R&D Engineering
Leading research and development of next-generation optical cables, from concept through prototyping to market launch. Expertise in materials science, fiber optics, and cable architecture.
R&D Project Engineer · Furukawa Electric LatAm
Diego Badelli
Bridging innovation with practical solutions through optical technologies, R&D, and data science.
About Me
Engineer, innovator, and lifelong learner.
R&D Engineer · Curitiba, BR
R&D Project Engineer with 12+ years driving innovation across automotive, transportation, and telecommunications. Currently at Furukawa Electric LatAm (9 years), leading next-generation optical cable development for global markets.
I've managed complex projects from conception to market across France, Romania, Colombia, and Argentina — combining analytical rigor with practical engineering to solve real-world challenges at scale.
12+Years Experience
30+Projects Completed
7Countries Worked
3Languages Fluent
Expertise
Core areas where I create lasting impact.
Product Development
Managing full product lifecycle from customer requirements to commercial launch. Skilled in cross-functional coordination, supplier management, and technical documentation for global markets.
Process Optimization
Applying lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and statistical process control to achieve measurable quality and efficiency improvements in production environments.
Data Analytics
Transforming complex engineering data into actionable insights using Python, Power BI, and statistical analysis. Building dashboards and automated reports for decision support.
Global Leadership
Leading multicultural teams across Brazil, France, Romania, Colombia, and Argentina. Experienced in navigating complex stakeholder relationships and driving alignment across time zones.
Project Management
Certified in project management methodologies. Skilled in scope, schedule, risk management, and stakeholder communication for complex engineering programs.
Featured Projects
Selected work across industries and disciplines.
Next-Gen Optical Cable Platform
Led R&D of a new optical cable platform achieving 40% weight reduction while maintaining performance standards. Project involved 3 country teams and resulted in 2 patent applications.
Automotive Wiring Innovation
Developed innovative wiring harness solutions for Renault platforms, reducing assembly time by 25% and improving reliability scores across 3 vehicle models launched in France and Romania.
Bus Fleet Electrification Study
Technical study for electrical system redesign supporting hybrid and electric bus platforms. Delivered specifications adopted across LatAm fleet programs.
Manufacturing Process Redesign
Redesigned production flow for optical cable assembly, reducing defect rate by 35% and increasing throughput by 20% through lean principles and automated quality gates.
Production Analytics Dashboard
Built end-to-end analytics platform integrating MES data with Power BI dashboards. Enabled real-time visibility into OEE, scrap rates, and delivery performance for plant management.
Quality Management System
Designed and implemented an ISO 9001-aligned QMS for new product introduction processes, reducing time-to-qualification by 30% while improving first-pass yield rates.
Engineering, innovation and the world being built
I write about R&D, optical technologies, industrial innovation, and what I've learned leading projects across 7 countries.
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Read the blogEducation & Certifications
Academic foundation and professional credentials.
MBA in Industrial Management
IEL / FIEP
2018
Industrial management, innovation strategy, and business administration.
B.Sc. Industrial Electrical Engineering
UTFPR
2012
Electrical systems, automation, control engineering, and applied mathematics.
International Exchange — Engineering
UTBM, Belfort, France
2011
Engineering studies abroad, advanced manufacturing and materials science.
Google Analytics Certification
2022
Digital analytics, data interpretation, and performance measurement.
Project Management Certification
FGV
2019
Project planning, risk management, stakeholder communication, and agile methods.
Power BI Data Analytics
Microsoft
2023
Data modeling, DAX, dashboard design, and business intelligence.
Let's Connect
Whether you're looking for engineering expertise, data-driven insights, or technological innovation — I'm here to help.