RAFAEL SOUZA
St. Petersburg,FL
Summary
Dynamic Product Development and Mechanical Design professional with over 10 years of specialized experience in sheet metal engineering, SolidWorks 3D modeling, and CNC manufacturing. Expertise includes delivering thousands of custom parts and assemblies for CASE New Holland (CNH), consistently adhering to stringent automotive quality standards such as GD&T, APQP, and FMEA. A robust hands-on background in 5-axis CNC programming, nesting, and factory support complements a proven track record in managing full product lifecycles and optimizing manufacturability through effective collaboration with cross-functional teams. Bilingual in English and Portuguese, enhancing communication in diverse work environments.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT ENGINEERING ANALYST
CEMAÇO
Contagem, MG, Brazil
03.2011 - 12.2011
- Led the Product Development Engineering department, overseeing the design and industrialization of sheet metal components for naval, oil and gas, and heavy machinery applications. Developed 3D models and 2D manufacturing drawings in SolidWorks to support production planning, manufacturing, and quality requirements. Supported all production stages with process documentation and quality control plans. Designed custom templates, jigs, gauges, and fixtures to ensure precision across plasma and oxy fuel cutting, bending, calendering, welding, machining, and assembly operations. Implemented engineering methodologies and continuous improvement initiatives through analysis of product structures and process flows. Managed cost estimation and pricing using SolidWorks flat patterns and nesting, and served as technical authority for quality and production approvals.
- Watch Company Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTtb8ga7uqw
DEVELOPMENT ENGINEERING ANALYST
Ferrosider Group
Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
2009 - 2011
- Progressed through engineering roles from Intern to Trainee Technician and Development Analyst within a major steel and industrial components manufacturer. Contributed to product development, prototyping, and process engineering initiatives supporting the automotive, naval, oil and gas, and steel sectors. Designed mechanical parts, tooling, and custom fixtures for light, medium, and heavy duty applications using 2D and 3D parametric CAD. Developed precision jigs, masks, PNP devices, and structural components to ensure manufacturability and process reliability. Gained hands on experience with laser, plasma, and oxy fuel cutting, calendering, chamfering, welding, machining, and assembly optimization. Supported feasibility studies, cost estimation, and continuous improvement initiatives, and served as the designated technical authority responsible for final review and release of production and quality documentation.
- Watch Company Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCVyBtSwuWg
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT ANALYST
Lafaete Locação
Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
01.2012 - 08.2013
- Led the engineering design and execution of large scale modular infrastructure projects for Brazil’s mining, civil construction, and oil and gas sectors. Managed the full delivery of the Ferro Carajás S11D project for Vale, a 27 million dollar program comprising 927 livable container units and the largest project completed by the company at the time. Developed and coordinated 3D mechanical models in SolidWorks and 2D architectural layouts in AutoCAD, ensuring compliance with NR18, NR10, and NR24 regulatory standards. Standardized design templates and quality control practices to improve efficiency, consistency, and scalability across projects. Partnered with major industrial clients including Petrobras, Gerdau, Usiminas, Engevix, Construcap, and OEC to deliver customized prefabricated solutions. Conducted technical evaluations and international sourcing of container systems, oversaw modular assembly and deployment, and provided technical training and presentations to multidisciplinary teams. Promoted from Designer following contributions to companywide engineering and layout standardization.
- Watch Company Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4vydhiRlBs
MASTER CNC PROGRAMMER
Tampa Bay Marble and Granite
Largo, FL, USA
07.2023 - Current
- Programmed and nested complex 2D/3D parts for Denver 5-axis CNC machines, applying GD&T and SolidWorks for geometric modeling as needed. Executed precision miters, vein matching, and complex geometries using advanced tooling and suction systems across porcelain, quartzite, engineered stone, and marble. Optimized layouts at the machine and CAD level, maintained production flow through real-time adjustments, and performed preventive maintenance to ensure consistent performance.
SENIOR CNC PROGRAMMER
Alpha Granite and Marble
Clearwater, FL, USA
02.2022 - 06.2023
- Operated and programmed a Donatoni Jet 500 5-axis CNC, applying GD&T and CAD/CAM to execute complex stone-cutting projects. Produced precision miter joints and vein-matched surfaces across porcelain, quartzite, engineered stone, and marble. Created optimized 2D/3D layouts in SolidWorks and machine software to reduce waste, supported live production troubleshooting, and performed routine machine maintenance.
CNC PROGRAMMER
Plazza Natural Stone
Tampa, FL, USA
05.2021 - 01.2022
- Led setup, programming, and operation of a Donatoni Jet 625 5-axis CNC for precision stone fabrication. Delivered complex profiles, radiused details, miters, and book-matched surfaces across porcelain, quartzite, engineered stone, and marble. Generated efficient toolpaths and nesting strategies using SolidWorks and onboard CNC software, made in-process adjustments to maintain quality, and executed preventive maintenance to ensure consistent production uptime.
CNC PROGRAMMER | 2D & 3D CAD DESIGNER
Dushi Marble & Granite
Stamford, CT, USA
05.2019 - 04.2021
- Programmed and operated a Breton Combicut 5-axis bridge saw with integrated high-pressure waterjet, executing complex cutting sequences with strict control of tooling, machine logic, and process flow. Developed precise 2D/3D CAD layouts in AutoCAD and SolidWorks to support accurate nesting, miters, and vein alignment for high-end fabrication. Oversaw complementary cutting operations, monitored production throughput, and performed preventive maintenance and troubleshooting to sustain peak machine performance. Cross-trained on Eura and Park Industries Yukon II bridge saws, expanding multi-platform CNC capability.
REAL ESTATE AGENT
Brasil Brokers
Brazil
02.2016 - 04.2019
- Achieved successful closure of first commercial real estate sale within two weeks at Brasil Brokers, demonstrating effective communication and trust-building abilities. Collaborated with the commercial manager and team to enhance sales strategies, manage pipeline activities, and drive overall team performance. Contributed to weekly alignment meetings and performance tracking to ensure achievement of sales targets.
- Achieved high levels of client trust through proactive relationship management. Delivered impactful commercial strategies that resulted in increased market share. Enhanced customer relationship management processes, leading to improved client retention. Negotiated and closed deals effectively, contributing to overall sales success. Generated leads and prospects that expanded the sales pipeline. Drove sales growth through targeted initiatives and strategic outreach.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
PUC / Newton Paiva University
Belo Horizonte, Brazil07-2008
Skills
- Fluent in Portuguese and English
- SolidWorks 3D modeling and AutoCAD 2D drafting skills
- Sheet Metal Design, Flat Patterns, Assembly Modeling
- Laser, Plasma, Oxy-Fuel Cutting, Chamfering, Bending
- Welding, Calendering, Machining, Custom Fixtures
- CNC Programming (5-Axis: Donatoni, Denver, Breton, Park)
- Nesting, Toolpath Optimization, Vein Matching, Mitering
- Materials: Sheet Metal, Granite, Marble, Engineered Stone
- Product Development: Concept to Production, GD&T, BOMs
- Modular Housing & Container Design
- Production Planning, Process Sheets, Methodologies
- Team Coordination, Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Cost Estimation, Pricing Surveys, Design-to-Cost Strategy
- Technical Training, Standardization, Documentation Approval
- Continuous Improvement, Root Cause & Dimensional Analysis
- Industries: Metal Mechanical, Metallurgic Mining, Oil & Gas, Civil Construction, Naval
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Portuguese
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
MASTER CNC PROGRAMMER
Tampa Bay Marble and Granite
07.2023 - Current
SENIOR CNC PROGRAMMER
Alpha Granite and Marble
02.2022 - 06.2023
CNC PROGRAMMER
Plazza Natural Stone
05.2021 - 01.2022
CNC PROGRAMMER | 2D & 3D CAD DESIGNER
Dushi Marble & Granite
05.2019 - 04.2021
REAL ESTATE AGENT
Brasil Brokers
02.2016 - 04.2019
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT ANALYST
Lafaete Locação
01.2012 - 08.2013
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT ENGINEERING ANALYST
CEMAÇO
03.2011 - 12.2011
DEVELOPMENT ENGINEERING ANALYST
Ferrosider Group
2009 - 2011
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
PUC / Newton Paiva University
Work History
01-2009