AutoCAD, SolidWorks
ALVARO RIOS
Mechanical Engineer (B.Eng.)
Santa Cruz
Summary
Accomplished Mechanical Engineer (B.Eng.) with 15+ years of experience in manufacturing and repairing Oil & Gas equipment. Specialize in delivering high-performance results through special processes, with expertise in Premium and API Connections. Held licenses for NOV Grant Prideco, TenarisHydril, and Vallourec. Reputation built on effective key account management and efficient resolution of complex issues. 8+ years in leadership roles focusing on implementing and enforcing HSEQ policies while developing high-performing teams. Thrive in dynamic, multinational environments with a proven track record in technical and operational leadership.
Overview
2025
2025
years of professional experience
20
20
years of post-secondary education
5
5
Languages
Work History
Oil & Gas Manufacturing Consultant (Founder)
DrillingPro Solutions
Santa Cruz
1 2024 - Current
- Led facility development projects for AMSI and NTS in Guyana, focusing on optimizing existing layouts and designing new structures, including Machine Shops, Service Centers, Wash Bays, and various support facilities
- Provided technical expertise in the design and repair of Downhole and Specialized Tools, ensuring high-quality performance and reliability
- Executed structural 3D designs with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) verification to validate strength and durability, enhancing overall project efficiency
Manufacturing & Engineering Manager – Manufacturing Division
Saudi Napesco Company Ltd.
Dammam, Eastern Province
07.2022 - 12.2023
- Overseeing Operations from the Manufacturing Division and coordination with administrative/support Departments: Finance, Supply Chain, HR, Facility, and QA/QC
- Machinery & Equipment acquisition, commissioning, and up to production
- CNC Machines (TMC, VMC), Hardbanding, Straightening, and Phosphating Units
- Provide Engineering support on Materials, Welding, Hardbanding, Hardfacing, Premium Connections, and General Manufacturing Processes/Operations
Senior Manufacturing Engineer – Manufacturing Division
Saudi Napesco Company Ltd.
Dammam, Eastern Province
01.2021 - 07.2022
- Creation of the Engineering Department with Design & Development capabilities to comply with API 6A and API 16A requirements
- Provide Engineering support and training on Materials, Welding, Hardbanding, Hardfacing, Premium Connections, and General Manufacturing Processes/Operations
- Machinery & Equipment selection for increasing capabilities and future expansion
Special Projects – Manufacturing Division
Saudi Napesco Company Ltd.
Dammam, Eastern Province
04.2020 - 12.2020
- Qualification of Welding Procedures as per ASME Sec
- IX
- Enabling of Post-Weld Heat Treatment process
- Operative Design of future SPARK facility for Manufacturing and Services Divisions
- Implementation of Performance Review and KPI Control
- Implementation of 5S Program
- Implementation of CAD support for Manufacturing and Repair Services
- Implementation of a system to manage Work Orders and Material Inventory
Operations Manager – Machine Shop and Downhole Business Units
NOV Downhole Bolivia SRL
Santa Cruz
02.2011 - 03.2018
- Led a team of up to 45 employees, including administrative and operations personnel
- Human resources tasks included determining needs, hiring, performance reviews, overseeing the assignment of employees, and planning staff development
- In charge of local sales for the Machine Shop business unit
- Budgeted, controlled costs and kept the organization on track financially, as per corporate policies and targets
- Oversaw inventory, purchasing, and supplies
- Created a positive culture where the work can get done, to facilitate communication between employees and departments
- Implementation and compliance with the strict corporate HSEQ Integrated Management System on both business units, which represented the conformation of a specialized team and infrastructure improvements
- 5S Process was successfully applied and sustained throughout the Machine Shop and Service Center to comply with corporate policies and achieve world-class facilities through continuous improvement
Sales and Special Projects Manager – Machine Shop Business Unit
NOV Downhole Bolivia SRL
Santa Cruz
03.2007 - 02.2011
- In charge of Local and International sales, in addition to previous responsibilities
- Met with customers to discuss their evolving needs and to assess the quality of the company’s relationship with them
- Provided customized technical support to key clients on a 24/7 basis
- Consolidated market share in Peru through periodic sales trips to different regions
- Generated and followed up of sales proposals/orders, with clients and up to Production
- Responsible for managing bidding processes
- Established sales objectives by forecasting and developing annual sales quotas for regions and types of industries
- Processed reporting as needed
- Ensured that monthly sales and KPI targets were met
- Recommended product or service enhancements to improve customer satisfaction and sales potential
Special Projects and Welding Foreman – Manufacturing Business Unit
NBJ Manufacturas Petroleras SA (NQL Energy Services Inc - Canada)
Santa Cruz
07.2000 - 03.2007
- In charge of Engineering and Design
- Setup of Welding Department
- Development and Qualification of Welding & Brazing Procedures, and Qualification of Welders
- Development of Heat Treatment capabilities: Post Weld Stress Relief, Flame, and Case Hardening
- QA Inspection of Premium Connections: TenarisHydril, Vallourec, and NOV Grant Prideco
- Main projects developed from design, manufacturing, and put into Production: Hardbanding/Stubbing Machine (SAW/GMAW), 400-Ton Hydraulic Swaging Press, and Phosphating System, amongst several others
- Development of Hardbanding/Stubbing Machine included a trip to headquarters at Nisku, AB to acquire know-how about the processes involved and coordination with equipment suppliers
Vessel Engineer and Designer of Mechanical Equipment – Pressure Vessel Department
Raytheon Engineers & Constructors
The Hague
07.1997 - 06.1999
- Calculated & Designed Pressure Vessels and Heat Exchangers for a variety of Petrochemical Projects, serving clients such as Statoil (Norway), Arco Chemie (Netherlands), Sincor (Venezuela), Borsod Chemical (Hungary), and QVC (Qatar), among others
Education
B.E. - Mechanical Engineering
Universidad Mayor De San Simon (UMSS)
Cochabamba, Bolivia 01.1988 - 01.1993
Research Fellow -
UMSS - Mechanical Engineering Department
01.1995 - 01.1996
Service Equipment TorqueMaster Training - SETT Course
NOV
Stafford, TXDrilling Motor Service Training - DMST Course
NOV
Stafford, TXAgitator Tool Service Training - AGST Course
NOV
Stafford, TXMOCS Tool Service Training - MTST Course
NOV
Stafford, TXDrilling Tool Service Training - DTST Course
NOV
Stafford, TXDI - Drilling Process Essentials -
NOV
Houston, TX 05.2001 - 04.2015
DI - Drilling Tools Essentials - undefined
NOV
Houston, TXMechanical Engineer Membership - undefined
Saudi Council of Engineers (SCE)
Skills
OCTG Premium Connections
Downhole Tool Design
Welding
AutoCAD
Key Account Management
HSEQ Compliance
Technology Integration
Coaching and Mentoring
Strategic Planning
Project Management
Team Collaboration
Manufacturing knowledge
Phone
- +591 71635737, local
- +966 55 495 2695, international
References
Available upon request.
Professional Development
- DI - Workplace Assessor Training, NOV, Houston, TX USA, 04/01/17
- Defensive Driving Course, CBHE, National Safety Council, 01/01/17
- Wedge Tail Roller Reamer Training, ALS Oil & Gas - X Drilling Tools, 05/01/15
- DI - Strategic Sales Negotiations, NOV, Bogotá, Colombia, 03/01/15
- DH - Sales Excellence, NOV, Neuquén, Argentina, 04/01/14
- Time Management, Somare Consulting Group, 05/01/12
- Competency-Based Safety, Somare Consulting Group - SAFEmap, 04/01/12
- Strategic Human Capital Management, Tantum, Visión Empresarial, 10/01/11
- PNL Workshop - Technics and Tools for Supervisors, ASE, CBH, 01/01/11
- Think Faster than Your Competitors, Harvard Business Review, 06/01/08
- ASME Code Section IX - Welding and Brazing Qualifications, ASME, 11/01/04
- Internal Auditor for QA Systems ISO 9001:2000, T
- V Rheinland Group, 06/01/04
- ASME Code Section VIII - Pressure Vessels, ASME International, 05/01/03
- Welded Constructions Inspector, CESOL-IBNORCA, 04/01/02
- Approved Applicator of PinnChrome Hardbanding Alloys, PinnChrome International, 04/01/01
- Basic Elements of Safety (VCA), Koninklijke PBNA, The Netherlands, 12/01/98
Software
Microsoft Office
ERP Systems
Blend of traveling & photography.
Traveling is my favorite way to celebrate life. I love designing each trip with specific goals—whether it’s immersing in local culture, exploring nature, or engaging in physical challenges. Photography is always part of the journey, capturing the essence of each experience and memory.
Timeline
Manufacturing & Engineering Manager – Manufacturing Division
Saudi Napesco Company Ltd.
07.2022 - 12.2023
Senior Manufacturing Engineer – Manufacturing Division
Saudi Napesco Company Ltd.
01.2021 - 07.2022
Special Projects – Manufacturing Division
Saudi Napesco Company Ltd.
04.2020 - 12.2020
Operations Manager – Machine Shop and Downhole Business Units
NOV Downhole Bolivia SRL
02.2011 - 03.2018
Sales and Special Projects Manager – Machine Shop Business Unit
NOV Downhole Bolivia SRL
03.2007 - 02.2011
DI - Drilling Process Essentials -
NOV
05.2001 - 04.2015
Special Projects and Welding Foreman – Manufacturing Business Unit
NBJ Manufacturas Petroleras SA (NQL Energy Services Inc - Canada)
07.2000 - 03.2007
Vessel Engineer and Designer of Mechanical Equipment – Pressure Vessel Department
Raytheon Engineers & Constructors
07.1997 - 06.1999
Research Fellow -
UMSS - Mechanical Engineering Department
01.1995 - 01.1996
B.E. - Mechanical Engineering
Universidad Mayor De San Simon (UMSS)
01.1988 - 01.1993
Service Equipment TorqueMaster Training - SETT Course
NOV
Drilling Motor Service Training - DMST Course
NOV
Agitator Tool Service Training - AGST Course
NOV
MOCS Tool Service Training - MTST Course
NOV
Drilling Tool Service Training - DTST Course
NOV
DI - Drilling Tools Essentials - undefined
NOV
Mechanical Engineer Membership - undefined
Saudi Council of Engineers (SCE)
Oil & Gas Manufacturing Consultant (Founder)
DrillingPro Solutions
1 2024 - Current
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