Efrain C. Fernandez

Chief Operating Officer @ RDT Inc

About

Results-driven operations leader with 30+ years of excellence in the steel and oil & gas pipe manufacturing industries. I bridge the gap between high-level strategic oversight and technical engineering execution, specializing in large-scale plant operations, automated systems, and comprehensive asset maintenance. Throughout my career, I have focused on the full lifecycle of industrial production—from initial project engineering and automation to long-term equipment reliability and maintenance strategy. I am known for driving cultural change that prioritizes safety and operational uptime, ensuring that multi-million dollar facilities run at peak efficiency. Key Career Benchmarks: Major Capital Projects: Led a $150M project from conception through execution. Operational Excellence: Knowledge in Automation Controls and SAP, optimizing production planning to meet aggressive KPIs. Increased Heat Treatment (HT) capacity by 20% through line efficiency optimization. Safety & Compliance: Achieved 724 days without a recordable accident, fostering a world-class safety culture and OSHA compliance. Maintenance Leadership: Developed and executed preventative and predictive maintenance programs to minimize downtime and extend the life of critical manufacturing assets. Customer Relations · KPI Analysis Qualifications & Core Competencies: Executive Leadership: Strategic Planning, Change Management, Team Development, Cost & Budget Control. Technical Operations: Senior Maintenance Management, Automation & Controls, Engineering Oversight, Quality Assurance. Project & Process: End-to-End Project Management, Production Planning, Continuous Improvement, KPI Analysis. Tools & Compliance: SAP, OSHA Compliance, Safety Strategy (EHS), Negotiation, Customer Relations.

Country

United States

City

Beasley

Industry

Oil & Energy

Skill

Safety Management Systems, HMI Programming, Project Estimation, Operations, Plant Management, Team Leadership, Business Process Improvement, Communication, Product Management, Budget Management, Budgeting, Operations Management, Continuous Process Improvement, Business Development, PLC, Automation, Instrumentation, Control Logic, Allen Bradley, Engineering

Experience

Chief Operating Officer

RDT Inc

2018-12 - Present · 7 yrs 10 mos

Beasley, Texas, United States

• Provide full operational and financial leadership for an 80-employee manufacturing facility, overseeing production, maintenance, quality, customer fulfillment, and cost controls with direct accountability for performance and profitability. • Designed and implemented KPI-driven performance management systems across production, maintenance, quality, and finance, enabling data-based decision-making and increasing Heat Treatment capacity by 20%, expanding throughput without proportional cost increases. • Led enterprise-wide safety transformation initiatives, implementing structured training, accountability systems, and process discipline that resulted in 724 consecutive days without a recordable accident, significantly reducing operational risk and strengthening workforce engagement. • Partnered with senior leadership and HR to drive cultural alignment and organizational performance improvement, enhancing cross-functional collaboration and operational excellence during periods of market pressure. • Developed and institutionalized structured onboarding and safety training programs, improving workforce readiness, compliance adherence, and long-term operational stability. • Directed capital investment strategy and execution of CAPEX projects to expand plant capacity, modernize infrastructure, and improve overall equipment efficiency and asset utilization

Maintenance & Engineering Manager

RDT Inc

2018-12 - 2019-12 · 1 yr 1 mo

Beasley, Texas

• Directed maintenance and engineering teams to implement predictive and preventive maintenance, reducing downtime. • Created streamlined reporting procedures and oversaw safety initiatives, including LOTO and confined space training. • Controlled multiple cost centers and ensured compliance with safety and operational standards.

Maintenance Engineering Senior Manager

Tenaris

2014-1 - 2018-11 · 4 yrs 11 mos

Bay City, Tx

• Led predictive maintenance implementation, cutting downtime and improving equipment reliability. • Defined improvement plans, conducted inspections, and led Root Cause Failure Analyses. • Managed budget across cost centers and generated KPIs to track performance.

Automation Manager

Tenaris

2008-1 - 2013-12 · 6 yrs

Hickman, Arkansas

• Directed a $150M Heat Treatment Plant project from design to commissioning. • Established automation and safety standards in compliance with OSHA.

Automation Project Manager

Ternium

2005-4 - 2008-1 · 2 yrs 10 mos

• Implemented new slab furnace and upgraded hot rolling mill technology. • Led automation projects for EAF and ladle furnaces, developing PLC and HMI programs.

Project Manager

AMI Automation

1993-1 - 2005-4 · 12 yrs 4 mos

• Directed global automation projects across steel, automotive, and petrochemical sectors. • Specialized in meltshop automation and commissioning/start-up worldwide.