimizing supply chain operations, reducing costs, and enhancing plant efficiency. His expertise includes feasibility studies, process control, and commissioning steel plants and equipment. Prior to this, he was an Assistant Professor at the University of Evry Val d’Essonne, where he developed engineering courses and collaborated with industries on applied research projects. He also worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Toulouse, contributing to nanofluidics and heat transfer studies. His career includes research stints at the University of Calgary and collaborations with Airbus and Gaztransport. With a strong blend of industrial leadership and academic research, Dr. Elhajjar has significantly contributed to engineering advancements and operational excellence.
Research Interests 🔬
Dr. Bilal Elhajjar’s research interests span fluid mechanics, heat and mass transfer, nanofluidics, hydrogen energy, and industrial process optimization. His work focuses on enhancing efficiency in energy-intensive industries, particularly in steel manufacturing and hydrogen management. He has conducted extensive research on heat transfer modeling, separation of fluid mixtures, and the application of nanotechnology to improve thermal properties of fluids. His studies on Soret-driven convection and thermo-gravitational separation have contributed to advancements in porous media research. Additionally, he has explored hydrogen energy applications, sustainable industrial practices, and supply chain optimization. His research bridges academia and industry, applying scientific principles to real-world engineering challenges, including logistics efficiency and cost reduction in manufacturing. With numerous high-impact publications, Dr. Elhajjar continues to advance knowledge in energy systems, process engineering, and sustainable industrial solutions, making significant contributions to both theoretical research and practical industry applications.
Awards 🏆
Dr. Bilal Elhajjar has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to engineering, research, and industrial process optimization. He graduated as the valedictorian in both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, reflecting his academic excellence. His PhD in Fluid Mechanics from the University of Toulouse was awarded with the highest honors, acknowledging his pioneering research in heat transfer and fluid dynamics. Throughout his career, he has received various professional certifications and recognitions, including Galileo Master Certificates in Hydrogen Energy and Renewable Energy Management & Finance from the Renewable Energy Institute. His innovations in steel manufacturing and logistics optimization, which saved approximately $1 million annually, have positioned him as a leader in industrial process improvement. Additionally, he has been a visiting researcher at the University of Calgary and has collaborated with global organizations like Airbus and Gaztransport. His contributions continue to earn him recognition in both academic and industrial circles.
Research Skill 🔍
Dr. Bilal Elhajjar possesses exceptional research skills in fluid mechanics, heat and mass transfer, nanofluidics, hydrogen energy, and industrial process optimization. He excels in numerical modeling, computational simulations, and experimental analysis, applying advanced methodologies to solve complex engineering challenges. His expertise includes finite element analysis, thermal modeling, and process simulation, which he has utilized in industrial research and academic studies. He has conducted groundbreaking research on Soret-driven convection, thermo-gravitational separation, and nanotechnology applications in heat transfer, leading to multiple high-impact publications. Dr. Elhajjar is adept at conducting feasibility studies, analyzing industrial processes, and optimizing supply chains, integrating research-driven strategies to enhance operational efficiency. His ability to bridge theoretical research with practical industry applications makes him a valuable contributor to both academia and engineering fields. With strong analytical, problem-solving, and technical writing skills, he continues to innovate in energy management, sustainable manufacturing, and process improvement.
Conclusion
Dr. Bilal Elhajjar is a strong candidate for the Industry Impact Academic Award due to his extensive industrial expertise, leadership in engineering projects, and research contributions. His ability to bridge academia and industry is commendable, especially in process optimization, logistics, and hydrogen management. Strengthening the direct link between research and industry-wide impact could further enhance his application. Overall, his credentials align well with the award’s objectives.
Top Noted Publications 📚
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Author(s): Bilal Elhajjar, Mohamed Samir Larhrib, Davide Mombelli
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Year: 2025
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Title: Consequences of Switching From Lime to Dololime Fines Injection in Electric Arc Furnace
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Journal: Engineering Reports
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DOI: 10.1002/eng2.70095
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Type: Journal Article
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Publication Date: March 2025