Project Engineer

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE:

A results-oriented professional with a diverse background and a record of

successfully managing large complex projects in the US, Europe and Latin

America, complemented by educational and applied experience in Engineering

and Finance. Particular expertise at envisioning the most efficient roadmap

for large scale operations, integrating the best ideas from diverse

stakeholders, and translating them into clear/concrete project plans that

focus collaboration and resources on high impact outcomes.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

PHILIP MORRIS INTERNATIONAL - PHILIP MORRIS USA 1996 - 2009

Promoted Staff Engineer in 2001

I. Project Management and Technology Transfer

. Developed Project Briefs and Tender Documents for system upgrade, plant

expansion and greenfield projects in United States, Europe and Latin

America.

. Prepared the project scope of work and ensured that the design concept

and the capital costs requirements were in line with the organization's

objectives.

. Led project risk assessment teams, based on the "Failure Mode & Effects

Analysis" (FMEA) principles.

. Prepared and reviewed with the project stakeholders the Capital

Appropriation Request as well as the Project Definition, Scope of Work,

Budget and Project Schedule, before being submitted for approval.

. Identified, evaluated, selected and coordinated all interactions with

Consultants, Contractors, Vendors and Engineering Firms (US and

International). Resolved contract disputes, and ensured a successful and

timely project implementation.

. Provided Leadership and on-site Project Management of a new manufacturing

center in Brazil and the plant modernization program in Portugal, from

the project conception phase through the successful commissioning and the

project closeout. Resulted in completion of both projects within

established time frames and 2% and 1% below budget respectively.

. Coordinated with the Foreign Affiliates and the local Management in the

US the review of the Acceptance Protocol toward the project close-out and

ensured that all the project objectives were met and ongoing

responsibilities transferred to customers.

. Convened weekly staff meetings, evaluated the status of previous

commitments, reviewed the project schedule and addressed the issues

impacting the schedule and cost.

. Provided technical support to the Venezuela and other foreign affiliates

to ensure compliance to PM Good Manufacturing Practices, product

specifications, quality and safety standards

. Coordinated and implemented Technology Transfer from the United States

(US) to affiliates in Europe and Latin America maximizing self-

sufficiency.

. Evaluated the capabilities of US and international equipment suppliers

and contractors.

. Assisted in the recruitment of the plant personnel, developed the

training program and coordinated the training requirements for plant

personnel at the Foreign Affiliates and in the US.

II. Budget Controls and Financial Analysis

. Managed the various aspects of the Project Execution ensuring that cost

projections remained in line with the project scope and that

implementation took place within the guidelines and timetable established

by the organization.

. Initiated and developed the project cost reporting plan within the SAP

infrastructure ensuring that the proper Project Accounting Principles

were followed.

. Developed uniform Budget Report Templates facilitating better

interdepartmental communications.

. Issued monthly Cost Control and Status Reports to various project

stakeholders to keep them informed of progress made, scope changes and

potential cost deviations.

BE & K - DUPONT CORPORATION : Engineer IV 1995 - 1996

CHEMPRO INTERNATIONAL : Project Consultant

1992 - 1995

CERTAINTEED - ST. GOBAIN GROUP: Principal Engineer 1984 -

1992

I. Engineering Studies, Process Engineering and New Process Technology

Implementation, as highlighted below:

. Developed new chemical processes, more efficient and more cost-effective,

based on the latest technology and new control system mechanism.

. Defined and compared project design alternatives based on organizational

goals and objectives with particular focus on final cost reduction, waste

minimization and long-term environmental impact.

. Performed Feasibility Studies and Financial Analysis of technical

projects, based on various design alternatives to meet the strategic

goals of the organization.

. Provided technical expertise to the plants towards the optimization of

the Process Operations and the reduction of organic pollutant byproducts.

. Performed benchmarking studies between plant operations in the United

States and Europe and implemented design changes that resulted in 15%

reduction of product waste.

. Successfully coordinated the retrofitting and the execution of the

various plant upgrades while minimizing any negative impact on the daily

plant operations.

. Supervised the project startup and the final commissioning through the

final project close-out and ensured that all outstanding issues were

resolved.

II. Environmental Impact and Pollution Controls Optimization

. Developed and implemented a comprehensive Chemical Process Audit in four

plants to ensure Product and Process Conformance to Specifications and to

monitor plant performance.

. Instigated and implemented process revisions and design changes

throughout the operation to reduce the level of organic pollutants and

increase the process carbon efficiency.

. Performed extensive evaluation and testing of the Waste Water and Organic

Exhaust Systems.

. Devised and implemented new Dryers Procedures and Operating Conditions,

after an extensive evaluation that led to a 20% increase in Drying

capacity and a 40% reduction in exhaust pollutants.

EDUCATION:

. MBA - Finance: Temple University

Philadelphia, PA, USA (1990)

. Graduate Studies - Chemical Engineering:

New Jersey Institute of Technology: Newark, NJ, USA

(1981)

. B.E. Chemical Engineering: City College of New York New-York

City, USA (1977)

LANGUAGES:

. Fluent in French and English

. Proficient in Portuguese and Spanish.

COMPUTER SKILLS: Excellent.

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