Gonçalo Leonel
Leicester,UK
Summary
Accomplished professional with extensive expertise in advanced CAD software, structural analysis, and engineering design principles. Demonstrates leadership excellence and a customer-focused approach, ensuring quality assurance oversight and technological innovation. Proven track record in patent application experience, resource allocation, and utilisation, alongside proficiency in computer-aided engineering and SolidWorks. Adept at risk assessment and mitigation, budget management, procurement oversight, and data-driven decision-making. Committed to strategic planning, project management, and process improvement while maintaining health and safety compliance. Career goals include driving technological advancements and optimising engineering processes to enhance organisational performance.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
4049
4049
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Engineering Director
Coba Plastics Group
Leicester, UK
10.2023 - 12.2025
- Led 5 cross-functional teams to develop innovative manufacturing processes that enhanced product quality.
- Mentored junior engineers, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development.
- Collaborated with executive leadership to define strategic objectives and align engineering efforts with business goals.
- Directed resource allocation and budgeting for engineering projects, ensuring optimal use of company assets.
- Evaluated emerging technologies to identify opportunities for enhancing operational efficiency and competitiveness.
- Enhanced process efficiency by conducting regular performance evaluations and identifying areas for improvement.
- Chaired board meetings presenting technical reports comprehensively.
- Developed several robust product designs, enhancing overall product functionality.
Engineering Manager
Coba Precision Ltd
Leicester, UK
02.2021 - 09.2023
- Led cross-functional 19-person team, four-department engineering team overseeing product development, tooling, and machinery builds, managing project budgets up to £150K while consistently meeting cost and delivery targets. Worked cross-functionally with sales, quality, production, and maintenance to deliver successful new product introductions, and introduced structured annual performance reviews that improved engagement and retention.
Senior Design Engineer
Coba Automotive Ltd
Leicester, UK
08.2015 - 01.2021
- Starting as CAD Technician I’ve developed and progressed to senior role, leading the design and development of bespoke automated machinery for high-volume automotive component manufacturing, delivering the company’s first fully automated assembly system now in production for Range Rover models. I oversaw DFMEA, FMEA, FAT and full customer validation, while introducing 3D printing to accelerate prototyping, design iteration and early client sign-off. Working closely with OEM customers from concept through to launch, I supported new product development with detailed manufacturing drawings and engineering input. I also introduced non-linear FEA simulation into design process, enabling the business to expand into new automotive markets and strengthen technical capability.
Education
ILM Level 7 Diploma (MCGI) - Leadership and Management
Member of the Institute of leadership (MIoL)
IOSH Managing Safely - Safety
MSc - Mechanical Engineering
GPA: First Class Equivalent
Engineering Chartership (CEng) -
(in progress)
SolidWorks Professional & Advanced Certifications -
CSWP, CSWPA-DT, SM, SU, WD, MM
Certificate in Advanced English -
Skills
- Problem solving
- Advanced cad software proficiency
- Leadership excellence
- Patent application experience
- Computer-Aided engineering proficiency
- Experience with solidworks
- Resource allocation and utilisation
- Structural analysis expertise
- Customer-Focused approach
- Engineering design principles
- Performance metrics evaluation
- Risk assessment and mitigation
- Technological innovation
- Quality assurance oversight
- Materials science knowledge
- Budget management
- Procurement oversight
- Data-driven decision-making
- Technical consultation
- Technical writing
- Communication proficiency
- Contract negotiation and administration
- Initiative taking
- Budgeting and financial analysis
- Public relations strategies
- Resilience under pressure
- IT infrastructure understanding
- Procurement procedures
- Safety consciousness
- Process optimisation tools
- Critical evaluation
- Business intelligence tools
- Time efficiency
- Health and Safety Compliance
- Cultural awareness
- Leadership skills
- Team Leadership
- Public speaking
- Financial reporting
- Strategic planning
- Training and Development
- Project Management
- Process Improvement
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Invoicing
- Competitor analysis
- Department management
- Strategic research
- Financial risk analysis
- Technical report writing
- Time-management
- Negotiation
- Computer literacy
Languages
English (Fluent)
Portuguese (Fluent)
Spanish (Intermediate)
Accomplishments
- Led full P&L accountability for engineering operations with an annual project budget of £2.5M.
- Directed £600K capital project from concept to commissioning within the timeframe stipulated at the start of the project and within budget.
- Led multi-discipline engineering teams across UK and international sites, delivering high-impact technical projects on schedule.
- Delivered machinery projects with consistently strong profit margins by minimising costs without compromising CE compliance or product quality.
- Implemented group-wide drawing control and project management system using Microsoft 365 tools, improving cross-department communication and project visibility. Drove adoption of advanced technologies, including automation and AI-driven tools, to enhance engineering productivity and product capabilities.
- Spearheaded the introduction of 3D printing for prototypes, reducing lead times from weeks to days and cutting development costs.
Affiliations
- Motorsport
- 3D Printing and DIY
- Technology
Timeline
Engineering Director - Coba Plastics Group
10.2023 - 12.2025
Engineering Manager - Coba Precision Ltd
02.2021 - 09.2023
Senior Design Engineer - Coba Automotive Ltd
08.2015 - 01.2021
Instituto Superior Técnico - MSc, Mechanical Engineering
Peritus Learning - ILM Level 7 Diploma (MCGI), Leadership and Management
British Safety Council - IOSH Managing Safely, Safety
IMechE - Engineering Chartership (CEng),
Solidworks - SolidWorks Professional & Advanced Certifications,
British Council - Certificate in Advanced English,
References
References available upon request.