Summary
Work History
Education
Skills
Summary - Keycompetence
Languages
Timeline
Generic

CELSO A. DUARTE

Hollywood,Florida

Summary

Professional Summary

Senior Director of Engineering and Head of R&D – Innovation, with a solid demonstrated history of working in the Automotive Industry, High Performance & MOTORSPORTS around the globe coordinating multicultural and cross-functional teams (US, Europe, Asia, South America, and South Africa). Master Science in Automotive Engineering with MBA in Program/Project Management with years of experience in Product Development, delivering innovative solutions. Deep experience in advanced engineering, R&D / Innovation - chassis engineering, vehicle dynamics, powertrain, packaging, prototype, and testing. Results-oriented leader with strong teamwork and communication skills, a natural mentor with focus on an effective technical solution and innovative engineering, process, and business management. Lead with transparency and responsibility, delegating and sharing information to improve knowledge at all levels, listening, and recognizing. Proficient in modern engineering and quality tools (DOE, DVP&R, GD&T, FEA, PFMEA), lean principles, to perform advanced data analysis applying DFSS and continuous improvement process, resulting in successful launches. Driven and innovative professional with proven ability to lead and inspire engineering teams. Deep understanding of product development lifecycles and project management. Dedicated to fostering culture of continuous improvement and delivering impactful, high-quality solutions. Engineering professional with history of driving strategic initiatives and leading high-performance teams. Known for collaborative approach and achieving results in dynamic settings. Proven expertise in project management and technical oversight with focus on innovation and efficiency. Experienced with leading engineering teams to achieve strategic objectives and drive innovation. Utilizes collaborative approach to foster team synergy and deliver successful projects. Track record of enhancing operational efficiency and implementing cutting-edge technologies. Innovative technology professional with several years of diverse experience. Skilled in enhancing systems and aligning technical solutions with business objectives. Proven success in leading projects from start to finish and contributing to organizational growth and success. Results-oriented achiever with proven ability to exceed targets and drive success in fast-paced environments. Combines strategic thinking with hands-on experience to deliver impactful solutions and enhance organizational performance.

Work History

Sr. Director of Engineering – Chassis - Advanced Engineering/R&D

Fisker Inc.
08.2021 - 09.2024
  • Leading Team of cross-functional engineers in the development of the Fisker Ocean EV – SUV Globally
  • Chassis design & development
  • Plan, implement and control the progress/quality of EV development programs ALASKA (Pickup truck) and PEAR (Mid SUV), ensuring on-time development standards
  • Manage a team of contractors, technical service providers (ESP) to ensure the progress of vehicle programs, product/components/hardware/software/vehicle technology development projects on-time
  • Interact, coordinate, and promote activities of departments related to vehicle development: product strategy, vehicle technology, purchasing, part quality, production, ensuring smooth coordination and effectiveness
  • Responsible for engineering and technology, ensuring the company works with reputable, quality and most advanced development partners inside and outside the industry, ensuring that the company's products are at the forefront of technology trends, techniques
  • Manage product development budget and use it optimally
  • Ensure continuous improvement in product design, technology, and processes to continuously improve vehicle development costs
  • Head of Research & Development Team – Innovation and new Technologies

Director of Engineering – Head of R&D

BAJA FORCE Inc.
01.2020 - 01.2021
  • Leading the Engineering Team of cross-functional engineers in the development of high-performance BAJA 1000 OFF ROAD Trucks
  • Chassis design & development
  • Power-train definition (specification), and installation/package
  • Program management – timing and suppliers' development & definition
  • Head of Research & Development Team – Strategies and new Technologies

Chief Engineer – Chassis

Toyota / LEXUS USA – IMSA
01.2017 - 01.2020
  • Head of chassis engineering, vehicle dynamics development and Strategies
  • Leading team of cross-functional engineers in the development of the next generation of Lexus RCF-GTD to deliver unique performance & reliability
  • Knowledge and ability to perform advanced data analysis, and continuous improvement

Chief Engineer - Chassis - Vehicle Dynamic / Aerodynamics CFD

VSC – Vermont Sportscars - Subaru USA
01.2016 - 01.2017
  • Lead engineers and technicians in the development of the 2016 Subaru STI - WRX
  • Head of Chassis development and Strategies
  • Coach & mentor of the technician's team

Senior Manager of Engineering – Ford Performance Team

Ford Motor Co.
Dearborn - S.B.Campo - Beijing - Achen - Johannesburg , USA - BRAZIL - CHINA - GERMANY - SOUTH AFRICA
01.2000 - 01.2016
  • Managing multicultural and cross-functional teams conducting pre-programs, programs, strategic technical planning, business plan, budget, and reports to the board of directors
  • New vehicle concepts & Advanced Engineering
  • Electrification – HEV PHEV & EV – Powertrain systems, packaging, and prototype developments
  • Vehicle architecture / layout and attributes assessment / Vehicle Dynamic (DNA)
  • Digital study of vehicle package and balance between engineering proposal and styling requirement
  • Support to set up a knowledge management database, and continuous improvement process, based on the lessons learned from the earlier program
  • Definition of key system-level assumptions, compatible with the preliminary system-level targets and technical planning
  • Head of R&D, Innovation & Materials Engineering
  • HEV, PHEV, EV – Chassis concept programs

South America Stakeholder – Chief Engineer

Ford Racing – Performance
01.2001 - 01.2015
  • Rally – 2016 New Ford Ranger Dakar – launched at “Rally dos Sertoes”
  • 2nd and 3rd place
  • Rally - Ford Ranger Dakar - suspension design (South Africa team)
  • Global Rally Cross & X-Games Brazil
  • Drivers and Team Champion's
  • Fusion Gran Prix Series - Nigel Mansell & Nelson Piquet media series
  • FIA GT3 – Ford GT - GT3 spec design and development
  • 3 Times Champion
  • Touring Car – Focus (C307) - WTCC; CTCC; BrTCC (British Touring Car Championship)
  • 3 Times CTCC Champion (China Touring Car Championship)

Chief Engineer & Strategies

BMW GT3 Team Brazil (Factory supported team)
01.2012 - 01.2014
  • FIA Blancpain GT3 World Sprint Series
  • Chief Engineer & Strategies
  • 2015 - 3rd place with BMW Z4
  • 2013 - 2nd Place with BMW Z4 (Brazil)

Chief & Trackside Engineer/Strategies

BMG Ford Racing Team (Factory Team)
01.2009 - 01.2011
  • 3 times Champion (2009 – 2010 – 2011) with Ford GT - FIA GT3

Design Engineer – Vehicle Dynamics - Suspension

NISMO – Nissan Motorsport Europe
01.1996 - 01.1998
  • BTCC 3 times Champion (1998/1999/2000)

Suspension design engineer

Team Lotus
01.1982 - 01.1984
  • Active Suspension system development (PhD thesis)
  • Ayrton Senna trackside engineer (first F1 victory)

VD & Suspension Engineer – Race Engineer

Team Arrows
01.1981 - 01.1982
  • Suspension with inertial damper - DRI design release & implementation system

Trainee Level Engineer

Fittipaldi Copersucar F1
01.1976 - 01.1978

Education

MBA - Business Administration - Program / Project Management

University of Sao Paulo – Fundacao Getúlio Vargas
10.2010

MSc. - Automotive Engineering - Technology & Project Management

University of Sao Paulo - Polytechnic School of Engineering
12.2007

B.S. - Mechanical Engineering (Automotive)

University of Sao Paulo - Polytechnic School of Engineering
12.1982

Skills

  • Product Development Excellence
  • Continuous Improvement
  • Innovative Engineering Strategies
  • Strategic Leadership
  • Coaching and Mentoring
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Technical Guidance
  • Team Player
  • Result-Oriented Leadership
  • Metrics Driven
  • Decision Making
  • Root Cause Analysis
  • Innovation
  • Technical Expertise
  • Market Awareness
  • Stakeholder Engagement
  • Industry Recognition
  • System Architecture
  • Mentoring and Coaching
  • Stakeholder Management
  • Cross-functional team leadership
  • Technical leadership
  • Innovation Management
  • Project Management
  • Problem-Solving
  • Active Listening
  • Decision-Making
  • Relationship Building
  • Training and mentoring
  • Interpersonal / Analytical Skills

Summary - Keycompetence

  • Senior Director of Engineering and Head of R&D – Innovation
  • Master Science in Automotive Engineering with MBA in Program/Project Management
  • Deep experience in advanced engineering, R&D / Innovation
  • Results-oriented leader with strong teamwork and communication skills
  • Proficient in modern engineering and quality tools

Languages

English
Full Professional
Spanish
Full Professional
Portuguese
Native or Bilingual

Timeline

Sr. Director of Engineering – Chassis - Advanced Engineering/R&D

Fisker Inc.
08.2021 - 09.2024

Director of Engineering – Head of R&D

BAJA FORCE Inc.
01.2020 - 01.2021

Chief Engineer – Chassis

Toyota / LEXUS USA – IMSA
01.2017 - 01.2020

Chief Engineer - Chassis - Vehicle Dynamic / Aerodynamics CFD

VSC – Vermont Sportscars - Subaru USA
01.2016 - 01.2017

Chief Engineer & Strategies

BMW GT3 Team Brazil (Factory supported team)
01.2012 - 01.2014

Chief & Trackside Engineer/Strategies

BMG Ford Racing Team (Factory Team)
01.2009 - 01.2011

South America Stakeholder – Chief Engineer

Ford Racing – Performance
01.2001 - 01.2015

Senior Manager of Engineering – Ford Performance Team

Ford Motor Co.
01.2000 - 01.2016

Design Engineer – Vehicle Dynamics - Suspension

NISMO – Nissan Motorsport Europe
01.1996 - 01.1998

Suspension design engineer

Team Lotus
01.1982 - 01.1984

VD & Suspension Engineer – Race Engineer

Team Arrows
01.1981 - 01.1982

Trainee Level Engineer

Fittipaldi Copersucar F1
01.1976 - 01.1978

MSc. - Automotive Engineering - Technology & Project Management

University of Sao Paulo - Polytechnic School of Engineering

B.S. - Mechanical Engineering (Automotive)

University of Sao Paulo - Polytechnic School of Engineering

MBA - Business Administration - Program / Project Management

University of Sao Paulo – Fundacao Getúlio Vargas
CELSO A. DUARTE