Walter Maldonado Jr
AI/ML Engineer
Jaboticabal
Summary
Experienced with developing and deploying machine learning algorithms that drive business insights, always with an end-to-end approach. Utilizes statistical analysis and data mining techniques to enhance model accuracy and performance. Track record of integrating machine learning and AI solutions into production environments, ensuring scalability and reliability.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
13
13
years of post-secondary education
3
3
Languages
Work History
Staff MLOps Engineer
Bayer Cropscience Global
São Paulo - SP
03.2025 - Current
- Designed and implemented innovative engineering solutions with AWS to deliver a platform for ML/AI models lifecycle: from ideation, development, deployment, production and monitoring
- Enabled the development, deployment and monitoring of RAG LLMs and worked with other teams to ensure model and data quality, lineage tracking and automated metrics monitoring and alerting
- Conducted detailed analyses of engineering processes, identifying areas for optimization and cost reduction, enabling at least 3 models operating in a critical fraud detection system ($100 - $200MM yearly)
Lead AI/ML Engineer
Cargill
São Paulo - SP
03.2020 - Current
- Worked as the Tech Lead of a data science project using discrete events simulation for logistics application, managing its development team and taking care of model development.
- Vast working with time-series predictive modeling of crop production in Brazil.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to integrate AI solutions into existing systems, increasing operational efficiency and accuracy of data processing.
- Managed end-to-end project lifecycles for machine learning initiatives, from initial data gathering to deployment, aligning outcomes with organizational goals (at least 4 model deployments with value capture greater than $10MM).
Full-stack Developer
Delphi Online
São Paulo - SP
08.2019 - 03.2020
- ERP development using Vue and node.js
- Worked with SQL with several databases (Oracle, PostgreSQL, MySQL) to generate rich reports for value delivery since the data gathering and cleaning stage up to the development of the tool for the end-user to successfully make the most of the collected insights
- Worked with legacy system modernization during production switch, with approximately 250 customers (mining companies)
College and Post-graduate Professor
UNESP
Jaboticabal - SP
03.2017 - 08.2019
- Exact Sciences department, responsible for the courses of Calculus, Statistics, Experimentation (linear models and experimental designs), Databases, Data Processing and Digital Image Processing
- Worked with diverse students and successfully contributed to the department's mission, contributing to the education of at least 1000 students
- Developed and delivered engaging course materials for undergraduate and graduate programs, enhancing student understanding of complex subjects
- Conducted research in specialized areas, contributing to academic publications and presentations at national and international conferences
Education
Post-doctorate - Machine Learning applied to digital images to recognize and count insects in yellow traps for automatic evaluation.
AgroSmart
Campinas - SP 01.2018 - 01.2019
Post-doctorate - Application of modern Machine Learning to fruit recognition in digital images of orange trees.
Fundecitrus
Araraquara - SP 01.2017 - 01.2018
PhD - computer vision applied to orange production (automatic detection of green fruits on the trees). Published paper in Computers and Electronics in Agriculture.
UNESP
Jaboticabal - SP 01.2013 - 12.2016
Masters - Crop Production, working with spatial distribution and sequential sampling. Published paper in Agronomy Journal.
UNESP
Jaboticabal - SP 01.2011 - 12.2012
Agronomist Engineer - Agronomy
UNESP
Jaboticabal - SP 03.2005 - 01.2010
Skills
Data Exploration and Maintenance
Predictive Modeling
Linear Optimization
Computer Vision
Simulation
AWS
Software development
Python
Statistics
Snowflake
Databricks
Websites
Tools
R: Im, geoR, krigging (linear models and geostatistics), etc., Python: OpenCV, Tensorflow, Scikit-learn, Scikit-image, fbprophet, arima, sarimax, jupyter, conda., Apache Airflow, Apache Spark, Apache Kafka, Apache Pulsar, Kedro, Python, R, Java, C++, PHP, Javascript (Vue.js, React.js, Node.js), Java (Android), Objective-C (Mac, iOS), Swift, Go, Docker, Kubernetes, CI/CD Tools (GitHub Actions, Vela, Drone), AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure, PostgreSQL, MySQL, Oracle, MS SQL Server, MongoDB, Redis, Elasticsearch, DynamoDB, Apache Hadoop, Redshift, Databricks, Snowflake
Accomplishments
- Achieved more than $30MM by creating a virtual model and supporting its development and production workloads as a digital twin for supply chain management.
- Structured a software development and product sustenance team for delivery of objective results to the business for ports and exportation flow management.
- Supervised team of 6 staff members.
Timeline
Staff MLOps Engineer
Bayer Cropscience Global
03.2025 - Current
Lead AI/ML Engineer
Cargill
03.2020 - Current
Full-stack Developer
Delphi Online
08.2019 - 03.2020
Post-doctorate - Machine Learning applied to digital images to recognize and count insects in yellow traps for automatic evaluation.
AgroSmart
01.2018 - 01.2019
College and Post-graduate Professor
UNESP
03.2017 - 08.2019
Post-doctorate - Application of modern Machine Learning to fruit recognition in digital images of orange trees.
Fundecitrus
01.2017 - 01.2018
PhD - computer vision applied to orange production (automatic detection of green fruits on the trees). Published paper in Computers and Electronics in Agriculture.
UNESP
01.2013 - 12.2016
Masters - Crop Production, working with spatial distribution and sequential sampling. Published paper in Agronomy Journal.
UNESP
01.2011 - 12.2012
Agronomist Engineer - Agronomy
UNESP
03.2005 - 01.2010