Tadeu Tardeli

Engineering and R&D Project Leader with more than 20 years of experience in Product Development, New Product Introduction (NPI), Engineering Validation and global automotive engineering organizations. Proven track record leading complex engineering programs and cross-functional teams from concept and project planning through validation, industrialization and production launch, with strong focus on project governance, timing, technical risk, quality, stakeholder alignment and business objectives. Extensive experience in Product Lifecycle Management, Sustaining Engineering, Engineering Change Management, APQP, PPAP, DFMEA, PFMEA, DVP&R, Design Reviews, Root Cause Analysis, 8D and Six Sigma.

Recognized for collaborative leadership, coaching and mentoring, continuous improvement, innovation, supplier development and effective collaboration with global engineering teams and international stakeholders.

Senior Product Engineer at Ford Motor Company Brazil (2005-01 – Present)

Lead global product development and R&D engineering activities for complex powertrain systems, coordinating multidisciplinary teams and aligning Engineering, Purchasing, Manufacturing, Quality, Finance, Program Management and suppliers to deliver projects from concept through production launch.

• Lead engineering projects through concept development, project planning, design validation, prototype builds, PPAP and production launch, coordinating scope, timing, technical risks, quality and cross-functional deliverables.
• Provide project governance by managing engineering priorities, milestones, validation plans, technical risks and decision-making to support predictable execution and successful program delivery.
• Lead and facilitate cross-functional technical reviews, stakeholder alignment and engineering decisions throughout the product development and sustaining engineering lifecycle.
• Define and execute engineering validation strategies, including DVP&R, laboratory testing, proving ground activities and prototype validation.
• Coordinate structured product development and quality methodologies, including APQP, PPAP, DFMEA, PFMEA, Six Sigma and 8D, ensuring robust technical solutions and continuous improvement.
• Lead Engineering Change Management activities and support product performance improvements, technical corrections and lifecycle evolution.
• Develop suppliers and support manufacturing readiness, process validation and production approval to ensure successful industrialization and launch.
• Drive innovation, technology assessment, cost optimization and Value Engineering (VA/VE) initiatives, balancing technical performance and business objectives.
• Provide technical leadership, coaching and mentoring to engineers, supporting capability development, collaboration and succession.
• Collaborate directly with global engineering organizations and international stakeholders across North America, South America and Australia.

Mechanical Engineer at Promax (2004-01 – 2005-12)

• Developed lubricant technologies for automotive and industrial applications.
• Supported OEM customer development through technical visits, application engineering and business development.

Product Quality Analyst at Volkswagen do Brasil (1997-01 – 2004-12)

• Managed product quality activities for engines, manual transmissions and clutch systems, working at the interface between Product Development, Manufacturing and suppliers.
• Performed supplier assessments, production audits, PFMEA reviews and PPAP approvals.
• Partnered with Product Development teams to validate and approve engineering changes and product improvements.
• Supported dealers and field quality investigations through root cause analysis, corrective actions and structured problem solving.
• Strengthened supplier quality systems and manufacturing process capability.

MBA in Leadership, Innovation & Technology – IBMEC (2026-12)

Postgraduate Certificate in Project Management – Fundação Getulio Vargas (FGV)

Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering – Universidade Santa Cecília