Juan Carlos Penaloza
Sanford
Summary
Results-oriented Senior Production Engineer with extensive experience in industrial fabrication, manufacturing systems engineering, and global plant development. Contributed to international projects supporting over 20 product lines across the Americas. Leverages shop-floor expertise, SAP systems knowledge, and cost modeling to enhance operational efficiency and drive digital transformation.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Production Engineer – Greenfield Expansion Project
Bühler Group
01.2025 - Current
- Selected as a key contributor to the strategic development of a new manufacturing anchor plant in Torreón, Mexico, serving the Americas region.
- Facilitated transfer and industrialization of 20+ product lines into new greenfield facility, enhancing production capabilities.
- Contributed to plant layout strategy, optimizing equipment positioning, gas infrastructure allocation, and material flow.
- Core member of SAP rollout team, designing plant-level ERP structure including BOM architecture, routings, costing logic, and workflow configuration.
- Driving digitalization initiatives to integrate AI-supported process acceleration while maintaining quality standards.
- Conducting full-cost benchmarking against global manufacturing plants to ensure competitive positioning.
- Aligned global supply chain with raw material stocking strategy.
- Developed advanced Excel macro tools to automate costing and routing calculations, streamlining engineering analysis.
- Interviewed and selected key plant leadership, including Manufacturing Plant Manager, Maintenance Manager, Industrial/Production Engineers, and Production Planner.
- Acting as senior decision contributor for industrial engineering strategy during plant development phase.
Industrial / Production Engineer
Bühler Group
Cary
01.2023 - 01.2025
- Promoted into engineering role supporting food-grade industrial manufacturing operations.
- Analyzed productivity, labor efficiency, and cost drivers, providing actionable insights for operational decision-making.
- Managed production lead times and aligned manufacturing workflows to optimize operational efficiency.
- Developed and maintained Bills of Materials (BOMs) and routings in SAP, ensuring accurate production planning.
- Performed cost estimates, manufacturing feasibility studies, and make-vs-buy decisions.
- Built Excel-based macro tools to streamline SAP routing calculations and repetitive engineering tasks.
- Played key role in successful transfer of die-casting machine base production (supporting major automotive clients including Honda) and complex food-grade industrial dryer system.
- Executed an international rework project in Mexico by planning scope, tooling, and manpower requirements.
Welder / Fabricator
Manufacturing Facility
Cary
01.2018 - 01.2022
- Advanced from skilled welder to key contributor in food-grade manufacturing, ensuring compliance with industry standards.
- Performed MIG, TIG, and TIP TIG welding on mild and stainless steel.
- Fabricated industrial food-grade machinery components.
- Conducted precision welds for testing and quality validation.
- Executed weld finishing tasks—grinding, sanding, polishing, and passivation—to achieve optimal surface quality and durability.
- Interpreted engineering drawings and fabrication specifications.
- Selected for multi-state travel assignments for specialized welding work.
- Frequently assigned complex and critical welds.
- Oversaw second shift operations in the absence of the manager.
- Earned recognition for delivering high-quality workmanship, contributing to consistent clean product standards.
Education
Associate of Science - Software Engineering
Central Carolina Community College
Sanford, NC08-2016
Bachelor of Science - Computer Science – Software Engineering Focus
North Carolina State University
North CarolinaSkills
- Production engineering and manufacturing operations
- Equipment investment planning and cost modeling
- Welding process optimization and material management
- Productivity optimization and value stream mapping
- Flow design and digitalization strategy
- SAP and ERP systems implementation
- Excel automation and AutoCAD expertise
- Heavy equipment management and investment planning
- Manufacturing collaboration and team leadership
- Leadership and decision making strategies
- Talent development and hiring practices
Strategic Differentiators
- Unique progression from shop-floor fabrication to global manufacturing strategy.
- Blend of hands-on manufacturing expertise and ERP/digital systems leadership.
- International project execution experience.
- Demonstrated ability to operate as both technical expert and decision influencer.
- Strong foundation for Manufacturing Manager or Operations leadership roles.
Timeline
Senior Production Engineer – Greenfield Expansion Project
Bühler Group
01.2025 - Current
Industrial / Production Engineer
Bühler Group
01.2023 - 01.2025
Welder / Fabricator
Manufacturing Facility
01.2018 - 01.2022
Associate of Science - Software Engineering
Central Carolina Community College
Bachelor of Science - Computer Science – Software Engineering Focus
North Carolina State University