Rafael Senna De Souza

Experience

• 

  Volkswagen do Brasil

  Jul 2005 - now

  I coordinate operational teams in the Complete Vehicle area, representing and presenting test results and vehicle release statuses in technical forums within Product Development SAM, as well Board Milestone approvals. My responsibilities include fleet management, testing, and simulations for the VW270/3 Nivus Facelift project, including the development of the Nivus GTS, in collaboration with VWAG and VW Argentina. I also participated in road tests at VW Argentina for the VW Tera project. Additionally, I coordinated projects with technical and cross-functional teams, partnering with VW South Africa and VWAG. I managed development costs, schedules, and acted as the central point of information for project coordinators in Product Development. Show less I coordinated working level team in the development of new projects and vehicles within Product Development SAM. My responsibilities included planning and conducting technical and economic studies locally or in collaboration with VWAG headquarters and affiliated companies (e.g., VW Argentina, Skoda). I led cross-functional teams inside P&D departament, supporting Management in Strategic Planning and project implementation activities, including Change Management (Aenderungskontroll). Additionally, I oversaw technical activities, development costs, material costs, and project timelines. I prepared and analyzed schedules, documentation, and deliverables, while representing the Product Development Department in multifunctional forums and meetings (Operations, Purchasing, Logistics, Quality, Marketing, PMO). I negotiated deadlines, critically assessed project needs, and prepared technical product descriptions. This role required strong interaction with other company areas and Volkswagen Group entities.Main Projects:- Coordination of implementation of PL8 St1 (Brazilian Emission Legislation); Investigation of Rota2030, ORVR- Coordination of development of the technical description of the product of different projects- Representative in Working Level in Forums of Life Cycle Management of VW270/1 Polo&Virtus (Sense, Robust)Recognition Program 2024: Client and President's Choice categories Award for the participation in the VW Polo Robust Project Show less Working closely with the Engineering team, I've been part of the development of production processes for the São Carlos and Taubaté plants, focusing on Powertrain and Final Assembly areas. Key activities included schedule coordination, deliverables management, forecast/budget planning, filling machines suppliers, ergonomics, mechanical design, and documentation. This role allowed me to contribute to the optimization of manufacturing processes while ensuring efficiency and quality.Main projects: EA211 São Carlos; VW270 Polo Track - Taubaté Show less As a Process Analyst with the role of Project Planner, I coordinated mechanical projects for automated assembly lines. My responsibilities included the development of automation lines and fixtures, line planning and balancing, supplier coordination, mechanical design and simulation, and budget management. This role allowed me to strengthen my technical and project management skills while delivering innovative solutions for industrial automation.Main Projects: VW270/1 Polo&Virtus + VW216 T-Cross Show less I started in the Project Management department within Tool&Die (Anlagenbau), where I had the opportunity to learn and work in all phases of the projects, from the Kick-off, through mechanical and electrical planning, purchasing, deliverables, schedule planning, and, most importantly, monitoring and controlling the deliverables to the Project Leader Team and with all the stakeholders.My main role was the organization of information flow, ensuring that project leaders received the necessary support to achieve the department’s, company’s, and project expected results. I worked to ensure that the scope, timeline, quality, and cost requirements were met, always aligned with the company's strategy of productivity and lean production. This experience provided me with a comprehensive understanding of how projects are effectively managed, respecting the market and organizational requirements. Show less Back to Brazil, I continued to develop professionally by participating in various projects at Volkswagen plants, including Anchieta (VW Polo), Taubaté (VW Up), Curitiba (VW T-Cross), and Argentina (VW Amarok), among others. During this period, I had the opportunity to refine my knowledge in key areas such as Automation, Dimensional Control, and Product Quality, while strengthening my interaction with the Production, Quality, and Maintenance departments.In addition to my technical work, I began to take on more administrative responsibilities, such as conducting process audits within the department, involving standards such as VDA, ISO, and 5S. I also participated in the development of training programs, supplier financial management, and attended project meetings, where I contributed technically and collaborated in aligning the company's strategic objectives. Show less I participated in the Wanderjahre Project in Wolfsburg, which gave me the opportunity to deeply immerse myself in the culture of the Volkswagen headquarters and the German culture. This experience was essential for my professional and personal development, broadening my global perspective and enriching my technical journey.During my time in the analog Toolmaking department, I had the chance to go through all internal processes, including parts and goods Logistics, tool construction and measurement, till expedition. I also participated in team meetings and work meetings, which provided me with a practical and collaborative view of how processes are managed at the company's headquarters.This experience was highly enriching, especially for the multicultural interaction, and it significantly contributed to the improvement of my German communication skills, a learning that proved valuable for my career. Show less I worked as a Tooling Technician in the areas of Construction, Installation, and Adjustment of Tools and Automated Production Lines, with a focus on Dimensional Control Devices, Bodyshop, Product Quality, and Production Time Optimization. My role was essential in ensuring efficiency and precision in manufacturing processes, while also contributing to the continuous improvement of production systems.I was involved in key projects, such as the VW Gol G5 NF (Anchieta and Taubaté plants), VW Fox (Curitiba plant), and VW Jetta (Puebla, Mexico plant), where I contributed to the development and implementation of tools and automated solutions that directly impacted product quality and production time. Show less SENAI VW - Professional Formation CenterDuring my learning experience at Volkswagen, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in the company’s multifunctional environment, where I developed not only technical skills but also behavioral competencies that were crucial for starting my professional career. I gained hands-on experience in various areas of industrial mechanics and integrated manufacturing systems, providing me with a broad and practical understanding of industrial processes.Through dedication and hard work, I was recognized as the Best Apprentice of 2008, an award presented to me by the Global CEO of Volkswagen at the Group's headquarters in Wolfsburg, Germany. This recognition not only motivated me further but also solidified my passion for the manufacturing field and inspired me to continue enhancing my skills. Show less

  • Product Analyst - Project Management in Complete Vehicle (Typbegleiter)

    Aug 2024 - now

  • Product Technology Consultant / Product Strategist

    Jan 2023 - Jul 2024

  • Process Analyst - Manufacturing Planning - Final Assembly & Powertrain

    May 2020 - Jan 2023

  • Project Planner - Mechanical Project Planning

    Aug 2017 - May 2020

  • Project Monitoring - Project Management

    Oct 2015 - Aug 2017

  • Tooling Technician - Body Shop

    Sept 2010 - Sept 2015

  • Tooling Technician - in Volkswagen AG

    Jan 2010 - Aug 2010

  • Tooling Technician - Body Shop

    Jul 2007 - Dec 2009

  • Industrial Mechanics Learning & Technical in Integrated Manufacturing Systems

    Jul 2005 - Jun 2007