Paulo De Tarso Molina
Senior Mechanical Engineer
São José dos Campos,São Paulo
Summary
Over thirty years of experience in Maintenance, Processes, Continuous Improvement, Procurement, Product Development, and Customer Support. Project Manager for Large International and National Companies, with roles including Product Development Engineer, Field Service Support Engineer, Offshore Subsea Engineer, Maintenance Manager (Utilities, Boilers, Air Compressor, ETP - Effluent Treatment Plant, ETA - Water Treatment Station), Engineering Manager, Tender Manager and Industrial Manager. Expertise in Risk Assessment and Safety Training, including with Dupont at Oil Rig Operations and Meat & Protein Processing Plants. Manager of the Operations Safety Committee overseeing Ammonia, High-Pressure Compressors, Boilers, and High-Risk Assets. Risk Assessment, Safety Training with Dupont @ Oil Rig Operations and Meat & Protein Processing Plant, Manager of the operation safety committee in ammonia, high-pressure compressors, boilers and high-risk assets. Results-driven management professional with proven ability to lead teams to success. Strong focus on team collaboration, operational efficiency, and achieving measurable outcomes. Adept at strategic planning, process improvement, and fostering culture of accountability and excellence. Known for adaptability and consistently meeting changing organizational needs. Knowledgeable Engineering & Maintenance Manager with solid history of managing teams and driving operational success. Skilled in implementing strategic initiatives that enhance productivity and efficiency. Demonstrated ability in problem-solving and decision-making. Managerial professional with proven record of streamlining processes and leading high-performing teams. Known for strong analytical skills and commitment to achieving results. Teams rely on collaborative leadership and adaptability to changing needs. Resourceful Manager offering history of success coordinating and monitoring operations across various departments. Effective leader and problem-solver dedicated to streamlining operations to decrease costs and promote organizational efficiency. Highly committed with hardworking mentality to maintain quality of services and products. Thorough team contributor with strong organizational capabilities. Experienced in handling numerous projects at once while ensuring accuracy. Effective at prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Engineering, Industrial & AST Manager
Finamac Engenharia
06.2022 - 07.2024
- Company Overview: Small, family-owned company with facilities in Santo André, SP, Brazil, and Miami, Florida, USA
- Manufacturer of ice cream and popsicle machines, producing both artisanal and industrial models
- During my tenure at Finamac, my primary responsibility was to organize and deliver five projects aimed at revitalizing our entire product line
- This involved procuring components from third-party suppliers at optimal costs and designing new partnerships, resulting in significant reduction in costs
- Within two years, we successfully launched new product line that could be certified, achieving this at one-fourth of previous cost
- I liaised with regulatory authorities such as Intertek, CSA, and UL to ensure both our new and existing product lines obtained and maintained certification
- In 2023, I spent 180 days in USA, establishing and organizing Maintenance Support and Service operations
- This initiative involved negotiating with distributors and partners to update price lists, warranties, and support offerings
- This effort marked beginning of prosperous period for Finamac, particularly in technical assistance sector, including machine start-ups and fee-based video support calls
- We also generated additional revenue from spare parts and service provisions, which were previously untapped
- In 2024, we participated in Fispal and NRA exhibitions with our new product lines
- Additionally, I traveled to China to explore new 3D printing technologies for resin and metal powder, essential for our upcoming products
- We procured resin-based 3D printer from Zhuhay Company, optimizing procurement processes in USA by collaborating with local suppliers to achieve better costs and logistics efficiency
- I also oversaw implementation of new production line in USA and optimized procurement operations in Brazil, sourcing components like heater exchanges, fans, resins, fiberglass, and duck valves from new suppliers
- As part of our commitment to developing future talent, we established partnerships with local Refrigeration Technician Schools to recruit and train technicians
- Similarly, we collaborated with FIU, Miami, to hire engineering interns, fostering pipeline of skilled professionals for our workforce
- Small, family-owned company with facilities in Santo André, SP, Brazil, and Miami, Florida, USA
- Manufacturer of ice cream and popsicle machines, producing both artisanal and industrial models
- Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
- Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
- Controlled costs to keep business operating within budget and increase profits.
- Developed and maintained relationships with customers and suppliers through account development.
- Developed strong company culture focused on employee engagement, collaboration, and continuous learning opportunities.
- Achieved departmental goals by developing and executing strategic plans and performance metrics.
- Built high-performing teams through effective recruitment, onboarding, and talent development initiatives.
Corporate Manager of Maintenance and Engineering
Guabi Animal Nutrition
04.2020 - 10.2021
- Company Overview: A family business over 45 years old, was incorporated into the Alltech group during my tenure
- The company faced significant challenges with aging assets, frequent breakdowns, and low Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)
- Following a regulatory inspection that resulted in an export ban due to basic GMP deficiencies, my initial mission was to restore export capabilities
- The initiative began with a comprehensive overhaul of equipment and infrastructure at the Sales Oliveira factory, completed within three months
- Building on this success, similar reforms were implemented across our four Brazilian factories located in Anápolis, Pará de Minas, Além Paraíba, and Sales Oliveira
- Each plant, employing 13 to 15 maintenance and engineering staff, underwent a substantial CAPEX investment totaling R$ 6.5 million from September 2020 to January 2021
- This included a thorough asset identification process, identifying 5,000 assets essential for developing a master maintenance plan incorporating predictive maintenance, inspections, lubrication, and preventive maintenance tasks
- Previously, Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) was as low as 15 minutes
- With the implementation of restoration efforts, MTBF improved significantly to between 35 to 47 days
- Special tools were procured, enhancing the maintenance team's capability for equipment repair, monitoring, and troubleshooting
- Training programs were implemented to enhance the team's skills, including technical analysis, problem-solving methodologies like ISHIKAWA and failure analysis
- In parallel, a comprehensive restructuring of the maintenance team's roles and responsibilities occurred, aligning job descriptions with updated skill requirements
- This process, conducted in collaboration with the HR team, focused on replacing maintainers with technically proficient individuals adept at problem-solving
- My role included managing a team of 55 employees responsible for overseeing steam generation through eight wood boilers, compressed air generation, and electricity efficiency control
- Operations included managing seven pelletizers and eight extrusion lines across all four plants, with a combined production capacity ranging from 27,000 to 28,000 tons per month
- A family business over 45 years old, was incorporated into the Alltech group during my tenure
Maintenance,Utilities, Eng. & Soybean Oil Manager
BRF SA (Sadia & Perdigão)
08.2018 - 11.2019
- During my tenure at BRF SA, overseeing maintenance for utilities and the soybean oil plant, we successfully completed a comprehensive overhaul of the soybean oil facility in less than 60 days
- This included the replacement and assembly of 15 heat exchangers and condemned pressure vessels, fabricated and installed on-site from scratch using a 240-ton crane
- The project was completed without incidents, facilitated by daily security briefings before shifts and adherence to the 5S organizational method
- The improvements led to a definitive enhancement in the quality of oil and bran, utilized in poultry and pig feed, as well as margarine production
- I managed a team of 285 employees responsible for various operations: Cold generation using NH3 with 200 tons of storage tanks, 67 compressors, 600 evaporators, and 400 evaporative condensers, spanning 61 km of ammonia pipelines
- Steam generation with four wood boilers
- Compressed air generation
- Water treatment station featuring two ETAs processing 200 m3/h and 27 wells, with a daily water consumption of 18,000 m3
- Effluent Treatment Plant management, incorporating activated sludge with seven treatment ponds (two of which hold 30,000 m3 each)
- Maintenance oversight of feed factories for poultry and pigs, handling cereals, textured protein, soybean oil, and flour, along with the fat factory (FFG)
- Management of the forestry area with 25 employees and three forest properties, overseeing eucalyptus wood cutting and milling operations for the boilers
- Energy efficiency was a key performance indicator (KPI) tied to production metrics, with initiatives such as: Fan speed control for evaporative condensers, adjusting speeds based on seasonal needs
- Temperature control in storage rooms during weekends
- Design, specification, and installation of sub-cooling systems
- At the Toledo unit, which processes 7,500 pigs and 310,000 birds daily, a significant achievement was restoring maintenance standards, OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness), and MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures) across all vegetable derivatives factories after prolonged periods of downtime
- A sense of urgency, encapsulated in the motto 'do it now,' was instilled company-wide
- I actively participated in implementing the SEO (Operating Excellence System), focusing on efficient management practices with eight pillars, over 10,000 hours of training, and a 14-week deployment phase now in roll-out mode
Head of Maintenance
MWL Railway Axles & Wheels
07.2016 - 04.2018
- During my tenure at MWL Railway Axles & Wheels, I managed an annual budget of $2.7 million, overseeing operations that included a 6000-ton press forging line, rotary furnace, lamination processes, and a variety of 40 CNC-controlled machining machines
- Our unit also operated a steel ingot line featuring an Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) of 36MVA, cranes ranging from 5 to 60 tons, degassing equipment, and other infrastructure crucial for ingot production and wheel forging
- With a team of 45 employees spread across a facility spanning more than 198,000 m2, I achieved significant operational efficiencies and cost savings
- For example, I saved R$ 800,000 over two years by optimizing air compressor rentals and reduced sales and non-energy consumption by 30% through strategic initiatives in lighting, air compressor management, water treatment, nitrogen generation, and oil usage
- Under my leadership, the forging line's Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) improved to 60% within nine months of implementing new management concepts, up from the previous average of 45%
- Similarly, downtime in the steel mill was halved thanks to an enhanced maintenance plan
Maintenance and Utilities Manager
WOW Nutrition
02.2014 - 02.2016
- At WOW Nutrition, I oversaw maintenance operations across facilities spanning more than 165,000 m2 with a team of 94 employees and an annual budget of $3.1 million
- Responsibilities included managing 14 beverage filler production lines, 8 processing systems (heat exchange, pasteurizer, UHT, pumps, tanks, etc.), and a can line filler unit (Mitsubishi, 60,000 cans per hour) along with associated equipment
- Under my leadership, Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) and Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) improved significantly from average rates of 70% and 15 minutes to 90% and over 30 hours, respectively
- Achievements included securing HACCP and ISO 9001 certifications and initiating preparations for ISO 14001 and OSHAS 18001
- The successful audit by the IFC investment bank underscored our commitment to operational excellence
- My focus at WOW Nutrition was on increasing production efficiency while reducing transformation costs
- We scaled daily production from 500,000 to 1,500,000 liters per day across three shifts, ensuring maximum OEE utilization
- Emphasis on safety encompassed both personnel and environmental stewardship
- I implemented PTW (Permit to Work) processes, conducted technical and mental training, drawing from my experience in the oil field industry with Diamond Offshore Drilling Inc
- We introduced Job Safety Analysis (JSA) protocols for all tasks, enhancing safety standards comprehensively
- Environmental responsibilities included managing Effluent Treatment Plant (ETS) and Water Treatment Plant (ETS), maintaining regulatory compliance through proactive engagement with local authorities and external audit firms
Subsea Engineer Chief
Diamond Offshore Drilling Inc - Brasdril Sociedade De Perfurações Ltda.
05.2009 - 01.2014
- Created and implemented TPM on all subsea rig equipment
- English was the spoken language throughout the 14-day offshore rotation
- Managed a budget of 1.2 million USD for 3 months, or 4.8 million USD annually, to ensure 24/7 availability and reliability of all subsea rig equipment
- Responsible for determining and technically purchasing all rubber goods, tools, oil, grease, 10,000 PSI and 30,000 PSI valves, etc., for the Subsea Department
- Revised and updated 252 maintenance tasks in accordance with existing equipment on board (conducted a complete subsea equipment inventory to verify existing parts)
- Successfully passed Marine, ANP, and Bureau VERITAS inspections/audits with 100% achievement
- One of the only 2 non-North Americans serving as Subsea Chief in a fleet of 42 rigs
- Achieved the lowest KPI on downtime in the worldwide fleet
- CIPA member, twice nominated by the company as Vice President
- Responsible for preventive, corrective, and regular maintenance of all subsea equipment, including APV, riser tensioner system, flex joint, slip joint, rams, bonnets, pod valves, fluid mixer, accumulators, BOP, guide lines, subsea camera system, air hoists, air winches, and all subsea tools
- Responsible for assisting with ANP, Bureau Veritas, IBAMA, and Marine audits related to subsea equipment
- Conducted all BOP tests every 7, 14, and 21 days in accordance with MMS (high-pressure tests, functional tests, etc.)
- Managed a monthly budget of 1.2 million USD
- Supervised on the Ocean Yatzy oil rig for Petrobras, interfacing with Halliburton, Cameron, Shaffer, and Schlumberger
- Reduced project costs by streamlining processes and improving resource allocation.
- Conducted comprehensive field surveys, supporting informed decision-making in the planning phase of projects.
- Designed custom subsea equipment, tailored to specific project requirements while adhering to industry standards.
- Improved communication between onshore and offshore teams, ensuring smooth execution of projects in challenging environments.
- Optimized subsea equipment performance through regular maintenance and upgrades.
- Enhanced subsea system efficiency by designing and implementing innovative engineering solutions.
- Mentored new hires and interns on best practices in subsea engineering, fostering a positive team environment that promoted professional growth.
- Managed budgets and schedules effectively, ensuring optimal utilization of resources throughout the project lifecycle.
- Conducted thorough risk assessments to ensure safety of personnel and integrity of subsea structures.
- Identified areas for improvement in existing systems, leading to enhanced reliability and reduced downtime during operations.
- Contributed to increased operational efficiency by troubleshooting complex subsea issues and providing effective solutions.
- Reviewed third-party designs for compliance with company specifications and regulatory requirements before implementation or purchasing decisions were made.
- Visited shipyards to observe work and identify concerns.
- Oversaw preventive maintenance of air compressors and turbine generators.
Product Support and Development Engineer
Embraer Empresa Brasileira De Aeronáutica S.A.
09.2003 - 03.2009
- Interfaced with regulatory authorities such as ANAC, FAA, TCCA, and JAA/EASA regarding the creation and development of maintenance minimum requirements to guarantee continuous airworthiness
- Applied and conducted training classes for Air Canada's maintenance line to perform assertive troubleshooting during nighttime (Quebec/Montreal/Toronto/Halifax) for 3 months
- Developed ground support equipment (GSE) for use in flight controls, safety valve pressure testing, and the air data system (ADS), working with anemometric benches from GE Sensing, Marchiori DMA, and Laversab, resulting in a cost reduction of more than 60%
- Interfaced with and audited TCCA (Transport Canada Civil Aviation) regarding maintenance procedures, MRBR (Maintenance Review Board Report) requirements, and quality & cost during maintenance procedures
- Conducted training classes on flight control commands, flight control surface rigging procedures (FLAP, SLAT, AILERON, ELEVATOR, RUDDER, & STABILIZER), and EICAS (Engine Indicating and Crew Alert System) for operators/clients such as Republic Airways, Delta, US Airways, COPA, Tame, Air Canada, jetBlue, Azul, Finnair, Grand China, and JAL (some in-company and others in Gavião Peixoto)
- Served as a member of the support team working 24/7 for the worldwide fleet and service centers in reference to maintenance procedures with less than 7 months at Embraer (general rule was at least 1 year)
- Chaired 6 different Kaizen projects
- As a Product Support Engineer at Embraer, I made several trips for entry into service, including 6 months in Quebec/Canada for Air Canada, 3 months in Indianapolis/USA for Republic Airways, and 4 months in Saudi Arabia, Ecuador, and Panama, handling spare parts, maintenance checks, MOC, in-flight data analysis for failures, heavy checks, flight controls, landing gear, hydraulics, avionics, AMS, propulsion, repairs (structure/interiors), service bulletins, AMM, FIM, AIPC, and CMM
Application Engineer
Tecsis Tecnologia E Sistemas Avançados S.A.
02.2001 - 08.2003
- Coordinated component prefabrication and was responsible for purchasing parts to compile customer final equipment, including a pre-delivery test before shipping
- Responsible for developing acceptance tests for turnkey delivery
- Served as a go-to technical expert within the organization on multiple occasions, providing timely guidance and input during critical decision-making moments.
- Developed proposals and pricing for large- and small-scale manufacturing products.
- Communicated technical development stages and provided design support to stakeholders.
- Provided exceptional customer support, addressing client concerns and providing timely resolutions to technical issues.
- Explained project technical risks and benefits during project kick-off.
- Assisted sales teams with pre-sales technical support, helping close deals with prospective clients effectively.
- Delivered comprehensive training sessions on new technologies, increasing team knowledge and capabilities.
- Visited clients to determine feasibility, analyze requirements and provide solution suggestions.
- Boosted overall system reliability through diligent monitoring of performance metrics and prompt issue resolution.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to design and implement innovative technical solutions.
- Developed custom solutions for clients, improving overall user experience and satisfaction.
Maintenance, Sales, Industrial Engineer
Unir Uniblock Zanotti
12.1992 - 01.2001
- Spent 2 years in Mantova - Suzzara, Italy, experiencing all company areas and training to return to Brazil to work as an Application/Sales/Maintenance Engineer
- Initially in charge of Maintenance and Technical Assistance, created a minimum spare part list, and developed technical training to demonstrate installation, assistance, and maintenance
- Responsible for transforming imported equipment to be made in Brazil, involving more than 10 suppliers, completing the transformation to 100% National Equipment within 18 months due to the Dollar Exchange rate
- This included creating a complete production line, selecting manpower, and acquiring air compressors, welding tools, and other applicable tools for local production
- Identified problems and recommended new processes to improve performance and reduce costs.
- Enhanced overall operational efficiency through redesigning workflow and layout of production lines.
- Provided technical support and troubleshooting expertise for equipment malfunctions, reducing downtime and maintaining production targets.
- Coached and assisted employees with adapting to new processes.
- Conducted time studies for various manufacturing processes, optimizing workstations and reducing cycle times.
- Implemented continuous improvement initiatives, identifying inefficiencies in existing systems and processes.
- Facilitated root cause analysis sessions to identify issues contributing to downtime or waste within the facility.
- Analyzed information regarding current production, future needs and costs.
- Increased production capacity to meet growing market demands, upgrading equipment, and streamlining processes.
- Supervised production workers to determine problematic areas and implement solutions for optimized production.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Neurolinguistics
04-2024
MBA - Business Administration
12-1996
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
12-1992
Electrical Technician - Electrical Engineering
12-1985
Skills
- SAP ERP and TOTVS
- TPM, 5S, ISHIKAWA, FMEA, FMEAC WCM, PDCA
- LEAN, Kaizen, Lean Tools
- Coaching
- CATIA CAD, Solid Edge
- Office
- Quickbooks
- Customer service
- Team leadership
- Time management
- Decision-making
- Verbal and written communication
- Complex Problem-solving
- Task delegation
- Sales techniques
- Staff development
- Negotiation
- Negotiation and conflict resolution
- Professional and courteous
- Safety procedures
- Risk management
- Staff training and development
- Staff management
- Project management
- Operations management
- Customer relationship management (CRM)
- Performance management
- Budget control
- Business development
- Key performance indicators
- Contract management
- Regulatory compliance
- Stakeholder management
- Revenue management
- Cross-functional team management
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Effective communication
- Problem resolution
- Positive attitude
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Multitasking
- Problem-solving
- Managing operations and efficiency
- Active listening
Passports
- Spanish Passport - EU Passport
References
- Marino Arpino, CEO and Owner, +55 11 97247-2952, marino@finamac.com
- Jose Pocrifka, Director of Operations LATAM, +55 44 99106-5459, jpocrifka@alltech.com
- Mrs. Elaine Rodrigues, LATAM Administrative Director, +55 41 99644-5432, erodrigues@alltech.com
- Marcelo Schmeider, Regional Director, +55 46 98827-7898, marcelo.schmeider@seara.com.br
- Mr. Guilherme Brandt, Agro Director, +55 41 98876-8606, guilherme.brandt@br-brf.com
- Mr. Jurgen Hund, CFO @ MWL, +55 11 99956-5692
- Mr. Jens John Peter Fritz, CEO @ MWL, +49 162 2113333
- Mr. Domingos José Minicucci, Engineering Director @ MWL, +55 12 98125-3778
- Mrs. Yaping Chang, CEO @ WOW, ypchang@brasfanta.com.br
- Mr. Dener Jader Rodrigues, +55 11 989331418, drodrigues@wownutrition.com.br
Additional Qualifications
Holds a Spanish passport and European citizenship, allowing unrestricted work rights in any of the 26 European countries., Fluent in English, Fluent in Italian, Integrity, Intelligence, Humility, Hard Work, Perpetual Learner, Data-driven, Ingenuity
Certification
CREA - Mechanical Engineer & Electronic Technician
Languages
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Italian
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Spanish
Upper intermediate (B2)
Portuguese
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Timeline
Engineering, Industrial & AST Manager - Finamac Engenharia
06.2022 - 07.2024
Corporate Manager of Maintenance and Engineering - Guabi Animal Nutrition
04.2020 - 10.2021
Maintenance,Utilities, Eng. & Soybean Oil Manager - BRF SA (Sadia & Perdigão)
08.2018 - 11.2019
Head of Maintenance - MWL Railway Axles & Wheels
07.2016 - 04.2018
Maintenance and Utilities Manager - WOW Nutrition
02.2014 - 02.2016
Subsea Engineer Chief - Diamond Offshore Drilling Inc - Brasdril Sociedade De Perfurações Ltda.
05.2009 - 01.2014
Product Support and Development Engineer - Embraer Empresa Brasileira De Aeronáutica S.A.
09.2003 - 03.2009
Application Engineer - Tecsis Tecnologia E Sistemas Avançados S.A.
02.2001 - 08.2003
Maintenance, Sales, Industrial Engineer - Unir Uniblock Zanotti
12.1992 - 01.2001
California NPL Institute - Bachelor of Science, Neurolinguistics
USP - MBA, Business Administration
Mackenzie University - Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering
Escola Professor Everardo Passos (ETEP) - Electrical Technician, Electrical Engineering
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